Dental Hygiene Bachelor Completion Program
This fully online baccalaureate program in dental hygiene is designed for dental hygienists with an associate degree in dental hygiene who want to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene in a student-centered learning environment.  Students engage in self-directed learning activities, advance their knowledge in the areas of critical thinking, exhibit values for lifelong learning, synthesize evidence based information and develop leadership skills.  Graduates from the program will be prepared with enhanced technological modalities of practice, research, communication, educational leadership, management and dental hygiene knowledge. 
 
Advancing the Profession
Advancing technology, new systems of oral health care delivery, changing oral disease patterns, an aging population and a more advanced health conscious public have changed the nature of dental hygiene practice in recent years.  For dental hygienists, the baccalaureate degree is important for adapting successfully to these changes and advancing professionally.

This new degree program will guide students in developing the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values necessary for positions of responsibility in a variety of healthcare, educational, research and community settings.  The curriculum will consist of general education courses, research courses and specialized career courses for entry into business, education, public health or advanced dental hygiene practice. 
 
Program Goals
  1. The program will provide students with knowledge to develop skills in critical thinking and evidenced based research while fostering life-+long learning.
  2. The program will support the American Dental Hygienists' Association initiative of advancing the profession by providing leadership opportunities and advanced educational degrees.
  3. The program will advance student knowledge toward varied career opportunities in dental hygiene through a diverse curriculum.
  4. The program will prepare students to support research activities impacting oral and systemic health leading to the discovery of new knowledge of contemporary dental hygiene theory and practice. 

  5. The program will prepare students to address the challenges of advancing the dental hygiene profession and access to dental care.

Program Outcomes

Building upon the dental hygiene competencies of ethics / values / skills, health promotion, community, patient / client care and professional growth and development, students who complete the Bachelor of Science degree in dental hygiene will be able to:

  1. Analyze research for evidence-based practice and theory as applied to the Dental Hygiene profession.
  2. Demonstrate critical thinking and lifelong learning through collaborative partnerships which promote the advancement of the Dental Hygiene profession.
  3. Assist and participate in the coordination of oral health care services for diverse populations throughout all levels of the lifespan.

  4. Actively engage in leadership roles found in education, government, public health, management and the associations which support the advancement of the Dental Hygiene profession.

  5. Utilize evidence based practice and theory when engaged in activities toward the advancement of the Dental Hygiene Profession.

Program Coursework

Through discipline specific and multidisciplinary courses, independent study, fieldwork and practical experience, students engage in challenges that prepare them to meet the demands of today's competitive workplace.

 Professional Courses

  • DHYG    300      Dental Hygiene Role Transition
  • DHYG    310      Dental Hygiene Research Methods
  • DHYG    315      Health Promotion and Wellness
  • DHYG    320      Dental Hygiene Informatics
  • DHYG    330      Instructional Role of the Dental Hygienist
  • DHYG    400      Community Program Assessment / Planning
  • DHYG    415      Gerontology in Dental Hygiene
  • DHYG    491      Dental Hygiene Practicum
  • DHYG    499      Dental Hygiene Capstone