Program Learning Outcomes

Students are expected to learn the following within the Dental Hygiene program:

Dental Hygiene Knowledge and Skills

• Identify anatomical abnormalities of bone, soft tissue, and teeth.
• Identify systemic conditions.
• Explain radiology techniques/errors.
• Analyze Comprehensive Treatment Plans.
• Identify the appropriate treatment options required for the clinical condition or situation.
• Perform safe, effective, and ethical entry-level dental hygiene services.

Research and Problem Solving

• Apply scientific research methods and the basic principles of evidence-based research to support evidence-based treatment modalities with specific concern for oral health and overall health.
• Identify problems, investigate and use appropriate methods of reasoning, and develop creative and practical solutions to personal, professional and community issues regarding the delivery of oral health care.

Career Development

• Recognize critical clinical conditions or situations encountered regularly in the general practice of dentistry.
• Identify strategies for lifelong learning in healthcare (i.e., professional associations, continuing education, exploring career and educational advancements).
• Explain and apply the ADHA Code of Ethics in practice.

Interpersonal Interaction and Communication

• Apply critical thinking, knowledge of teamwork, diversity, and intercultural appreciation to interpersonal interactions.
• Use technical and information literacy skills to convey information to others.
• Communicate effectively with patients, peers, the public, and other healthcare professionals using verbal, nonverbal, and written language with clarity, coherence, and purpose.