Dental Hygiene (BS)

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene is a degree completion program delivered completely through distance education. Applicants wishing to enroll in the program must possess an associate degree in Dental Hygiene from a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)-accredited program and a valid dental hygiene license. Enrolled students will receive block transfer credit of 60 semester credit hours and complete an additional 60 semester credit hours in the program.

Dental Hygienists are integral members of the dental team who use their enhanced dental, clinical, and social skills to aid individuals in achieving optimum oral health. Through achieving a Bachelor of Science degree students will have a better understanding of specialized populations, understand different theories for educating patients and students and the role of public health and disease etiology. Earning a bachelor’s degree will allow the current Registered Dental Hygienist to stay abreast of their field and may provide for other opportunities such as management, research, teaching and others.

Program Mission

The mission is to provide a supportive learning environment in which the student acquires advanced theoretical knowledge and professional attributes necessary to pursue different career avenues within the Dental Hygiene field or the educational side of Dental Hygiene. This degree strives to instill the importance of continued personal growth, leadership skills, continued professional commitment, on-going community involvement, and continued research that can benefit the student in his or her professional career.