Dental Hygiene, A.A.S.

Degree: Associate in Applied Science
HEGIS Code: 5203
Curriculum Code: 0545
Campus Location(s): North
Health Sciences Division

Pre-Admission Recommendations: Biology, Chemistry, Math I, 88% H.S. average
Recommended High School Courses and/or Experiences: Regents Science
Career Opportunities/Further Education: Dental Offices, Hospital Clinics, Community Health Agencies, Dental Products Sales, Nursing Homes, Extended Care Facilities, Public Health Agencies, Public and Private Institutions, Health Maintenance Organizations, the Military, Transfer to 4-yr. University to expand their career options to Teaching, Research, Management, Professional Consulting, and the Dental Products Industry.

Program Description Program Accreditation Program Mission and Goals Program Competencies Characteristics of Successful Dental Hygiene Students

Special Considerations for Potential Dental Hygiene Students Special Admissions Requirements/Prerequisites Department Notes Curriculum

 

Program Description

The registered dental hygienist is a licensed health care professional dedicated to the maintenance of optimal oral health and the prevention of oral disease. These professional goals are accomplished through community oral health education, through delivery of preventive dental health services to individuals and through highly skilled patient treatment. Professional responsibilities vary by state or province but generally include the following clinical skills: perform thorough patient assessment, including review of health history; recording vital signs; head and neck inspection; oral cancer screening and dental charting; develop individualized oral self-care strategies; educate patients on the value of good oral health and its relationship to systemic health; perform various types of dental radiographic films; administer local anesthesia and nitrous oxide sedation; remove deposits and stains from the teeth; apply chemotherapeutic agents to treat or prevent dental diseases; and manage special needs and medically compromised patients.

Dental hygienists are licensed by the state or province in which they plan to practice. Generally, candidates for licensure must be graduates of an accredited dental hygiene program, must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination taken near graduation and must pass a state or regional clinical examination. New York State uses the American Dental Hygiene Licensing Examination administered by the Northeast Regional Board of Dental Examiners. This examination is utilized  by 17 states and the District of Columbia. Many other states now accept this examination for licensure as well. Applicants for licensure in New York must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, must be of good moral character and will be subject to special review if criminal charges are pending or there has been a previous felony or misdemeanor conviction.

Dental hygienists are valuable members of the dental health care team who work with dentists to provide oral health services to patients. They enjoy helping people, welcome challenging opportunities, perform detailed work and have an interest in life sciences. As a respected member of the dental team, dental hygienists can have a positive influence on the health of others, play a key role in the prevention of oral diseases which may impact systemic health, and enjoy a flexible, rewarding career.

Program Accreditation

The Dental Hygiene Program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611 or at www.ada.org.

Program Mission and Goals

The mission of the Dental Hygiene Program is to provide a diverse learning community with a high quality, affordable curriculum which comprehensively prepares graduates to become competent, caring oral health care professionals. The Dental Hygiene faculty are dedicated to supporting an educational environment which facilitates open inquiry; provides a logical, integrated sequence of didactic, laboratory and clinical experiences for students to attain program competencies; recognizes the personal responsibilities students have in the learning process; fosters the development of ethical and professional behaviors; performs continuous curriculum assessment and planning to respond to scientific and technological changes in the dental profession. The goals of the program are to:

• prepare students with the scientific knowledge and clinical skills required of entry level dental hygienists;  
• provide students with knowledge of the ethical and professional behaviors expected of licensed dental hygienists; 
• establish a foundation for life-long learning through literature research, critical and reflective thinking and science/evidence-based decision making; 
• develop a recognition of the dental health needs and the value of service to a culturally diverse community; and 
• prepare graduates for national and regional examinations leading to licensure.  

Program Competencies

The Dental Hygiene curriculum provides content in general education, biomedical sciences, dental sciences, and clinical skills. Graduation from the program requires attainment of the following competencies:

Professional Integrity – graduates must apply the American Dental Hygienists’ Association Code of Ethics and practice with personal and professional integrity in accordance with the state dental practice act. Specifically, the Dental Hygiene graduate must:

• uphold ethical and legal behaviors with all patients, colleagues and other professionals; and 
• Exhibit cultural awareness and sensitivity to patients’ goals, values, beliefs and preferences in health care choices while promoting optimal oral care and general health during patient treatment.

Assessment – graduates must apply medico-legal principles to the systematic collection, analysis and accurate recording of general, personal and oral health status of patients. Specifically, the Dental Hygiene graduate must:

• recognize medical conditions that necessitate special considerations prior to or during treatment;
• identify the patient at risk for a medical emergency and be prepared to manage the event should it occur during treatment;
• perform an extra-oral and intra-oral examination of hard and soft tissues, distinguish abnormal from normal findings and accurately record the clinical observations;
• identify the need for dental radiographs, perform and process radiographs of diagnostic quality and interpret the films or digital images;
• evaluate oral tissues, health history and personal and cultural behaviors to identify risk factors that require intervention to prevent disease; and 
• determine the need for referral to the appropriate health care provider.

Planning – graduates must establish a planned sequence of patient care based on the dental hygiene diagnosis by identifying oral conditions, potential problems, etiologic and risk factors and available treatment modalities. Specifically, the Dental Hygiene graduate must:

• analyze and interpret assessment data to formulate a dental hygiene diagnosis;
• determine priorities and establish oral health goals with the patient and family/guardian as active participants;
• communicate the plan for dental hygiene services to the dentist and appropriate interdisciplinary health team members; and 
• obtain the patient’s informed consent based on a thorough case presentation.

Self-Care Instruction – graduates must provide planned educational services using appropriate interpersonal communication skills and educational strategies to achieve oral health goals. Specifically, the Dental Hygiene graduate must:

• identify the health needs of patients and assist them in the development of individualized self-care regimens; and 
• encourage patients to assume responsibility for their health and promote adherence to self-care regimens.

Implementation – graduates must provide treatment that includes preventive and therapeutic procedures to promote and maintain oral health. Specifically, the Dental Hygiene graduate must:

• adhere to state and local policies and procedures for maintaining safety in the dental facility;
• provide an oral environment for patients which is conducive to health by applying principles of dental hygiene instrumentation without causing trauma to tissues;
• control pain and anxiety during treatment through the use of appropriate clinical techniques and behavioral management strategies; and 
• select and administer appropriate chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment or prevention of dental diseases and provide pre-and post-treatment instructions.

Evaluation – graduates must evaluate the effectiveness of planned clinical and educational services and modify them as necessary. Specifically, the Dental Hygiene graduate must:

• evaluate the clinical outcomes of dental hygiene treatment interventions using dental health indices, instruments and examination techniques and determine appropriate re-care schedules for patient; and 
• determine a patient’s satisfaction level with the dental hygiene care received and the oral health status achieved.

Community Involvement – graduates must be able to initiate and assume responsibility for health promotion and disease prevention for diverse populations. Specifically, the Dental Hygiene graduate must:

• promote oral health and wellness strategies within the community;
• assess, plan, implement and evaluate community-based oral health programs; and 
• provide community educational services and refer clients to appropriate resources in the health care system.

Information Management and Critical Thinking – graduates must acquire and synthesize information in a critical, scientific and effective manner. Specifically, the Dental Hygiene graduate must:

• evaluate the scientific literature and dental product or therapeutic claims and use information technology to assist in developing evidence-based decisions regarding patient care;
• be informed of current issues that impact the profession and clinical practice; and 
• evaluate comprehensive patient care and management by the use of reflection and critical thinking skills.

Characteristics of Successful Dental Hygiene Students

Applicants to the Dental Hygiene Program should have a well-rounded academic background with strong preparation in science courses such as biology and chemistry. The two year program is a rigorous and challenging schedule of academic and clinical courses which requires a full time commitment. In addition to time spent in lectures, labs and clinics each week, students must devote considerable out -of-class time to study, completion of assignments and preparation for various small group projects. Successful Dental Hygiene students demonstrate the following personal characteristics:

• excellent written and oral communication skills;
• disciplined, highly motivated and well organized;
• strong study habits and test taking skills;
• above average manual dexterity;
• mature behavior;
• able to adhere to ethical standards of conduct;
• ability to accept constructive criticism;
• able to work independently or in small groups;
• ability to think critically; and
• good stress coping skills.

Special Considerations for Potential Dental Hygiene Students

The Dental Hygiene Curriculum is a rigorous, time intensive learning experience which requires the student to simultaneously acquire a broad base of scientific knowledge; develop the technical and manual skills needed to perform detailed clinical procedures; and acquire the personal qualities which define and are expected of a licensed health care professional. The following considerations are provided so that individuals interested in the study of dental hygiene may reasonably assess their career choice and ability to succeed in the program.

Practical Considerations

• must possess effective written and verbal skills in English to perform accurate communications with patients, faculty and other healthcare providers; prepare clear clinical record documentation; follow detailed directions and instruction; participate in group discussions; give presentations to community groups;
• have visual, auditory and tactile ability to accurately assess and safely treat patients; detect variations in color, shape, texture and consistency of oral soft tissues and skin; recognize shades of gray in order to interpret radiographs; monitor and record vital signs such as pulse and blood pressure; detect hard deposits on teeth and defects in tooth structure; identify small instruments and markings;
• possess good hand/eye co-ordination and manual dexterity; have full use of both hands, wrists and arms; have the strength and stamina to perform fine, detailed and delicate instrumentation in the confined space of the mouth; be able to work for hours in a seated position while performing repetitive hand, arm and upper body movements; operate foot controlled instruments;
• demonstrate mature behavior and respect for others; must have integrity and honesty; demonstrate sensitivity, empathy and compassion; maintain confidentiality; adhere to ethical, regulatory and professional standards of behavior; able to accept constructive criticism and modify behavior accordingly; dependably perform responsibilities on time without supervision; work independently on assignments or cooperatively in small groups; demonstrate cultural sensitivity; and
• able to think critically and problem solve; synthesize objective and subjective data; set priorities; be flexible and adapt to changes; logically organize patient treatment plans based on the collection of assessment data and the needs/desires of the patient; exercise sound judgment; think and respond appropriately in crisis situations; understand three dimensional and spatial relationships; have basic computer literacy.

Personal Considerations

• the Dental Hygiene Curriculum includes lectures, laboratories, clinical experiences and community service activities which require a significant time commitment;
• depending on courses taken and semester, the schedule in the clinical program includes 21 to 32 hours per week on campus;
• out of class assignments, study time, preparation for examinations, working on group projects, library research, and practicing instrumentation skills are additional hours; and
• clinical practice time requires 9 to 12 hours per week and includes one or two evening clinics per week beginning in the second semester.

Health Considerations

• Dental Hygiene students require good physical and emotional health;
• good stress coping skills are essential in a demanding health profession program;
• the patient care environment has the potential for exposure to blood borne pathogens and infectious diseases. Students receive detailed instruction on infection control protocols specific to the dental field and must comply with all regulatory requirements;
• individuals accepted to the program must submit a physician completed SUNY Allied Health Form prior to the start of clinical courses. This is in addition to the proof of immunizations required of all students;
• Hepatitis B immunization is required or a signed declination; and
• annual influenza vaccination is strongly recommended.

Legal Considerations

• applicants for Dental Hygiene licensure in New York must be of good moral character and must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents;
• pending criminal charges or conviction of a misdemeanor or felony are subject to special review by the New York State Board of Dentistry and may impact a licensure application; and
• the State Board should be contacted directly to discuss legal considerations before enrolling in a program leading to licensure.
   

Special Admissions Requirements/Prerequisites

 

The clinical Dental Hygiene course sequence begins in the Fall semester. Admission is competitive and is limited to 60 students. Completed on-line applications and supporting transcripts from all high schools and colleges attended must be received in the North Campus Admissions Office by May 31 for consideration. Applications completed after the deadline, including courses taken after the deadline, will be evaluated on a space-available basis. Acceptance is contingent on satisfactory Accuplacer Test results and satisfactory completion of any courses in progress. The on-line application may be found at http://www.ecc.edu/admissions/apply.  A competitive, selective admissions process has the goal of identifying highly qualified candidates who have the potential for successfully completing the Dental Hygiene program. To be considered for admission to clinical Dental Hygiene courses, applicants must demonstrate scholarly achievement. The following minimum requirements must be met for consideration:

 

• current high school graduates – Minimum cumulative GPA of 88%; courses in biology and chemistry with minimum final grades of 88%; reading and writing competencies at the EN 110 level and mathematics proficiency at the level of MT 006 as determined by the Accuplacer Test results;
• current college students and graduates – Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; minimum grades of “C” in courses required in the Dental Hygiene curriculum; reading and writing competencies at the EN 110 level and mathematics proficiency at the level of MT 006 as determined by the Accuplacer Test results or equivalent college courses; Biology and Chemistry requirements met by recent high school or college courses; and 
• official transcripts of ALL high schools and colleges attended including final grades of any courses in progress at the time of application.

Academic Experiences of the Most Recently Accepted Class:

• the majority of students had completed general education requirements including English, Psychology and Social Science;
• the majority of students had completed Anatomy & Physiology I & II;
• many students had completed Microbiology;
• the middle 50% of the class had a cumulative GPA in the range of 3.40 – 3.77;
• the average cumulative GPA was 3.574;
• recent high school graduates had averages and science grades above 90%; and
• nearly 30% had college degrees.

Completed applications are reviewed and ranked by the following academic criteria:
 

• cumulative GPA;
• required science grades (A&P, Microbiology, Chemistry);
• non-science grades;
• other degree science or math courses taken within the past five (5) years; and
• academic degrees earned.
   

If the number of qualified applicants exceeds the available openings, points will be assigned to each of the five (5) academic criteria with required science courses receiving twice the weight of other criteria. The most recent academic record will receive primary consideration.

Final review of potentially qualified applications will be completed at the end of the spring semester and accepted candidates will be notified by letter in early June. Exceptionally well qualified applicants may receive early acceptance. A limited number of applicants may receive alternate status.

Applicants not accepted to the two year Dental Hygiene course sequence may be offered admission to General Studies (250/DH). This will provide the student an opportunity to meet Dental Hygiene admission requirements through an individually developed schedule of pre-requisite and required liberal arts and science courses based on the applicant’s experience and Accuplacer Test results. Program faculty will provide academic advisement and tracking to assure that the correct courses are taken. Admission to this preparatory track does not imply or guarantee admission to clinical courses.

Note: Meeting minimum entry requirements to clinical dental hygiene courses does not guarantee admission due to space limitations. Science courses taken more than five (5) years ago may not be accepted.

Department Notes

• Dental Hygiene courses are integrated and sequenced in a specific manner to enable students to attain program competencies. Candidates admitted to clinical courses must enroll in all courses required during each semester. All required courses must be passed each semester in order to advance to the following semester. Dental Hygiene courses must be taken in the prescribed sequence. General Education courses may be taken in advance but may not be taken later than the prescribed schedule. Note that Dental Hygiene courses are offered only once each year, not each semester. 
• The SUNY Allied Health Report, completed by a physician, is required prior to the start of clinical experiences to assure that students are in good physical and mental health and capable of performing program requirements. Failure to submit the report to the Dental Hygiene Department by the announced deadline will prevent progression in the program. 
• Hepatitis B immunization is required or a signed declination. Annual influenza immunization is strongly recommended.
• Due to the nature of the clinical experiences in Dental Hygiene, students will be participating in a work environment that has potential for exposure to blood borne pathogens and infectious diseases. Program instruction includes training in infectious diseases, mechanisms of transmission and current infection control protocols required in clinical practice. During patient treatment experiences, students must strictly adhere to standard precautions and infection control procedures outlined by OSHA, the CDC and the department’s Infection/Hazard Control Manual to assure a safe working environment and to minimize the risk of infection due to contact with blood or saliva. The manual is available for review.
• Dental Hygiene students are expected to manifest exemplary ethical and professional behaviors and must adhere to the College Code of Conduct and the Professional Code of Ethics developed by each class. Academic dishonesty or other unprofessional conduct is subject to review by elected students of the Dental Hygiene Professional Honor Council and faculty and may result in disciplinary action.
• Students may be excluded from clinical courses when in the judgment of the College they are unable to provide safe patient care or have demonstrated unprofessional behavior. Appropriate professional conduct is outlined in clinical manuals provided to students. Specific clinical attire is prescribed by the faculty. Jewelry (including piercings of the head, neck and mouth), rings and artificial fingernails are not permitted in the clinics in order to comply with infection control standards and assure professional decorum.
• Textbooks, instruments, uniforms and supplies prescribed by faculty are required.
• Malpractice insurance, accident insurance and membership in the Student American Dental Hygienists’ Association are required of students in clinics. Student health insurance is strongly recommended.
• Students must participate in clinical practice activities as clinicians and as patients.
• Students must provide their own transportation to off-campus assignments.
• Students are required to recruit patients for treatment at scheduled clinical practice sessions.                                         
• Special attention should be given to course pre-requisites during schedule planning. Students must meet with their Dental Hygiene academic advisors each semester.
• “C-” is the minimum passing grade in all required courses in the Dental Hygiene curriculum. The grading system for Dental Hygiene is: A = 94-100; B = 87-93; C = 80-86. Class/lab/clinic attendance is required for maximum learning and practice opportunities. Unexcused absences may negatively affect final grades.
• Withdrawal from or failure of a required course after admission to the Dental Hygiene courses results in program dismissal. Program re-entry may be considered on a space available basis by faculty who will evaluate the merits of a re-entry request and, if approved, will prescribe the appropriate courses/requirements for re-entry. Program re-entry is not permitted after a second attempt. Course withdrawal, as well as failure, is considered an attempt. Students who fail more than one (1) course will not be re-admitted.
• Note that DH 100, DH 150, DH 200 and DH 250 are clinical courses which include two or more lecture modules. EACH module must be passed in order to pass the clinical course.
• If continuous registration in the program cannot be maintained, faculty will prescribe the appropriate courses and requirements for re-entry. The department reserves the right to have returning students demonstrate skills and knowledge through written, oral, laboratory, and/or clinical evaluation.
• To assure current and adequate preparation for licensure examinations at graduation, transfer credit for biomedical sciences may only be granted for courses taken within the past five (5) years. To assure proper preparation for clinical practice, transfer credits for Dental Hygiene courses are not available.

Curriculum

The Dental Hygiene Program faculty conducts continuous curriculum review and planning to maintain program currency and effectiveness. Please contact the department to receive the most current information.