B.S. in Dental Hygiene

The Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene is completed through the integration of Associate’s degree Dental Hygiene courses and Bachelor’s degree courses, or by continuing studies after completing an Associate’s degree at an accredited School of Dental Hygiene. The baccalaureate degree completion approach is available to Fones students as well as to graduates of other accredited Dental Hygiene programs. With 60 to 90 transfer credits, a student may achieve a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene in two additional years. Education at the baccalaureate level, which combines the professional dental hygiene curriculum with a liberal arts education, enhances the dental hygienists opportunities, skills, background knowledge, and professional values. Upon satisfactory completion of semester hours in the areas of study specified, the student will be recommended for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. Students pursuing a B.S. Degree in Dental Hygiene have the opportunity to design a portion of their curriculum to meet personal career goals. The outcome of this planning process is an individualized program that enables dental hygienists to gain desired knowledge and skills and directly transfers this expertise to a professional work setting. Students may identify a minor in human services, education, marketing, or psychology, to name a few subject areas. Through completion of the entry-level dental hygiene curriculum, students will achieve the following outcomes: Characterize professionalism and responsibility in all health promotion and disease prevention activities Apply a professional code of ethics while adhering to appropriate legal and regulatory measures when providing oral health services Utilize critical thinking, problem solving, and evidence-based decision making in the dental hygiene process of care Provide the dental hygiene process of care (assessment, dental hygiene diagnosis, planning, implementation, evaluation, documentation) for patients/clients in all settings Communicate effectively with and deliver culturally competent, inter-professional health care to individuals and groups from diverse populations Demonstrate the knowledge necessary to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate community-based oral health programs Continually perform self-assessment to maintain professional standards and encourage life-long learning Value the need for personal and professional growth through participation in professional activities and associations Understand and master the competencies of Dental Hygiene Professional Practice