Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene

Dental hygiene is an exciting profession with many rewarding and challenging career opportunities that include clinical/patient care, administration, education, research and sales/marketing. Dental hygienists are employed in diverse settings such as private dental practices, clinics, hospitals, geriatric and special needs homes, correctional facilities, public health departments, school systems, allied dental education programs, national, state and local government agencies, and private/business industry. As a licensed health professional and oral health educator, the dental hygienist has an important role in the overall health and welfare of the public. The dental hygienist is an integral part of the dental team, providing direct patient care based on the prevention of disease. The duties and responsibilities of dental hygienists vary from state to state, but may include oral prophylaxis (removing stains and deposits from teeth), root debridement, exposing radiographs, application of preventive and therapeutic agents, local delivery of antimicrobial agents, nutritional counseling, oral, head and neck cancer screenings, and administration of local anesthesia and nitrous oxide sedation. The educational background of a dental hygienist provides the knowledge, attitudes and skill necessary to be successful in a wide variety of careers. From research to clinician to public administration, dental hygiene opens the door to many successful career options. Program Goals: Possess a heightened awareness of social and cultural diversity, ethics and professionalism. Apply critical thinking to integrate current scientific principles/technology with the provision of evidenced-based, comprehensive health care. Perform to the level of clinical competency those legally approved oral health services as defined by the West Virginia State Board of Dental Examiners and the WVU School of Dentistry. Perform to the level of laboratory competency those legally approved oral health services (beyond the scope of the West Virginia practice act) stipulated in the practice acts of other states, districts, or territories of the United States. Coordinate and administer oral health services for a variety of populations in diverse settings (public health agencies, hospitals, school systems, etc.). Engage in intra and interprofessional collaborative activities with community leaders and health care professionals to manage the oral health needs of rural West Virginia. Provide didactic and clinical instruction in allied dental education programs. Pursue professional development through self-study, continuing education, research and advanced studies at the master’s and doctoral levels. Recruit, admit and retain students with the potential to succeed within the dental hygiene program. Create an environment conducive to faculty promotion, retention, and satisfaction. Career Profile After graduation, career opportunities include, but are not limited to, positions in a private dental practice, research, industry, hospitals, public schools, departments of health, institutions of higher learning, federal service and health care centers.