The Dental Hygiene (DH) program prepares the student to provide comprehensive therapeutic oral health care and preventative education directly to diverse population groups in both clinical and community environments. An integral part of the dental team, the dental hygienist provides valuable oral health care services which may include oral assessments, oral cancer screenings, removing deposits from the teeth, exposing and processing dental radiographs, the administration of local anesthesia, nutritional counseling, sealant placement, fluoride treatments and preventative education.

Program Mission Statement: The Dental Hygiene Program is committed to providing a diverse learning environment built on a strong theoretical base in: psychological sciences, basic sciences, and evidence-based dental hygiene sciences, utilizing the state-of-the-art Dental Hygiene clinic.

Student Responsibilities: Students receive clinical experience at the Iowa Central Dental Hygiene Clinic located at the Fort Dodge Campus. A medical health form and certification in basic cardiac life support must be completed prior to attending clinical sessions and the student must begin the hepatitis immunization series during their first semester. Students are required to purchase dental hygiene instruments and other personal protective materials. Transportation to various community projects is the responsibility of the student. Dental Hygiene is a licensed profession. 

Admissions Criteria: This program is a selective, limited enrollment program. Students who would like to be considered for admission must complete an additional Dental Hygiene application packet. The deadline for the Dental Hygiene application for consideration for the following fall is March 1 of each year. An interview may be conducted to finalize the class selection. Students must also be enrolled in, or have previously completed any pre-requisites of the program with a “C” or higher before they will be considered for the program. Students must submit proof of their enrollment in/or completion prior to the application deadline. The following criteria is required for applicants: a minimum of a high school diploma (GPA 2.5) or equivalent (GED 550 or HiSET 15); minimum ALEKS 20, Accuplacer Next Gen. Reading of 250, Accuplacer WritePlacer of 5, or ACT scores of 18 in reading and English. High School Biology, Algebra, English, and Chemistry are highly recommended. It is recommended that the required general education courses are completed prior to entry into the Dental Hygiene program.

Accreditation: The program in dental hygiene is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of “approval without reporting requirements”. 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.

Enrollment Date: Fall Semester
Minimum Required Credits: 86
Campus: Fort Dodge
Department: Health Sciences
CIP#: 51.06020200

Program Outcomes:

1. To promote excellence in instruction and create a safe and nurturing learning environment that facilitates student learning and improves client care through research, guided self-study, online activities and varied clinical instructional opportunities.
2. To comprehensively prepare students for entry level dental hygiene with core knowledge of dental hygiene sciences, critical thinking skills and clinical skills for individualized delivery of preventative education and oral health care to diverse populations.
3. To provide effective education in dental hygiene to produce graduates competent to practice within the profession’s ethical and legal framework pertinent to the role of a dental hygienist and who participates in community service and lifelong learning through professional development.
4. To provide transferable education to allow graduates to continue their education in dental hygiene related fields.
5. Function safely in clinical areas as a dental hygienist utilizing critical thinking and their knowledge base.
6. Become a competent health care provider who performs as an integral member of the dental team rendering oral health care to clients utilizing basic communication skills to meet individual’s needs.
7. Develop a personal practice philosophy that reflects sensitivity and cultural understanding to their client’s individual needs.
8. Demonstrate professional manners, attitudes and behaviors.
9. Assume leadership roles in the promotion of preventative health to meet the needs of the changing needs of the community.
10. Develop mutually beneficial collaborations with the local community, allied health, dental and dental hygiene professional and serve as a dental health resource for community groups.
11. Practice self-assessment and personal responsibility.
12. Utilize critical thinking skills when assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating comprehensive dental hygiene care and programs.
13. Recognize the value and need for lifelong learning.
14. Uphold the ethics of the dental hygiene profession.