The Mission and Goals of the Dental Hygiene program are to facilitate the development of professional, ethical, and competent dental hygienists who exhibit the following:

1. An awareness of their present and future roles and responsibilities within the profession and the community he/she serves.
2. The knowledge and clinical skills necessary to provide comprehensive care to the patients/clients.
3. A commitment to lifelong learning and professional development.

These are the competencies required for graduation from the Dental Hygiene program:

1. The graduate must be able to function as a member of the oral health team by improving the knowledge, skills, and values of the profession.
2. The graduate must be able to incorporate ethical behavior and professionalism in dental hygiene practice's rapidly changing environment.
3. The graduate must develop and assume responsibility for health promotion and disease prevention activities for the community he/she serves.
4. The graduate will apply the principles of dental hygiene care from the biomedical, clinical, and social sciences to the community.
5. The graduate will utilize critical decision making skills to formulate a comprehensive dental hygiene care plan based on complete patient assessment.
6. The graduate must conduct continuous self-assessment and develop an appreciation for the importance of personal growth through participation in professional organizations and continuing education.

For additional information please contact Tami Grzesikowski, Program Director, Dental Hygiene