Dental Hygienist

Employers will expect graduates of this program to be able to:

• Provide comprehensive, patient-centered dental hygiene care using the dental hygiene process of care.
• Assess patient health histories, oral health conditions, and risk factors to support accurate dental hygiene diagnoses and individualized care planning.
• Develop evidence-based dental hygiene care plans that promote oral and overall health across the lifespan.
• Implement preventive, therapeutic, and educational interventions within the dental hygienist's scope of practice.
• Evaluate patient outcomes and modify dental hygiene care plans based on assessment findings and evidence-based practice.
• Apply current scientific evidence, critical thinking, and clinical judgment to support safe and effective patient care.
• Demonstrate ethical, legal, and professional behavior consistent with the standards of the dental hygiene profession.
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, and members of the interprofessional healthcare team.
• Promote health equity through culturally responsive care, patient education, and community oral health initiatives.
• Integrate infection prevention, safety protocols, and quality assurance principles into all aspects of clinical practice.
• Utilize current technologies, informatics, and emerging innovations to enhance patient care and professional practice.
• Collaborate with dentists and other healthcare professionals to improve patient outcomes and access to oral healthcare.
• Advocate for oral health promotion, disease prevention, and increased access to care for diverse populations.
• Engage in lifelong learning, self-assessment, and professional development to maintain competence and support continued growth.
• Demonstrate leadership, accountability, and professionalism in clinical practice, community service, and the dental hygiene profession.