Dental Hygiene - A.A.S. Degree (Career)

Dental hygienists are licensed oral health professionals who focus on preventing and treating oral diseases. While the range of services vary by state, a licensed dental hygienist provides educational, clinical, and therapeutic services that support total health through the promotion of optimal oral health.

Dental hygiene services include: performing oral health assessments, dental charting, oral cancer screening, evaluation of periodontal disease, dental radiographs, plaque and calculus removal; placement of preventive agents such as fluoride and dental sealants; and educating patients on proper oral health behaviors.

Dental hygienists provide the dentist with the dental hygiene diagnosis, which is a crucial element in the development of a professional treatment plan. In addition to treating patients directly, dental hygienists may also work as educators, researchers, and administrators.

As a graduate, you should be able to:

1. Utilize the dental hygiene process of care (assessment, planning, implementation of instrumentation, and evaluation) to treat a variety of patients using knowledge of instrumentation and radiology.
2. Utilize legal and ethical principles to effectively treat a variety of patients without discrimination.
3. Treat a variety of patients effectively utilizing safe dental practices and infection control practices.

Visit the Dental Hygiene department for more information on this critical allied health profession.