Program Information
Core Competencies
The educational competencies for the Southwestern College Dental Hygiene Program include the preparation of graduates who possess the knowledge, skills, and values to begin the practice of Dental Hygiene. Interested students should review these standards to develop a better understanding of competencies needed for graduation.
Program Goals
Upon completion of the dental hygiene program, the graduate will:
- Have successfully completed coursework and deemed eligible for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination
- Have successfully completed all clinical coursework necessary for eligibility for application to a state or regional clinical examination.
- Have successfully completed all coursework applicable to ethics or law examinations for state licensure.
- Have successfully completed all coursework for graduation and is eligible to meet requirements that lead to a license for dental hygiene practice.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Prepare the student for successful application of dental hygiene information and case material using deductive and critical reasoning to achieve a minimum of 75% on the National Dental Hygiene Board Examination.
- Assess patient health information and oral hygiene needs, coordinate dental hygiene treatment based on the dental hygiene process of care, and demonstrate entry-level clinical skills eligible for state/regional licensing examinations.