DENTAL HYGIENE
Program Overview
A dental hygienist is a licensed healthcare professional, oral health educator, and clinician who, as a co-therapist with a dentist, provides preventive, educational, and therapeutic services supporting total health for the control of oral diseases and the promotion of oral health. A registered dental hygienist has graduated from a minimum of two year college program that includes classroom studies and extensive supervised clinical experience.
The program prepares students for a career in dental hygiene through the study of humanities, social and natural sciences, and the field of dental hygiene. Emphasis is on clinical practice in the context of dental hygiene care. Graduates are eligible to apply to take national, and regional examinations to earn the RDH license.
The dental hygienist may work in general and specialty oral health practices. Other areas of employment include programs for research, professional education, and community health; hospital and institutional care of disabled persons; federal programs, such as the armed services; or other health service locations as specified in statute or as authorized by the state board of dentistry/dental hygiene.
Program Awards
Apply to SWC Register for Classes Apply for a Degree/Certificate
Points of Interest
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