The UVU Dental Hygiene Program provides two degrees, both of which prepare students for careers in dental hygiene: Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Dental Hygiene, and an optional Bachelor of Science degree completion, done exclusively online. These classes can be taken concurrently with the associate’s degree, and students will graduate ready to devote their life to improving the oral health of individuals and communities.
The overwhelming majority of dental hygienists nationwide have a two-year degree. The two-year degree provides the training and knowledge needed to be an excellent practicing dental hygienist. The program prepares the graduate to take various licensing boards in order to practice dental hygiene.
The UVU Dental Hygiene program grants a two-year AAS degree in Dental Hygiene. This is a four (4)-semester program that totals 81 credits. The 19 credits of college prerequisites are part of these 81 total credits. After being accepted into the program, students should expect to spend 35 to 40 hours on campus each week in lecture and clinical dental hygiene courses.
The majority of Dental Hygiene graduates work for dentists in private practice. There are other employment opportunities open to a dental hygienist such as: teaching, research, government, insurance agencies, and private business such as dental sales reps and trainers.
The Department of Dental Hygiene prepares graduates who will provide high quality, evidence-based, patient-centered dental hygiene care. We produce leaders in the profession of dental hygiene, who are committed to lifelong learning and who promote the values and goals of the profession. We provide essential health care education within a culture of integrity and personal accountability.
Program Learning Outcome #1: Patient Care
UVUDH graduates will be able to execute all steps in the dental hygiene process of care.
1.1 Perform a comprehensive patient assessment and utilize critical decision-making skills to construct and document a dental hygiene care plan for all types of patients based on data collected.
1.2 Perform and document comprehensive patient care and evaluation to promote patient health and wellness for patients of all ages, cultures and disease status including those with special needs.
1.3 Research and critically analyze published reports of evidence-based literature and apply this information to the practice of dental hygiene during patient care.
1.4 Communicate and interact effectively with diverse populations, members of the community and other health care providers.
1.5 Provide appropriate life support measures for medical emergencies that may be encountered in practice of dental hygiene.
Program Learning Outcome #2: Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
UVUDH graduates will be able to apply a professional code of ethics which complies with Federal and State laws.
2.1 Apply a professional code of ethics and conduct to all aspects of dental hygiene.
2.2 Comply with state and federal laws, recommendations and regulations, governing the practice of dental hygiene.
2.3 Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for actions within the various roles of the dental hygienist according to defined standards, regulations, and policies.
2.4 Recognize one’s obligation to take action to enhance the health, welfare, and interest of a diverse society.
Program Learning Outcome #3: Community Service
UVUDH graduates will be able to provide health promotion and education services in public health and alternative settings.
3.1 Administer oral health services in a variety of community settings while providing cultural care.
3.2 Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate community based oral health programs utilizing the oral health needs of the community.
3.3 Utilize interprofessional partnerships to encourage health promotion and disease prevention within the community.
Program Learning Outcome #4: Graduation and Promoting the Dental Hygiene Profession
UVUDH graduates will be able to successfully graduate and affiliate with professional organizations.
4.1 Successfully complete all requirements and courses needed for graduation for an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Dental Hygiene.
4.2 Advance the profession through service activities and affiliations with professional organizations.
Program Learning Outcome #5: Life-long Learning and Education
UVUDH graduates will be able to perform self-assessment for professional growth and lifelong learning.
5.1 Pursue continuing education for life-long learning and professionalism in providing quality evidence-based care.
5.2 Continuously perform self-assessment for professional growth and lifelong learning.
| 1st Year – Fall Semester | (13 Credits) |
|---|---|
| DENT 1010 Dental Hygiene I | 3 |
| DENT 1015 Dental Hygiene I Pre-clinical Lab | 2 |
| DENT 1020 Oral Anatomy & Physiology | 4 |
| DENT 1070 Medical Emergencies in the Dental Office | 2 |
| DENT 1050 Clinical Dental Radiography | 1 |
| DENT 1055 Clinical Dental Radiography Lab | 1 |
| 1st Year – Spring Semester | (13 Credits) |
|---|---|
| DENT 2020 Dental Pharmacology | 3 |
| DENT 1040 Dental Hygiene Theory II | 3 |
| DENT 1045 Dental Hygiene II Clinical | 3 |
| DENT 1030 Dental Materials | 2 |
| DENT 1060 Oral Pathology | 2 |
| 2nd Year – Fall Semester | (16 Credits) |
|---|---|
| DENT 3030 Periodontology | 3 |
| DENT 3010 Dental Anesthesiology | 3 |
| DENT 3015 Dental Hygiene Clinic III | 4 |
| DENT 2060 Oral Public Health | 3 |
| NUTR 1020 Foundations of Nutrition | 3 |
| 2nd Year – Spring Semester | (10 Credits) |
|---|---|
| DENT 3040 Dental Hygiene IV | 2 |
| DENT 3045 Dental Hygiene IV Clinical | 4 |
| DENT 3050 Ethics and Practice Management | 1 |
This degree completion program is specifically designed for dental hygienists with an associate's degree, diploma, or certificate in dental hygiene from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. Recently, UVU Dental Hygiene has begun admitting students enrolled in the AAS program, so a student can be simultaneously enrolled in the associate's degree program and the bachelor's program. Students currently in a program must work closely with the academic advisor for the degree completion program to determine eligibility. The bachelor's degree will enhance student's clinical knowledge and promote career advancement in:
With the bachelor's degree, graduates can move into a new field related to dental hygiene, pursue a master's degree, or strengthen professional skills in communication, evidence-based practice, computer use, and statistics.
UVU Dental Hygiene BS students can study anywhere—all classes are online.
| 1st Year – Fall Semester | (6 Credits) |
|---|---|
| DENT 489R Research in Dental Hygiene | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| 1st Year – Spring Semester | (5 Credits) |
|---|---|
| DENT 4200 Teaching the Dental Hygiene Student | 2 |
| Elective | 3 |
| 1st Year – Summer Semester | (8 Credits) |
|---|---|
| DENT 3200 Teaching the Dental Hygiene Patient | 2 |
| DENT 406G Global Community Health Project | 3 |
| DENT 490R Special Topics in Dental Hygiene | 4 |
| 2nd Year – Fall Semester | (6 Credits) |
|---|---|
| DENT 3100 Office and Private Practice for the DH | 3 |
| DENT 489R Research in Dental Hygiene (if needed) | 3 |
| 2nd Year – Spring Semester | (4+ Credits) |
|---|---|
| DENT 4300 Dental Hygiene Capstone | 1 |
| DENT 3060 Advanced Dental Hygiene Public Health | 2 |
| DENT 481R Internship in Dental Hygiene | 1-4 |
| 2nd Year – Summer Semester | (3 Credits) |
|---|---|
| DENT 489R Research in Dental Hygiene | 3 |
Will Dental Hygiene meet the educational requirements for the professional credential in the state or US territory you might choose to live during or after completing your UVU degree? Visit the UVU Professional Licensure website to learn more!
