The Associate Degree program at Rhodes State College provides the student with an excellent dental hygiene education encouraging personal and professional growth. The faculty are committed to offering the highest level of instruction to each student. All clinical instruction, assessment and evaluation is provided by licensed dental hygienists and dentists in the modern, well‑equipped Dental Hygiene Clinic. Dental health activities are integrated throughout the program preparing graduates to be vital members of the community. The curriculum is a combination of classroom, laboratory and clinical courses providing the student with the knowledge and skills necessary to practice dental hygiene. Emphasis is given to assisting the student to appreciate the value of comprehensive dental hygiene care.

Additional Resources

• American Dental Hygienists’ Association
• Ohio Dental Hygienists’ Association
• American Dental Association

The Dental Hygiene Program focuses on the intellectual and professional growth of students by offering a dynamic curriculum which encompasses the college’s core skills and abilities, guided by qualified faculty, in a learning-centered environment.

Standards of Patient Care

Standard 1 - Data is systematically collected, analyzed, and accurately recorded as baseline data on the general, oral, and psychosocial health status of the patient. This data is communicated and updated at all appointments.

Standard 2 - After carefully analyzing the assessment data, critical-thinking and decision-making skills are used to determine the dental hygiene needs of the patient.

Standard 3 - The Dental Hygiene Care Plan is developed from assessment data analysis and includes patient involvement in formulating comprehensive dental hygiene care.

Standard 4 - Treatment includes preventive and therapeutic procedures which promote and maintain oral health and assist in achieving the patient’s oral health goals.

Standard 5 - Educational services are provided to the patient thereby enabling them to assume responsibility for their oral health and for attaining oral health goals.

Standard 6 - The effectiveness of planned clinical and educational services is evaluated continuously and modified as needed.

A registered dental hygienist is a licensed member of the oral health team responsible for assessing the oral health status of his/her patient and providing individualized preventive treatment. Men and women choose this caring profession because it is a challenging and rewarding career with the security of a professional license and the responsibility of direct patient care. Treatment often provided by a dental hygienist includes: taking social, medical and dental histories; assessing the patient’s oral health and planning preventive treatment; making radiographic surveys (x‑rays); providing individual oral health care instructions; removing deposits from teeth (cleaning); administering fluoride therapy; and placing dental sealants. Most dental hygienists practice in a private dental office. However, some seek employment in public health settings, specialty practices, school systems, industry, federal services and higher education. The need for licensed dental hygienists continues to grow as the demand for access to preventive oral health care increases.

The program in dental hygiene is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. The Commission’s web address is: http://www.ada.org/100.aspx. The program has held this accreditation status since inception in 1976.

In addition to the general admission requirements for all students, the following specific requirements have been established for Dental Hygiene applicants:

1. ACT composite score of 21 or higher; individual test scores of 20 or higher in mathematics and natural science; 18 or higher in English and Social Science or other appropriate test scores/ developmental coursework. (See 1a under “Acceptance into an Allied Health Major” in the catalog).

2. A minimum 2.75 grade point average (GPA) for any previous college course work at the time of selection and matriculation.

3. Must have basic computer skills prior to admission to the program. This can be satisfied through high school experiences, life experiences or completion of CPT-104 or equivalent.

Requirements 4-7 must be met by the time of enrollment in the first Dental Hygiene course.

4. 16 hours of observation of a dental hygienist in a dental office prior to entering the program. Four (4) of these hours can be earned by completing treating as patient in the Dental Hygiene Clinic. Waiver for dental office experience will be considered on an individual basis by the chairperson.

5. An interview with the Dental Hygiene program chairperson.

6. Written results of physical and dental examinations, completion of required laboratory tests and completion of required immunizations to include the first two hepatitis B inoculations.

7. Successful completion of an American Heart Association (Healthcare Provider) or American Red Cross (CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and the Healthcare Provider) course prior to entering the program. CPR certification must be maintained through to graduation.

NOTICE TO PROSPECTIVE OR CURRENT DENTAL HYGIENE STUDENTS

You are at risk if you have been convicted of a prior felony and/or some misdemeanors. You may not be able to participate in clinical education experiences at some hospitals or other clinical sites; therefore preventing you from completing the program. A criminal record may also prevent you from obtaining a license or certificate in your chosen healthcare profession.