Applying to the Program

Why Choose Dental Hygiene?

Dental Hygiene is one of the most rapidly expanding professions in the Allied Health field.

Dental Hygienists are licensed oral health professionals who focus on preventing and treating oral diseases and promoting overall health. They are graduates of accredited programs in colleges and universities and must pass National and State Board Examinations in order to be licensed.

As part of the dental team and working closely with the dentist, the professional roles in dental hygiene include, but are not limited to, those of a clinician, educator, patient advocate, administrator/manager and researcher in private and public health care settings.

As clinicians, dental hygienists:

• Review health histories, examine head, neck, and oral tissues for disease
• Perform oral cancer and blood pressure screenings
• Expose, process and interpret dental radiographs (x-rays)
• Remove deposits from teeth
• Provide non-surgical periodontal therapy
• Provide supportive periodontal therapy
• Apply preventive agents (fluoride, antimicrobials, sealants)
• Provide oral health care instructions
• Provide dietary counseling
• Administer local anesthesia
• Administer nitrous oxide

For more detailed information about the exciting field of Dental Hygiene and employment opportunities, please visit the American Dental Hygienists' Association at adha.org.