Dental Hygiene – BS
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Students of the Dental Hygiene program are prepared to perform preventive dental hygiene procedures including dental prophylaxis, dental radiographs, topical fluorides, anxiety and pain control procedures, oral health education, infection control procedures and dental office procedures. They complete this training in a state-of-the-art clinical setting, the Community Dental Clinic at Plaza College. The Clinic is a community-based clinic that accepts all patients requesting dental hygiene services with no qualifying criteria. Students treat patients in the clinic under the supervision of licensed dentists and dental hygienists.
Students in the B.S. licensure program also have the opportunity to expand upon their clinical training to gain additional expertise in developing community health intervention programs, understanding and applying epidemiologic data, evaluating academic curriculum, examining and evaluating social policy, and leading health practices.
WHAT IS DENTAL HYGIENE?
A dental hygienist is a licensed healthcare provider, working closely with their patients to reach and maintain optimal oral health and hygiene. Dental hygienists work together with dentists to prevent, identify, and treat oral diseases. They are responsible for providing preventive oral care including, but not limited to, routine x-rays, dental cleanings, and dental education. Dental hygienists may also be certified to perform dental anesthesia in preparation for oral procedures and surgery. This exciting field also allows for the pursuit of a career not only in clinical practice, however, but in alternative career settings such as public health, academia, and research.
YOU MIGHT LIKE THIS PROGRAM IF:
- You’d like to work hands-on with patients, contributing to their oral and overall health and well-being.
- Abundant opportunity, flexible scheduling, and a competitive salary are aspects of your dream career.
- Expanding your career options above and beyond the traditional clinical avenues is something that interests you.
The intent of this rigorous curriculum is designed to prepare students for entry-level dental hygiene practice with the overall goal of supporting patients in the pursuit of optimal oral health through clinical practice, public health, academia, and research. The Plaza College dental hygiene graduate will be instilled with a deep sense of community involvement and social responsibility, culminating in a capstone dental public health project prior to graduation.
Our professors are subject matter experts in their fields. Throughout the program, they’ll share their knowledge with you, providing a strong foundation and hands-on experience to prepare you for a successful dental career.
The Dental Hygiene B.S. licensure program consists of 127 credits of Liberal Arts and Science* and Dental Hygiene courses. The Plaza College Dental Hygiene program graduate, given successful curriculum and competency completion, will qualify to take the National Board Examination Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA) Examination. Both the NBDHE and the CDCA examinations are required to apply for licensure in the State of New York. To review the total degree requirements and course sequencing for this program, please visit the College Catalog.
* Students are required to pursue, as a prerequisite to admission, 47 credits of liberal arts and general education coursework prior to enrolling in the Dental Hygiene B.S. program.
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:
(877) 379-5537
211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611-2678.
The Commission’s web address is: https://www.ada.org/en/coda
Applicants of this program must follow all admissions processes and procedures to be considered for admittance.
To learn about any program-specific admissions requirements, please use the “Request Info” button or attend one of our Admissions Events.
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: Due to the on-campus and/or clinical requirements of this program, students must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide documentation showing proof of vaccination during the enrollment process.
To apply to this program, please begin your Application for Admission.
If you have any additional questions, please contact the Admissions Office at 718-505-4188.
