|
|
 |
|
 |
The program leading to a baccalaureate degree in dental hygiene is designed to prepare the graduate to successfully enter the oral health profession of dental hygiene in any one of the six designated roles of the dental hygienist as defined by the American Dental Hygienists' Association: clinician, educator/health promoter, manager, researcher, consumer advocate and change agent. In addition, graduates are prepared to continue their education in graduate or professional programs. Students are required to complete all dental hygiene courses with a grade of C or higher. The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. It is the only Bachelor's degree program in the State of Illinois and one of the premier programs in the country.
The curriculum is designed to incorporate advances in technology in the oral health field and is composed of 120 hours of academic course work to be completed in four years. Completion of the baccalaureate degree at a comprehensive university provides students with the opportunity for an excellent education and preparation fora successful professional career. In addition to the traditional courses in dental hygiene, this Bachelor's Degree in Dental Hygiene provides additional preparation in the provision of periodontal care and an internship in caring for rural health and geriatric populations. Integration of the dental hygiene professional courses over a three-year period allows the student extra supervised clinical practice prior to graduation.
