Dental Hygiene

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Topics of Study

In this program, you will learn how to clean teeth and apply preventive materials, provide oral health education and treatment counseling to patients, identify oral pathologies and injuries, and manage dental hygiene practices. You will study dental anatomy, microbiology and pathology, dental hygiene theory and techniques, equipment operation and maintenance, radiology, patient counseling, and office management.

Degrees

• A certificate or associate degree will qualify for dental hygienist work in a private dental office, clinic, or other setting, such as a hospital or nursing home.
• A dental hygienist certificate requires completion of an accredited associate or bachelor's level program and passing a licensure examination.
• A bachelor's or master's degree is required for research, teaching, or clinical practice in public or school health programs.