DENTAL HYGIENE

A Unique Accelerated Program in a Distinctive SchoolDental Hygienists act as co-therapists with dentists in the prevention,recognition and treatment of oral diseases. Recognizing theincreasing need for this service, Pacific’s Arthur A. Dugoni School ofDentistry and the College of the Pacific, the undergraduate liberalarts and sciences division, have partnered to establish the nation’sfirst 36-month Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene. Thethree-year, accelerated program (eight semesters) is especiallydesigned for highly qualified students. Through the integration ofeducation, experiential learning and clinical practice, students learnto work with the dental team to treat a wide variety of patients.Clinical ExperiencePacific Dental Hygiene Graduates…– Provide quality dental hygiene care in an evolving profession– Assess, plan, implement and evaluate dental hygieneservices for individual patients and community oralhealth programs– Develop patient counseling programs to encourage healthpromotion and disease prevention– Appreciate humanistic values that respect the dignityof each individual– Pursue continuous enhancement throughprofessional development– Address the challenges facing the profession ofdental hygiene, dental education and our communitiesIn cooperation with the School’s Advanced Education in GeneralDentistry residency program, the dental hygiene program offers patient-centeredcare in an efficient clinical model that demonstratesthe highest standards of service. Staffed by dental residents, dentalhygiene students and licensed, experienced faculty, the clinic providesexceptional patient co-therapy experiences for students andexcellent services for the community.Employment OpportunitiesAccording to the U.S. Department of Labor, dental hygiene is projectedto be one of the 30 fastest growing occupations. The CaliforniaEmployment Development Department reports that the stronggrowth is due to the public’s heightened awareness of the importanceof regular dental care. Approximately 70% of dental hygienistspractice in private dental offices. Having a Bachelor’s degree opensadditional doors to hygienists who may choose careers in publichealth, research, management, sales, special needs patient care,teaching and administration.

The professional curriculum in the dental hygiene program providesstudents with knowledge of oral health and disease as a basisfor assessment, planning and implementation of dental hygieneservices for individual patients and community oral health programs.Preclinical coursework provides students hands-on experience in anoutstanding simulation lab, developing and practicing clinical skills.With the accelerated program, students begin seeing patients atthe beginning of their second semester, working collaboratively withdental residents to deliver comprehensive patient care in a privatepractice-like working relationship.Integral to the education of the Pacific dental hygiene studentare the many extramural rotations that expose the students to avariety of populations. Students become accustomed to educationand treatment of the elderly community, school-aged children, andthose with special needs. Dental Hygiene students provide childrenwith dental sealants, fluoride varnish and oral health education aspart of their community outreach. True to the mission of the DugoniSchool of Dentistry, these students are being prepared to be theoral health leaders of the future.