Dental Hygiene Program

The registered dental hygienist is a licensed oral health educator and clinical operator who, as part of the dental team, uses preventive, educational, and therapeutic methods which aid individuals and groups to attain and maintain optimum oral health. Dental hygienists can work as clinicians, educators, researchers, administrators, managers, preventive program developers, consumer advocates, sales and marketing managers, editors, and consultants. Clinical dental hygienists may work in a variety of health care settings such as private dental offices, schools, public health clinics, hospitals, managed care organizations, correctional institutions, or nursing homes.

The Dental Hygiene program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation and by the United States Department of Education. The Associate of Applied Science degree is a three-year endeavor comprising one year of science and general education courses and two years of course work in dental hygiene. The program prepares graduates clinically and academically to take the National and Western Regional Examining Boards for licensure.

Application for obtaining an Alaska dental hygiene license requires information concerning illegal activity, crimes, hospitalization history regarding emotional or mental illness, drug addiction, alcoholism and contagious diseases. If these are issues for the applicant it is highly recommended the applicant contact the Alaska Department of Occupational Licensing or a similar government agency in any state in which the applicant wants to practice. The UAA Dental Program application requires information concerning disciplinary actions taken at any university or college.

Transfer of credits may be possible for graduates of an ADA accredited dental assisting program. Contact the Dental Hygiene program advisor for details.

Some expenses beyond tuition generally include activity fees, instruments, uniforms, lab fees, student organization membership, graduation pin, immunizations, cost of Basic Life Support class, licensure fees, student health insurance, and malpractice insurance for the Western Regional Examining Boards and professional liability insurance.

Once enrolled as a dental hygiene student, the student can anticipate a four-semester, 40-hour-per-week endeavor. Some evening classes and clinics are scheduled.