Program Information

Dental Hygiene Program Information

Objectives and Outcomes

The educational objectives of the Dental Hygiene program are to produce graduates who:

  • Have the technical skills and professional demeanor to perform occupationally related procedures.
  • Demonstrate academic and clinical proficiency necessary to succeed on national and regional examinations.
  • Are prepared to perform occupationally related procedures in various settings.
  • Meet the occupational requirements of employers

The specific educational outcomes that support the program objectives are to produce graduates who are able to:

  • Demonstrate occupationally related skills and concepts
  • Demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving
  • Pass the American Dental Association (ADA) National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (written examination)
  • Pass the Western Regional Examining Board (WREB) Dental Hygiene Examination (clinical examination)
  • Pass the Western Regional Examining Board Anesthesia Examination (written and clinical)
  • Be employable in a variety of dental hygiene settings
 

Course Sequencing Information

General University Requirements

  1. Complete the General University Requirements for Associate Degrees located in the UAA catalog.
  2. Complete the Associate of Applied Science requirements (15 credits) (UAA catalog)  (ENGL A212 or ENGL A213 are recommended).

Major Requirements

Complete the following required courses with a minimum grade of C:

Fall Semester 1st year (18 credits)

            DA A110/110L   Dental Radiography with lab  4
            DH A201     Oral Histology and Embryology  2
            DH A202     Basic Techniques for Dental Hygienists  7
            DH A204     Anatomy of the Orofacial Structures  2
           *DN A101    Principles of Nutrition (3)
                             Or
           *DN A203    Nutrition for Health Sciences (3)

*Due to a heavy credit load, it is recommended that the nutrition course be taken prior to formal admission into the Dental Hygiene program.

Spring Semester 1st year (14 credits)

          DA A160    Materials in Dentistry  3
          DH A222     Adjunctive Techniques for Dental Hygienists  1.5
          DH A292D   Clinical Seminar I  1
          DH A295D   Clinical Practicum I  4
          DH A311     Periodontics   2
          DH A365     Pharmacology for Dental Hygienists 2

Fall Semester 2nd year (16 credits)

          DH A310    Oral Pain Control  3
          DH A312    Advanced Techniques for
                          Dental Hygienists  3
          DH A314    Pathology of Oral Tissues  2
          DH A321    Current Periodontal Therapies  2
          DH A392C  Clinical Seminar II  1
          DH A395C  Clinical Practicum II 5

Spring Semester 2nd year (10 credits)

          DH A316    Professional Dental Hygiene Practice  1.5
          DH A324    Community Dental Health I  2
          DH A392D  Clinical Seminar III  1
          DH A395D  Clinical Practicum III  6

A total of 73 credits is required for the degree.

Academic Progress – Students must earn at least 75 percent or higher in each dental hygiene course.

Additional Information

In addition to the prerequisites required for acceptance into the Dental Hygiene Program, one of the following 200 level courses must be taken for an Associate of Applied Science degree: English 211, 212, 213, 214 or COIS 260A (preferably English 212 or 213).  DN 203 Normal Nutrition or DN 101Principles of Nutrition (preferably DN 203) and English 111 and Oral Communications 111 (or 235, 237, or 241) are also required to receive an A.A.S. Degree in Dental Hygiene.

IT IS THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION IS RECEIVED BY THE DEADLINE!!  LATE APPLICATIONS OR INCOMPLETE FILES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.  The admittance process is competitive. The information given here is for general guidance only.  Completion of the admission requirements DOES NOT guarantee selection into the Dental Hygiene Program.

Inquiries related to Financial Aid should be directed to that department in the University Center at (907) 786-1586. To receive information about housing please phone (907) 751-7200

For graduation from the UAA Dental Hygiene Program, the student must successfully complete prerequisites and Dental Hygiene Program requirements as well as general university requirements for an Associate Degree and requirements for an Associate of Applied Science Degree.  Refer to the University catalog for details.
 

2013 Admission Information

Complete Applications must be received in the department by May 3, 2013. 

 

 
 

HOBET Exam

The HOBET Exam is administered through UAA's Advising and Testing Center. Testing availability is on a walk-in basis and the test will take approximately 3.5 hours. Students must start the test no later than 10am.  The cost is $50. For additional information about the exam, please visit the Advising and Testing Center's HOBET Exam Website or call (907) 786-4500. ALL applicants must complete the HOBET V Exam or it will not be accepted as valid.