HOBET EXAM INFORMATION

The HOBET Exam is now administered through UAA's Advising and Testing Center.   Testing availability is on a walk-in basis and the test will take approximately 3 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.

Introduction

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.

Clinical dental hygiene requires the ability to sit for long periods of time, good to excellent eye-hand coordination, and excellent fine hand motor skills. Dental hygienists are exposed to bacteria and viruses. Use of protective glasses, face masks and surgical type gloves is required. A professional appearance must be maintained during preclinical and clinical sessions.

Due to the nature of the work, students are not permitted to work in the classroom, laboratory or clinic when under the influence of intoxicants, drugs or medication affecting psychomotor responses. Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental-Health Care Settings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will be followed for students with, or exposure to, infectious diseases. As a condition of participation in the Dental Hygiene Program students must abide by the University’s “Student Code of Conduct,” the Dental Hygiene Program’s “Policies and Procedures,” and the American Dental Hygienists’ Association “Code of Ethics for Dental Hygienists.”

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 to 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.

Preclinical and clinical requirement  Dental Hygiene program students are required to provide the following by the first day of class.

1.  Evidence of Immunity to: 
   Hepatitis A immunization. (Hepatitis A is a series of 2 immunizations.)
   Hepatitis B by titer. (Hep B immunization is a series of 3 immunizations.)
   Rubella by titer or immunization.
   Rubeola by titer or immunization.  (Two doses of measles vaccine are recommended the first at 15-18 months and the second prior to entering elementary school or at a later date.
   Varicella by titer or immunization.  (Varicella vaccine is available and is a series of two immunizations.)
   Tetanus-Diphtheria within the past 10 years by immunization.
   Freedom from Tuberculosis within the past 6 months and annually.  Students with a previous positive skin test will be required to complete a risk assessment annually.  A chest x-ray may be required or recommended.
   Recommended: 
   Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) screen.  Results will remain confidential to the student.  The department will only know that the student was screened.
   Flu shot annually.
   Meningitis immunization.
   Student check immunization records for evidence of Mumps vaccine or history of disease.
   
   These requirements are based on the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the American College Health Association (ACHA), the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), and the American Academy of Pediatrics.  Immunizations must be kept current throughout each semester.
   
   The Student Health Center provides immunizations and titers at a nominal fee.  Other sources for immunizations and titers may be Health Departments and private practitioners.Students admitted to the pre-clinic and clinic and who have not completed the Hepatitis B vaccination series, must show proof of completion within 6 months and show proof of immunity by having a post-titer drawn.  Students who are non-immune after vaccination series must repeat the series and have another post-titer drawn.
   
2. Good Dental Health- Proof of having good dental health, by having a dental exam within the past year.  A letter with statement of dental health and/or treatment plan on the dentist’s letterhead or Dental Hygiene Program form is sufficient for documentation, and must be presented at orientation.
3. Current Health Care Provider (American Heart Association) or Professional Rescuer (American Red Cross) Certification in CPR/AED for infants, children, and adults.  First year students must present proof of certification at orientation.  Certification must be kept current until graduation 
4. Proof of medical/accident insurance.  Coverage must remain in effect during enrollment in the Program.  Students who do not have an insurance carrier and are taking 6 credits or more may qualify for accident or accident/illness insurance through UAA.  Information is available at the Admissions Office and at the insurance booth during registration.

Professional liability insurance in the amount of $1million/$3 million is included as part of the lab fees.  Insurance must be maintained throughout the duration of the student’s enrollment in Dental Hygiene courses.

Students enrolled in the Dental Hygiene Program must provide their own transportation to off campus assignments.  Students are required to purchase uniforms and specialized equipment.  The Program assumes no responsibility for illnesses and injuries experienced by the student while enrolled in the Dental Hygiene Program.  Students who are injured while completing the Dental Hygiene Program are responsible for all associated medical costs.  It is required that students maintain personal medical insurance while enrolled in the Program.

Students are responsible for securing both adult and child patients to satisfy clinical requirements.

Review the web version of our Dental Hygiene brochure for more information.