Dental Hygiene, AS

Major Code: 5301

Admission

The Dental Hygiene program is a limited enrollment program which admits one class each fall semester. An admissions committee selects candidates. To be considered for admission, applicants must first meet one of the following minimum requirement options:

Minimum Requirements
(Choose one option)

Option 1

1. ACT composite score of 20. (SAT equivalent composite score 950)
2. High school grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. (GED equivalent average 500; sub scores 410)
3. ACT math score of 19.
4. Two high school science courses completed at a “B” or higher level, including Chemistry.

Option 2

1. High School Graduation/GED/TASC completion
2. 12 hours college credit with a minimum grade of “C” in each course at an accredited institution of higher learning within the past five years. These courses must have included 8 credit hours of General Chemistry and a Biology both with laboratory components. (Developmental or remedial courses will not be considered).
3. ACT math score of 19. If the applicant’s ACT math score is less than 19, then the individual must complete appropriate developmental math course/courses equivalent to BridgeValley MATH 111 .
4. Cumulative college grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.

In addition to meeting minimum requirements, all applicants must submit:

1. A one page, handwritten essay detailing reason for application to the program.
2. Two letters of recommendation for admission into the program.
3. 20 hours of shadowing experience in a dental office verified by a letter from the supervising dentist.
4. Official copy of high school transcripts.
5. Official copy of previous college transcripts.

Current students enrolled in BridgeValley Community & Technical College who meet the above guidelines will be given first consideration for admission when having the same qualifications as an offcampus student.

Blood borne Pathogens/Radiation Safety/HIPAA/Ethics Policies: Department policies related to blood borne pathogens, radiation safety, HIPAA and Ethics are available for review at http://www.bridgevalley.edu/dental-hygiene-policies. All transcripts, essays, recommendations, shadowing documentation and related materials are due in the admissions office by January 31st for consideration of fall admission.

Program Description

A dental hygienist is a preventive oral health professional licensed to provide educational, clinical, and therapeutic services to the public. The Dental Hygiene program at BridgeValley is designed to prepare students for a career in dental hygiene with concentration on educating students for clinical dental hygiene practice and transfer to baccalaureate studies. Faculty and students are committed to a culture of excellence in education, service and patient care while maintaining the highest levels of professionalism and teamwork. The program, fully accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation, is normally two full academic years with 72 hours of credit course work and many hours of clinical practice.

Program Goals and Objectives

Mission Statement

The program is designed to prepare students for a career in dental hygiene with emphasis on educating students for clinical dental hygiene practice and preparation for future baccalaureate studies. Faculty and students are committed to a culture of excellence in education, service and patient care while maintaining the highest levels of professionalism and teamwork.

Program Goals

• Provide a quality educational program meeting the standards of the Commission on Dental Accreditation and reflecting relevant and current dental hygiene practice to ensure competent individuals for licensure and clinical practice of dental hygiene.
• Provide opportunities for quality patient care experiences in the dental hygiene clinic and off campus enrichment sites for diverse populations.
• Encourage participation in community service and health promotion initiatives.
• Provide an academic experience which allows students to pursue advanced degrees.
• Promote an environment committed to professionalism, career development and lifelong learning.

Program Competency Statements

The BridgeValley Community and Technical College Dental Hygiene Program Competencies identify knowledge, skills and behaviors graduates must possess as entry level practitioners. The statements are utilized by faculty to assess, develop and modify curriculum and educational methodologies to ensure the graduate is prepared to assume their role as a competent member of the dental health care team. Competency statements are identified in 4 domains: Professionalism, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Community Involvement and Patient Care.

Program Assessment

The Dental Hygiene program is committed to assessment of faculty effectiveness and student performance in support of our emphasis on excellence in dental hygiene education. Program outcomes are assessed systematically and comprehensively by didactic course reviews, clinical performance evaluations, externally administered board examinations, advisory committee/employer feedback, patient surveys, student/graduate surveys and faculty evaluation. General outcomes are assessed via portfolio.

Transfer Baccalaureate Option

• WVU Tech – Health Services Administration
• WVU Morgantown – BA Pathway
• WVU School of Dentistry – Dental Hygiene Degree Completion
• Other online BS/BA options in dental hygiene, health care or related majors

Admissions

The Dental Hygiene program is a limited enrollment program which admits one class each fall semester. All transcripts, essays, recommendations, shadowing documentation and related materials are due in the admissions office by January 31st for consideration for fall admission.

Admission criteria may be found in the Admissions section for specific criteria.

Blood borne Pathogens/Radiation Safety/HIPAA/Ethics Policies:
Department policies related to blood borne pathogens, radiation safety, HIPAA and Ethics are available for review at http://www.bridgevalley.edu/dental-hygiene-policies.

Careers

Dental hygienists may assume the roles of clinician, educator, researcher, administrator/manager and advocate. Dental hygienists are employed clinically in private dental practice, hospitals, clinics, institutions, public and private schools, and the armed forces. Dental hygienists are also employed as health educators in various public health settings.

*** If the student earns a D or F in any DENT-Dental Hygiene course, CHEM 110 /CHEM 111 , BIOL 210  or BIOL 230 /BIOL 231 , the student is automatically dismissed from the program and must apply for readmission. If readmitted, the student must retake the course applying the “D and F repeat rule”. The student who earns a D or F in a DENT-Dental Hygiene course may only repeat the course one time.