The program’s philosophy is that professional education should provide for self-development as well as for intellectual growth.

Education is a multidimensional process involving the acquisition of knowledge with under- standing, continual self-growth and maturation, and scholarly inquiry. Thus, the educational format interweaves the basic and clinical sciences, liberal arts, and interpersonal relations to produce a responsible citizen who shows interest and concern for the welfare of self family, and the community.

The faculty of the Department of Dental Hygiene believes in the development of democratic ideas which will enable students and graduates to participate as active members of society.
Student-student and student-faculty interactions aid both in molding leadership qualities and in promoting the ability to work cooperatively while retaining individuality. Each professional must be able to work in a cooperative setting with other health professionals in a united effort to provide quality total patient care. Support and participation is expected in professional and civic organizations as well as in issues affecting health services to the public.

The history of the program began in 1967 when the program enrolled its first class. Since then the program has maintained its accreditation status by upholding the rigorous educational standards of the profession. Many technical standards are required for our graduates to be successful in the dental hygiene curriculum. Pass rates on national written and clinical board examinations continue to be outstanding as the program graduates professionals who are prepared for the role of dental hygienist. (top)