Associate of Applied Science Degree
Dental hygienists clean teeth and provide other preventive dental care, as well as teach patients how to practice good oral hygiene. Hygienists examine patients’ teeth and gums, recording the presence of diseases or abnormalities. They remove calculus, stains and plaque from teeth; take and develop dental X-rays; and apply cavity preventive agents such as fluoride and sealants. In some states, hygienists administer local anesthetics and anesthetic gas; place and carve filling materials, temporary fillings and periodontal dressings; remove sutures; and smooth and polish metal restorations.
Dental hygienists also help patients develop and maintain good oral health. For example, they may explain the relationship between diet and oral health, inform patients how to select toothbrushes and show patients how to brush and floss their teeth.
Dental hygienists use hand and rotary instruments to clean teeth, X-ray machines to take dental radiographs, syringes with needles to administer local anesthetics, and models of teeth to explain oral hygiene.
Program Director
Susan Leiken
Extension 7168, Room HS-223B
Learn More about Dental Hygiene
Links to Related Websites
Accreditation Status
The program in dental hygiene is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation [and has been granted the accreditation status of “approval without reporting requirements”]. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Untied States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611 or http://www.ada.org/. The next site visit is scheduled for the year 2006.
Required Notice of Opportunity and Procedure to File Complaints with the Commission
The Commission on Dental Accreditation will review complaints that relate to a program’s compliance with the accreditation standards. The Commission is interested in the sustained quality and continued improvement of dental and dental-related education programs but does not intervene on behalf of individuals or act as a court of appeal for individuals in matters of admission, appointment, promotion or dismissal of faculty, staff or students.
A copy of the appropriate accreditation standards and/or the Commission’s policy and procedure for submission of complaints may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611-2678 or by calling 1-800-621-8099 extension 4653.