Dental Hygiene

Students will be able to:

• provide accurate, consistent and complete documentation for assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation of dental hygiene services

• respect the goals, values, beliefs and preferences of clients while promoting optimal oral and general health

• work effectively as a team member, and take a leadership role in encouraging interdisciplinary health care

• consult with professional colleagues using appropriate medical/dental terminology

• critically analyze research and apply it to dental hygiene practice

• use critical thinking, problem solving and ethical decision-making in the assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation of dental hygiene services

• recognize emergency situations and respond effectively

• critically analyze research and apply it to dental hygiene practice

• demonstrate skill in using computers, written and graphic resources to research evidence based, health related information

• present educational information to clients and professional colleagues utilizing a variety of appropriate audio-visual aids and technology

• utilize appropriate computational skills to help perform dental hygiene services

• apply ethical principles as outlined in the professional code of ethics of the American Dental Hygienists Association to his/her personal life and to the practice of dental hygiene

• develop multiple strategies to continue his/her education, to stay current with contemporary practices and to further personal and professional development

• assume responsibility for dental hygiene actions and care based on accepted scientific theories and research as well as the accepted standard of care

• differentiate between normal and non-normal structures of the head, neck and oral cavity

• provide care to all patients using an individualized approach that is humane, empathetic and caring and ensures the confidentiality of client information

• consult with other professionals as needed to help ensure healthcare is comprehensive

• work with individuals and communities and to improve oral and general health

• advance the profession through service activities and affiliations with professional organizations