The Division of Dental Hygiene is committed to excellence in dental hygiene education, practice, management, and research.
Advancements in research, technology, and the challenge of serving a diverse patient population demand dental hygiene students who are prepared intellectually, technically and ethically to meet the oral healthcare challenges of the 21st century.
In response to this demand, we provide an educational environment that blends a solid dental hygiene clinical education with the biological, behavioral and social sciences, as well as liberal arts. We emphasize a commitment to community service, intellectual development, and critical thinking.
Mission
To graduate a diverse dental hygiene workforce who are leaders in healthcare innovation and support collaborative efforts with other professionals to achieve holistic well-being of persons and populations.
Vision
Integration of dental hygienists as self-regulated professionals into the healthcare team to provide evidence-based, person-centered care to achieve oral and overall health and well-being of all persons and populations.
Goals
- To prepare highly qualified, diverse, and innovative oral health professionals.
- To provide a competency-based educational program.
- To provide evidence-based, person-centered, comprehensive care.
- To educate and train dental hygienists to lead the profession in a variety of professional roles.
- To provide continuing education to foster lifelong learning.
- To engage in research to advance scientific discovery and scholarship.
- To equip oral health professionals with the skills for providing inclusive and equitable care, fostering a sense of belonging for all.
- To provide students with learning opportunities for community connection and oral health promotion.
- To foster interprofessional collaboration within the healthcare system and community.