College of Health Sciences

Dental Hygiene Program

WELCOME TO THE DEPARTMENT OF DENTAL HYGIENE AT UTAH TECH UNIVERSITY!

After students complete all prerequisite coursework, Utah Tech’s Dental Hygiene Program is a full-time, two-year curriculum where students are instructed in the theoretical knowledge and clinical skills essential for dental hygiene practice. Students are able to develop clinical skills in our Public Dental Hygiene Clinic. The academic program is fully accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

To become a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH), students must complete an accredited dental hygiene program, pass the national written exam, pass regional and state clinical board examinations, and apply for licensure in the state(s) where they will practice.

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Faculty & Staff

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Degree Offered

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COURSES

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Public Dental Hygiene Clinic

The UT Public Dental Hygiene Clinic allows Dental Hygiene Program students to provide oral health care education and dental hygiene services to the public under faculty supervision. Dental Hygiene Program students have extensive education, training, and have demonstrated competency in clinical services. The public is welcome to apply to receive dental services at the clinic.

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Our Mission

The mission of the Utah Tech University Dental Hygiene Program is to graduate quality health care professionals with the highest ethical and professional standards, by providing an exceptional academic and active learning curriculum.

Program Learning Outcomes

Customized patient-centered care At the successful conclusion of this program, students will be able to execute all steps in the dental hygiene process of care.

  • 1.1 Perform a comprehensive patient assessment utilizing critical decision-making skills to construct and document a dental hygiene care plan for all types of patients based on data collected.
  • 1.2 Perform and document comprehensive patient care which promote patient health and wellness for all patient types and classifications.
  • 1.3 Provide appropriate life support measures for medical emergencies that may be encountered in the practice of dental hygiene.

Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
At the successful conclusion of this program, students will be able to apply a professional code of ethics as stated in the ADHA Code of Ethics.

  • 2.1 Apply a professional code of ethics and conduct to all aspects of dental hygiene.
  • 2.2 Comply with state laws, recommendations and regulations, governing the practice of dental hygiene.
  • 2.3 Achieve high levels of ethical consciousness, decision making, and practice to carry into the profession.

Health care systems At the successful conclusion of this program, students will be able to promote oral health through education and service in public health and alternative settings.

  • 3.1 Administer oral health services and education individualized to patients’ cultures and special needs, in a variety of community settings.
  • 3.2 Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate community-based oral health programs with respect to the oral health needs of the community.
  • 3.3 Employ inter-professional partnerships to encourage health promotion and disease prevention within the community.

Critical thinking and research At the successful conclusion of this program, students will be able to analyze and apply research to facilitate evidence-based decisions.

  • 4.1 Search and critically examine medical/dental databases for current information for evidence-based decision making.
  • 4.2 Evaluate the safety and efficacy of oral health products, interventions, and treatments.
  • 4.3 Utilize principles of research methodology to evaluate the scientific literature and synthesize the information in a critical and effective manner to apply evidence-based approaches to patient care.
  • 4.4 Apply self-assessment skills to prepare for lifelong learning.

Communication and collaboration  At the successful conclusion of this program, students will be able to: Develop effective communication and collaboration skills for interacting with diverse population groups, healthcare professionals, and health care teams to contribute to increased health and health behaviors.

  • 5.1 Demonstrate effective communication skills when providing oral health education to patients and populations from diverse backgrounds.
  • 5.2 Collaborate with the patient and the inter-professional healthcare team in the formulation of evidence-based, comprehensive, patient-centered dental hygiene care.
  • 5.3 Employ effective written and verbal communication skills to provide oral health education and promotion in a variety of settings.

Shayla Mendenhall

Administrative Assistant

Email: DentalHygiene@utahtech.edu

Phone: 435-879-4905

Fax: 435-879-4929

Office: Taylor 106

Cindy Clark

Advisor

Email: Cindy.Clark@utahtech.edu

Phone: 435-879-4809

Office: HPC 343

Public Clinic

Email: DHclinic@utahtech.edu

Phone: 435-879-4900

Fax: 435-879-4929