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Associate of Applied Science Degree
A Dental Hygienist is a preventive oral health professional licensed to provide educational, clinical and therapeutic services to the dental consumer.
The Dental Hygiene Program provides a scientifically current, competency-based curriculum focusing on mental, psychomotor, and affective education, which is essential to become a competent Dental Hygienist.
While each state has its own specific regulations governing the dental hygienist’s responsibilities, typical services provided in Ohio include: scaling and polishing teeth, taking and developing dental radiographs (x-rays), patient screening procedures, applying preventive materials such as sealants and fluorides, taking impressions for study models, nutritional counseling, and teaching oral hygiene techniques.
Board Exams
Students who successfully complete the program will be eligible to sit for the Dental Hygiene National Board Exam (NBDHE), The Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA) Regional Board and/or other state and regional boards.
The Ohio State Dental Board (OSDB) has restrictions on granting licensure to individuals who have prior felony convictions or mental incompetence. Check the OSDB Website (www.dental.ohio.gov) for further information.
Mission
The Dental Hygiene Department prepares students to become competent dental professionals for diverse practice settings who provide knowledgeable, accountable and quality patient care to the community we serve.
Vision
The Dental Hygiene Department will develop and implement a premier educational program incorporating technology, scholarly activity, creativity and will be the preferred source of healthcare employees.
Department of Dental Hygiene
Accreditation
The Dental Hygiene Program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status July 2014 for 7-year period. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611-2678. The Commission’s web address is http://www.ada.org/en/coda.
Professional Organization
Students are required to maintain student membership in the professional organization for dental hygienists, The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), 444 N Michigan Avenue, Suite 400, Chicago, Illinois, 60611, phone number 312-440-8900, web address www.adha.org, as part of the program requirements.
Health Requirements
Students are required to have a physical exam, including an eye exam, before starting the Fall Semester. Lab exams are required and include: CBC, Urinalysis, RPR/VDRL, Mumps Titer, 2-Step PPD, Diphtheria Toxoid & Tetanus Toxoid, MMR vaccination record or Rubella Titer, Hepatitis B (3part series). Health Requirements must be completed before Fall Semester.
Background Check Requirements
Background checks by the Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification (BCI & I) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are required for clinical rotations and community project. The student assumes the cost of the background checks. For more information regarding background checks visit the following websites:
The Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification (BCI & I), www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), www.fbi.gov
Technical Standards
Review the following standards to examine your ability and compatibility with the physical activity and demands, professional and clinical condition requirements of dental hygienists. Sample tasks and skills are listed below with normal time frames.
- view Technical Standards Chart
Work Environment
The dental health care worker provides services in an environment that includes blood and saliva. Diseases may be encountered in this type of environment. However, research shows that risks are negligible when appropriate infection control procedure/barrier techniques are used. Upon entering the program, there is in-depth training to meet the protocol for a hazard-free, safe learning environment. Students are required to complete Health Requirements and have CPR certification before entrance into the program.
Recruitment of Patients
Students learn and practice skills in the on-campus Dental Hygiene Clinic. Ongoing recruitment of patients for the clinic is necessary for each student to meet his/her program requirements. Students will be expected to recruit patients in addition to the patient that seeks routine care in the clinic.
Clinical Experiences
Owens Community College has a 21 chair Dental Hygiene Clinic. There is a clinical affiliation with the Dental Center of Northwest Ohio located on 2138 Madison Avenue, Toledo, Ohio and 1800 North Blanchard, Suite 122, Findlay, Ohio.
Transfer Information
Graduates may pursue a bachelor’s degree at area colleges or through on-line options. Meet with an Advisor or the Department Chair for more information.
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