Dental Hygiene, A.A.S.

Visit the Dental Hygiene page for more information on the program and access to advising.

Program Description

Dental hygienists examine patients for signs of oral diseases, such as gingivitis, and provide preventive care, including oral hygiene. Working in a private dental office continues to be the primary place of employment for dental hygienists. For today’s dental hygiene professional, there are many other career pathways to explore as well.

Matriculation Requirements:

1. ENGL 1010 Introduction to Academic Writing or ENGH 1005 Literacies and Composition Across Contexts, CHEM 1110 Elementary Chemistry for the Health Sciences, BIOL 1610 College Biology I or BIOL 1610H College Biology I,  ZOOL 2320 Human Anatomy/ZOOL 2325 Human Anatomy Laboratory and ZOOL 2420 Human Physiology/ZOOL 2425 Human Physiology Laboratory with a minimum of a "C" grade or higher.

2. Complete the HSRT - Health Science Reasoning Test.

3. Complete 20 hours of clinical/dental office observation.

4. Submit two letters of reference by either a current supervisor/employer or academic instructor.

5. Submit a 2 page essay on topic provided by department.

6. Submit the Dental Hygiene Application Fee by February 1.

7. Complete interview process and be formally accepted into program.

Program Requirements

Graduation Requirements

1. Completion of a minimum of 84 semester credits.
2. All courses must have a grade of  "C" or higher.
3. Residency hours: minimum of 20 credit hours through course attendance at UVU.
4. Completion of GE and specified departmental requirements.

Graduation Plan

This graduation plan is a sample plan and is intended to be a guide. Your specific plan may differ based on your Math and English placement and/or transfer credits applied. You are encouraged to meet with an advisor and set up an individualized graduation plan in Wolverine Track.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. UVUDH graduates will be able to execute all steps in the dental hygiene process of care.
2. UVUDH graduates will be able to apply a professional code of ethics which complies with Federal and State laws.
3. UVUDH graduates will be able to provide health promotion and education services in public health and alternative settings.
4. UVUDH graduates will be able to successfully graduate and affiliate with professional organizations.
5. UVUDH graduates will be able to perform self-assessment for professional growth and lifelong learning.