Dental Hygiene

The baccalaureate degree curriculum is designed to prepare dental hygienists with a background for teaching, for organization and management and for research, as well as for clinical dental hygiene. The dental hygiene associate degree curriculum is designed primarily to prepare the graduated hygienist to effectively practice as a respected member of the dental hygiene profession. The education also provides the student with knowledge, skills and attitudes that will enable him or her to serve as a community resource in matters of dental disease prevention and sound dental health practices.

These curricular programs are structured to meet the requirements for accreditation by the Council on Dental Education by the American Dental Association.The educational experience offered is both general and specialized and prepares the graduated hygienist to effectively carry out the duties as prescribed by licensure requirements. Hygienists are prepared for varied career opportunities which include general practice dentistry, specialty practices, public health, military installations, hospitals or clinics, research facilities or public school dental hygiene.

Although it is possible to enter dental hygiene education upon completion of high school studies, most beginning dental hygiene students will have successfully completed one or more years of college.

Students who are interested in enrolling in the dental hygiene programs must first apply to Western Kentucky University. Following their acceptance as a Western Kentucky University student, they must apply to the dental hygiene programs for admission. Enrollment in dental hygiene courses is closed to all students except those who have been accepted into the programs. Students are required to have liability insurance coverage during these programs of study at the University. Students are required to be certified in CPR prior to official enrollment into the programs. Other rules, standards and requirements should be obtained directly from the departmental office.Students must maintain an average of "C" or better in each dental hygiene course. Additionally, in accordance with University policy, an overall grade point average of 2.0 or better must be attained upon completion of required curriculum.