Dental Hygiene: A.A.S.

Associate in Applied Science

CIP Code: 51.0602

---

Mission

The mission of the Dental Hygiene program is designed to prepare graduates who meet the requirements for an A.A.S. degree and are prepared to take regional and national licensure examinations. The curriculum prepares students for practice in accordance with the New York State Dental Practice Act and to enter the profession as a competent entry-level dental hygienist.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Graduates must be competent in providing dental hygiene care for the child, adolescent, adult, geriatric, and medically compromised patient.
2. Graduates must be competent in providing the dental hygiene process of care which includes:
   a. Assessment: The systematic collection and analysis of the following data to identify patient needs and oral health problems.
   b. Planning: The establishment of realistic goals and treatment strategies to facilitate optimal oral health.
   c. Implementation: Provision of treatment as identified in the assessment and planning phase.
   d. Evaluation: Measurement of the extent to which goals identified in the treatment plan were achieved.
3. Graduates must be competent in providing dental hygiene care for all types of classifications of periodontal disease including patients who exhibit moderate to severe periodontal disease.
4. Graduates must be competent in interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with diverse population groups.
5. Graduates must be competent in assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating community based oral health programs including, health promotion and disease prevention activities.
6. Graduates must be competent in providing appropriate life support measures for medical emergencies that may be encountered in dental hygiene practice.
7. Graduates must be competent in applying ethical, legal and regulatory concepts to the provision and/or support of oral health care services.
8. Graduates must be competent in the application of self-assessment skills to prepare them for life-long learning.
9. Graduates must be competent in the evaluation of current scientific literature.
10. Graduates must be competent in problem solving strategies (critical thinking and decision-making skills) related to comprehensive patient care and management of patients.

Accreditation

The SUNY Broome Dental Hygiene Program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of “Approval Without Reporting Requirements.”  Approval (without reporting requirements) is an accreditation classification granted to an educational program indicating that the program achieves or exceeds the basic requirements for accreditation.  The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education.  The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at +1 (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.

Program Supervisor

Dr. Meghan McGuinness, Chairperson
Office: Decker Health Science Center, Room 317G
Telephone: +1 (607) 778-5055
E-mail: mcguinnessma@sunybroome.edu

---

The Dental Hygiene curriculum is designed to prepare students for contemporary practice of dental hygiene.  The curriculum emphasizes the fundamental knowledge necessary for practice in a private dental office or similar clinical setting under the supervision of a dentist.

The dental hygienist performs preventive and therapeutic services, such as dental prophylaxis, nonsurgical periodontal treatment, pain management, caries prevention, dental radiographs, biofilm control procedures and experience with computerized dental office management systems.  Successful completion of this curriculum permits one to take the required written and practical licensure examinations.

Students who wish to pursue a career as a dental hygienist in public health, health management, health education or dental hygiene education are encouraged to transfer to a baccalaureate program after graduation.

According to the 2022 Bureau of Labor Statistics, the National Dental Hygiene wage average was $81,400/hourly rate $39.14. By the year 2032, the national employment trend is expected to increase by 7% nationally, faster than the average of all occupations. SUNY Broome graduates meeting state and national licensing requirements are employed within six months of graduation.

In addition to textbooks, students are also expected to purchase numerous clinical supplies and malpractice insurance for clinical practice.  Students are also required to complete the Dental Hygiene Department Freshman Orientation Manual requirements prior to admittance in the fall DH courses.

Individuals who self-disclose the presence of a blood-borne infectious disease will be shown the same consideration as non-infected individuals and will be offered reasonable accommodations.  All information regarding the health status on an individual is considered confidential, and protected by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1994.