Dec 04, 2024  
2016-2017 Official General Catalog 
    
2016-2017 Official General Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Dental Hygiene: A.A.S.


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Associate in Applied Science

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 various preventive services, such as dental prophylaxis, topical fluoride applications, dental sealants, dental radiographs, instruction in plaque 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 2014 Bureau of Labor statistics, the National Dental Hygiene wage average was $71,970 and the New York State average was $69,120.  By the year 2022, the national employment trend is expected to increase by 33%. 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.

The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, a specialized accreditating body recognized by the Council on Post-Secondary Accreditation and by the United States Department of Education.

Pre-requsite requirements and/or academic preparation for admissions:

  1. Math Level 2:  Regents Course 1 and II
                                                        or
                         Applied Math I, II, III
                                                        or
                         Algebra I and Geometry
                                                        or
                         Equivalent (minimum grade 74)
     
  2. Regents Biology    or
    Applied Science I and II
                               or
    Equivalent (minimum grade 74)
     
  3. Chemistry   or
    Equivalent (minimum grade 74)

Recommended High School subjects:  College Preparatory Courses

Program supervised by:
Maureen Mullins Hankin, Chairman
Office: Decker Health Science Center, Room 217
Telephone: 607 778-5149
E-mail: hankinmr@sunybroome.edu

FIRST YEAR


SECOND YEAR


GRADUATION REQUIREMENT: 70 CREDITS


Notes:


DEN 110 Dental Materials and DEN 213 Community Dental Health each count as one “Writing Emphasis” (W) course.  A total of two “Writing Emphasis” courses are required for the A.A.S. DH Degree.

Students are required to complete a course in CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation) before entering the dental hygiene program.  Students must also be re-certified before entering the third semester.  The department strongly recommends that the student have a vaccination against Hepatitis B and an eye exam prior to beginning the program.  Students must complete the DEN course sequence three (3) years from the start of the first required professional DEN course.

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