Dental Hygiene (BDE)

The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene has two entry options. This one is designed for students who wish to complete course work toward the bachelor's degree beginning with their freshman year. The curriculum will enable the graduate to assume positions of responsibility in a variety of alternate care settings, and also create positions to meet the demands of future health care needs. The curriculum offers a required core of dental hygiene and general education courses (select courses offered via distance learning). Students with a current dental hygiene license have the flexibility of completing the remaining degree requirements online (BDO) on either a full-time or part-time basis. Curriculum will be based on individual needs.

Career Opportunities

Advanced positions in the field of dental hygiene, legislative aide, lobbyist, insurance review specialist, dental health consultant, office manager, marketing representative, public health hygienist, and special population provider.

Special Admissions Requirements

Acceptance into this competitive major is based on an admissions ranking process. To view details on acceptance criteria, testing requirements, performance expectations, and the admissions ranking system, consult the Dental Hygiene special admissions information. Curriculum sequence for this option will be individualized. Candidates for the Dental Hygiene program must possess the Technical Standards required of a dental hygienist. 

Special Equipment Needs

Upon admission to this major, additional expenses will be encountered for uniforms, personal protective equipment, and instruments. Refer to the list of tools, uniforms, and supplies. 

Transfer Procedures

All general education courses that meet College requirements will be eligible for transfer according to College policy. At least 36 credits of the final four semesters of the student's profile must be satisfied by Penn College courses. Courses taken more than 10 years ago will be evaluated to determine if they meet current course requirements.

International health credentials/licensure, sciences courses, and most math courses will not be accepted to satisfy requirements of this major. Please see additional information for international students applying to the School of Nursing & Health Sciences majors.

Program Goals

• develop skills and commit to lifelong learning to maintain competence in an evolving healthcare system
• apply critical thinking and evidence-based decision making skills in a health care environment
• effectively communicate in diverse settings utilizing a variety of methods
• demonstrate an understanding of cultural diversity and the importance of cultural competence, and
• expand their role and career opportunities beyond clinical dental hygiene

Performance Standards

Students must earn a minimum grade of 'C' in each dental hygiene (DEN) course through semester four. Failure to do so will result in termination from the major.

Curriculum

Notice of Conviction

Child abuse clearance and criminal background checks are required by some agencies involved in fieldwork and/or capstones. Agencies can bar students from their sites if a criminal record exists or a positive drug test is noted. By virtue of contract for Penn College students to be at clinical sites, agencies have the right to ask for random drug testing. Inability to gain clinical or fieldwork or intern education experiences results in inability to meet program objectives and outcomes. For additional clarification, students can speak with their program director.

Accreditation

The associate degree program in dental hygiene is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of APPROVAL (without reporting requirements). 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