• General Information
  • Accreditation
• Mission Statement
• Program Goals

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General Information

Graduates of the dental hygiene program serve as consumer advocates for oral health care. They are an integral part of the dental team, able to provide instruction and therapeutic services in the prevention of oral diseases. The eighty-three credit hour curriculum combines general education, biomedical science, and dental science and dental hygiene courses culminating in an associate of applied science degree. Students participate in didactic, laboratory and clinical education experiences. Successful completion of the program prepares the graduate to sit for the National Dental Hygiene Board Examination, and to become a registered dental hygienist.

Admission to the program is highly selective. A grade of "C" or above is required in all science/math and major courses in order to progress within the program.

Accreditation

The Dental Hygiene Program is accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).

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Mission Statement

The Dental Hygiene Program derives its purposes and functions from the mission statement of the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith. Our primary purpose is to provide the highest quality education while recognizing and respecting the dignity of each individual student. We are committed to contributing to the oral health needs of the community by providing high quality care in a cost efficient manner.

The Dental Hygiene Program strives to provide a variety of quality academic, laboratory, preclinical and clinical learning experiences that prepare students to assume the role of a dental hygienist in a variety of practice settings. Students, while having the responsibility for their own learning, are provided with an environment for effective learning by the faculty. The Dental Hygiene faculty encourages students to attain their professional goals while realizing their individual potential as learners and beginning professionals.

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Program Goals

1. To graduate clinically competent and ethical dental hygienists who will promote the values of oral and general health and wellness to the public.
2. To provide a quality educational program that meets the needs of the students, employers and educational community.
3. To graduate dental hygienists who are able to initiate and assume responsibility for health promotion and disease prevention activities for diverse populations in a variety of settings.
4. To create a physical and emotional atmosphere conducive to learning.
5. To graduate dental hygienists who possess transferable skills, e.g. in communication, problem solving, and critical thinking, in order to take advantage of opportunities for professional growth and development.

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