| The Dental Hygiene Profession
American Dental Hygienists' Association
About the Programs The University of Maryland, Baltimore, Dental School, Department of Dental Hygiene offers undergraduate programs which lead to the Bachelor of Science degree. Two types of students are admitted to this program: 1) Entry-level Dental Hygiene students who have completed two years of preprofessional course work; and 2) Degree Completion students who are Registered Dental Hygienists (RDHs) and are graduates of associate degree or certificate Dental Hygiene programs who wish to complete the course work to obtain the Bachelor of Science degree. The Master of Science Degree Program is a graduate program, only applicable to Registered Dental Hygienists who have completed a baccalaureate degree and wish to further their education to obtain a Master of Science Degree. Admissions Information
| | |
The Dental Hygiene Profession | The dental hygienist is a licensed health care professional and member of the oral health team who provides preventive, health educational and treatment services to people of all ages from a wide variety of cultural, ethnic and racial backgrounds. Most hygienists work with individual patients in dental practices, but some work in industry, community health clinics, hospitals, military clinics and other public health facilities. Dental hygienists also plan and provide education to groups in schools, colleges, universities and community programs. Educational and management services for individuals and/or groups may include providing nutritional, oral hygiene, and tobacco cessation counseling; conducting educational programs; and planning, implementing and evaluating oral health programs. Typically, dental hygienists teach clients good oral hygiene; they also provide clinical services such as assessing patients' general and oral health status, screening for oral cancer, examining teeth and gums, taking and interpreting x-rays, scaling teeth, applying fluorides and sealants. The employment outlook for dental hygienists continues to be excellent, because the need and demand for preventive oral health care are very strong. If you enjoy working with people and want to join a challenging and flexible health care profession, let us help you explore a career in Dental Hygiene and the program at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. |
Future Outlook | Salaries for hygienists have continued to rise over the last few years. During the same period, the number of dentists employing at least one hygienist has increased significantly. |
About the Program The University of Maryland Dental Hygiene Program | The Dental Hygiene Program at the University of Maryland combines an outstanding curriculum with the state-of-the-art advantages of the Dental School environment. The Dental School has the dual distinction of being the first dental college in the world and a recognized leader in scholarship, research, and service. Dental hygiene and dental students work together to provide patient care and participate in ongoing research and community service programs. An outstanding clinical education program-featuring patient-centered and student-centered General Practices-simulates the responsibilities of a dental practice. Dental and dental hygiene students provide comprehensive patient care under the supervision of clinical faculty. Small class sizes, modern clinical facilities, an innovative curriculum and faculty members who care-all characterize the dental hygiene program. As part of an urban medical center campus, the Dental School attracts a diverse patient population. Its downtown Baltimore location makes the school a convenient source of dental care for city residents and those who work nearby. The Dental School logs more than 100,000 patient visits annually and it extends services to many in the community whose needs are great. |
The Dental Hygiene Program Goal | The overall goal of the dental hygiene program is to prepare graduates who are competent to enter the profession of dental hygiene. |
Educational Opportunities | The University of Maryland, Baltimore, Dental School, Department of Dental Hygiene offers undergraduate programs which lead to the Bachelor of Science degree. Two types of students are admitted to this program: 1) Entry-level Dental Hygiene students who have completed two years of preprofessional course work; and 2) Degree Completion students who are Registered Dental Hygienists (RDHs) and are graduates of associate degree or certificate Dental Hygiene programs who wish to complete the course work to obtain the Bachelor of Science degree. Entry level students have the opportunity to acquire a full range of clinical experiences in general dental and specialty areas including treatment of emergency, medically compromised, and physically and mentally challenged patients. Various collaborative community service efforts with local, state, and federal agencies afford students opportunities to provide dental hygiene services for special populations. The Dental Hygiene Department offers a two-phase program leading to a Bachelor of Science degree. Although most students complete the Phase II curriculum in two years, a three-year option is available for those who may need a more flexible schedule in order to continue working or to meet family responsibilities. In addition to the Entry-Level Bachelor of Science Degree Program, the department also offers excellent Bachelor of Science Degree Completion and Master of Science Degree Programs for hygienists seeking further education. Dental hygienists, particularly those with Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees, assume a variety of roles in addition to clinical practitioner: administrator/manager, educator, consumer advocate, health promotion specialist, researcher.
|
|
