Dental Hygiene

This program prepares students for a career as a Registered Dental Hygienist by combining classroom instruction with laboratory and clinical experience. It is a rigorous and demanding program, both physically and academically, providing students with a knowledge base to integrate manual skills with the delivery of high-quality oral health care services. The program emphasizes skills in communication, critical thinking, personal integrity, assessment and evaluation of a variety of treatment options. It prepares students to interact with patients as clinician, health educator, prevention specialist, and counselor in order to deliver a total health maintenance package. The New Jersey Board of Dentistry regulates dental hygiene licensure. All persons desiring to practice dental hygiene in New Jersey shall first secure a license from the Board. Licensure applicants must demonstrate competence by passing both the National Dental Hygiene Boards and the American Dental Hygiene Licensing Examination. Successful completion of the New Jersey Jurisprudence examination and an affidavit of good moral character are also required. Additionally, the Board of Dentistry requests a criminal background check. Students interested in Dental Hygiene should attend one of our informational seminars, held periodically throughout the year. Enrollment is limited. Admitted students must: - hold current certification in CPR for health care professionals; - satisfactorily complete a physical examination which indicates that they can participate in all clinical activities; - maintain malpractice/liability insurance and personal health insurance throughout the program; - undergo and pass a criminal background check and drug screening. Attendance at extramural clinical sites for enrichment of experience is mandatory. Students are also responsible for their own transportation to specified sites. The program includes clinical experience in the process of dental hygiene care. Students are apprised that they may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens and potentially infectious diseases. They are also required to sit as patients for their student partners. The program includes education and training to ensure the safety of the student, the public, and the faculty and staff.