Program Overview

The UB Associate in Dental Hygiene AS degree program combines general education courses with courses from the Fones School of Dental Hygiene to offer a broad educational preparation. In addition to basic and dental science theory, the two-year curriculum provides education in prevention service and dental health education.

Dental Hygiene instruments and supplies are issued through the Fones School. These items are distributed throughout the clinical phase of the curriculum, the costs of which are included in tuition. During the second year, students receive clinical training not only at the Fones Dental Health Center on campus but also through assignments at clinical and educational facilities of school dental health programs, hospitals, and community agencies. These assignments are directly supervised by Fones faculty. Students may be responsible for their own transportation to community agencies. All courses listed for the Associate and/or Bachelor of Science degree are required for graduation. Dental Hygiene students must earn a grade of “C” in all major courses. Any student who receives a grade of “C-” or below in a course in the major field must obtain a written statement from the Fones School Director specifying the procedure necessary to remedy the deficiency and remain in the major.

Enrollment in the second year is contingent on successfully completing all first year requirements with a cumulative QPR of 2.5. Dental Hygiene clinical courses begin in the fall term. The Associate in Science degree curriculum is open only to full-time Dental Hygiene students. Clinical students are required to submit a physical, dental, and visual acuity report, provide proof of required immunizations and Tuberculin/PPD record, and must maintain certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation for the Health Care Provider.

All admitted students are subject to a background check conducted by an outside agency. All information is maintained confidentially.

Learning Outcomes and Careers
Through completion of the entry-level dental hygiene curriculum, students will achieve the following outcomes

• Characterize professionalism and responsibility in all health promotion and disease prevention activities
• Apply a professional code of ethics while adhering to appropriate legal and regulatory measures when providing oral health services
• Utilize critical thinking, problem solving, and evidence-based decision making in the dental hygiene process of care
• Provide the dental hygiene process of care (assessment, dental hygiene diagnosis, planning, implementation, evaluation, documentation) for patients/clients in all settings
• Communicate effectively with and deliver culturally competent, inter-professional health care to individuals and groups from diverse populations
• Demonstrate the knowledge necessary to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate community-based oral health programs
• Continually perform self-assessment to maintain professional standards and encourage life-long learning
• Value the need for personal and professional growth through participation in professional activities and associations
• Understand and master the competencies of Dental Hygiene Professional Practice