Dental Hygiene

Graduates in the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene will be able to:

• Demonstrate clinical competence through successful completion of all clinical requirements.
• Create an electronic portfolio that validates successful attainment of the Eastern Washington University Dental Hygiene Core Competencies for Entry into the Profession of Dental Hygiene.
• Develop programs that promote the health and well-being of a diverse society.
• Integrate principles of leadership and advocacy in the professional roles of the dental hygienist.
• Synthesize theoretical, experiential, and empirical knowledge from dental hygiene, scientific, and humanistic disciplines into the professional roles of the dental hygienist.
• Assess the role of the dental hygienist on an interprofessional healthcare team.

While in the program, dental hygiene students are required to be clinicians and patients, to deliver and receive injections of local anesthetic, and to administer and receive nitrous oxide sedation for dental hygiene learning experiences. These activities are essential components of the dental hygiene curriculum.

Course Catalog | Curriculum Map (PDF)

To be considered for admission, applicants must have the majority of the EWU breadth area core requirements (BACR) and graduation requirements completed and /or be able to complete all requirements prior to the fall semester entry into the program.

 DENTAL HYGIENE PRIORITY SCIENCE PREREQUISITES:

The following prerequisite PRIORITY science courses (or equivalent courses) must be completed or in progress prior to the February 1^st application deadline and successfully completed by the end of winter quarter.

All science prerequisites and additional science requisite courses have a 5-year shelf life and are required to have been completed within 5 years of the date of application.

It is recommended the Biology and Chemistry series be completed at one institution to assure continuity of coursework. 

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Two science or nutrition prerequisite course may be repeated one (1) time for improved GPA on the application.  (Minimum acceptable grade is 2.0).

DENTAL HYGIENE REMAINING REQUISITES:   In addition to the priority sciences, each of the following courses or equivalent courses must be successfully completed with a grade of 2.0 or higher prior to the fall entry into the program.  Failure to do so results in program acceptance rescinded.

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EWU BACR and GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS: All EWU Breadth Area Core Requirements (BACR) and graduation requirements; Math, English, Humanities, Social Sciences, Diversity, and Global Studies courses must be successfully completed.  Failure to do so results in program acceptance rescinded.

At the time of application the EWU Credential Evaluators confirms these requirements are listed in the catalog.

EWU General Education Information

The Dental Hygiene program at Eastern Washington University is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. A Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree signifies the holder is prepared for entry into the profession of Dental Hygiene. The Department of Dental Hygiene has adopted the following essential functions for admission, promotion and graduation for its entry level professional program. Dental Hygiene is an intellectually, physically, and psychologically demanding profession. It is during the rigorous two year curriculum that the student begins to develop the qualities needed to practice dental hygiene. Students acquire the foundation of knowledge, attitudes, skills and behaviors needed throughout the dental hygienists’ professional career. Those abilities that dental hygienists must possess to practice safely and in a professionally competent manner are reflected in the essential functions that follow.

Students must be able to meet the following minimum standards, with or without reasonable accommodation, for successful completion of degree requirements.

A. Visual Acuity

• Must be able to read small printed labels on medications and other pertinent supplies.
• Must be able to read small numbers on instruments.
• Must be able to determine detail in small areas of the mouth varying from <5mm to several cm.
• Must possess adequate depth perception to evaluate size, shape and texture in small areas with minimal contrast
• Must be able to determine very slight variations in color.

B. Speaking Ability

• Verbal expression must be clear and distinct enough to enunciate dental terminology while wearing a face mask.
• Must be able to express thoughts clearly in English.

C. Motor Skills

Must have sufficient motor function to execute movements reasonably required to provide general care and treatment to patients including:

• The ability to directly operate foot controls using fine movements.
• The ability to operate hand and mechanical dental hygiene instruments around the teeth and structures in the oral cavity.
• The ability to perform palpation, percussion, and other diagnostic maneuvers and procedures.
• The ability to transfer and position disabled patients and to physically restrain patients who lack motor control.
• The ability to position and reposition self around patient and chair in a sitting and standing position.

Must have coordination of both gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium and integrated use of the senses of touch and vision to execute movements reasonably required to provide general care and treatment to patients as detailed above.

D.  Adaptive Ability

• Must be able to successfully complete required tasks/functions under stressful conditions.
• Must be able to perform with minimal supervision.
• Must be able to interact appropriately with all members of the dental team, patients, patient representatives (e.g. parents, guardians, family members, interpreters, etc.).
• Must be able to function in a structured environment with time constraints.

E.  Language Ability

• Must be able to read, write, speak, record and report in English.
• Must be able to comprehend written and oral directions given in English and carry them out.
• Must be able to have conversations in English on the telephone and one-on-one.

F.  Observation

• Must be able to observe demonstrations in lecture, clinical and laboratory settings. Observation requires the functional use of vision, hearing and somatic sensations.

G.  Communication

• Must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients, and patient representatives (e.g. parents, guardians, family members, interpreters, etc.), as well as perceive nonverbal communications.
• Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with other members of the dental team and health care community to convey information essential for safe and effective care. Communication includes: speech, language, reading, writing and computer literacy.

H.  Intellectual, Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities

Must possess the ability to effectively solve problems.

• Must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, integrate and synthesize information in a timely fashion. For example, the student must be able to synthesize knowledge and integrate the relevant aspects of a patient’s history and examination findings to develop an effective treatment plan.
• Must be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and to understand spatial relationships of anatomical structures.

I.  Behavioral and Social Attributes

Must possess the psychological ability required for the full utilization of their intellectual abilities to include the exercise of good judgment:

• The prompt completion of all responsibilities inherent to diagnosis and care of clients.
• The ability to demonstrate attributes of empathy, integrity, concern for others.
• Interest, motivation, and development of mature, sensitive, empathetic, and effective relationships with patients.
• The ability to give, receive, and positively respond to constructive feedback.
• The ability to work within the context of a group or a team of peers.
• The ability to demonstrate intrapersonal coping skills.
• Must maintain a professional appearance and hygiene.
• Must have the ability to be timely and dependable.
• Must be able to tolerate physically and mentally taxing workloads and function effectively under stress.
• Must be able to adapt to a changing environment, display flexibility and learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of patients.
• Must demonstrate professionally ethical behavior, including the ability to comply with rules, regulations, professional Code of Ethics and policies of the College and Clinical Affiliates.

J.  Curriculum Requirements

• Must be able to successfully complete, with or without reasonable accommodation, all required essential components of the curriculum.

K.  Tests and Evaluations

• Must be able to successfully complete both written and practical periodic examinations which are employed by the Dental Hygiene Program as an essential component of the curriculum to evaluate competence.
• Must demonstrate successful completion of these examinations as a condition for continued progress through the curriculum.

L.  Clinical Assessments

• Must be able to successfully demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, competence of clinical skills in both laboratory and clinical settings.

Dental hygienists are responsible, by law, to the people of the State of Washington, for specific standards of dental hygiene conduct:

By law WAC 246-815-160—”The standards of dental hygiene conduct or practice identify minimum responsibilities of the registered dental hygienist licensed in Washington in health care settings as provided in the Dental Hygiene Practice Act, chapter 18.29 RCW, and the Uniform Disciplinary Act, chapter 18.130 RCW. The standards provide consumers with information about quality care and provide the secretary of health (of the department of health), guidelines to evaluate safe and effective care. The dental hygienist assumes the responsibility, public trust and obligation to adhere to the standards of dental hygiene practice”. 18.130.010 “Intent. It is the intent of the legislature to strengthen and consolidate disciplinary and licensure procedures for the licensed health and health-related professions by providing a uniform disciplinary act with standardized procedures for the licensure of health care professionals and the enforcement of laws the purpose of which is to assure the public of the adequacy of professional competence and conduct in the healing arts.”

The Dental Hygiene Program at Eastern Washington University addresses all issues and concerns related to bloodborne pathogens, such as Human Immunodeficiency (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in order to protect patients, students, faculty and staff, as well as protect the rights of our patients who may have a bloodborne infectious disease. Students treat all patients assigned and as a result, the potential exists for transmission of bloodborne and other infectious diseases during patient care services.
Additionally,  students may experience exposure to hazardous chemicals or substances, accidental injury, neuromuscular problems, radiation and allergic reactions to latex, anesthetic agents, or other chemical agents. Students enrolled in the dental hygiene program are provided with in-depth instructions on OSHA and WISHA safety and infection control policies employed in the dental hygiene program.

Our Bloodborne Pathogen Policy/Exposure Control Plan minimizes the risk of transmission of bloodborne pathogens, as well as, minimizes the risk to other environmental hazards. Policies are reviewed annually and changes implemented accordingly.

Latex is an integral part of dentistry; although latex free gloves are used in clinic, rubber dams, suction tubes, etc. may contain latex. Individuals with a history of some prior allergic condition, such as hay fever, environmental allergies, and drug allergies, may be at risk for latex hypersensitivity. Individuals with a documented latex allergy must submit clearance from a physician prior to participation in pre-clinical or clinical activities.

In accord with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended; The Washington State Law Against Discrimination, RCW 49.60; and Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act, as amended, which prohibit discrimination against individuals on the basis of disability, Eastern Washington University strives to make appropriate accommodations for students with documented special needs. Students with disabilities must register with the EWU Disability Support Services office which is located in Tawanka 124 if they require special accommodations. Additional information about reasonable accommodations is contained in EWU Policy 402-03, Accommodating Persons with Disabilities.

Determining what is a reasonable accommodation for students in the Eastern Washington University Dental Hygiene Program is an interactive process which the student will need to initiate with the Chair of the Dental Hygiene Department and the Disability Support Services Office. For more information, students can contact Disability Support Services by telephone at 509.359.6871.

It is important to note that the essential functions for the academic portion of a professional program are different than the essential functions for clinical practicum or professional testing. The ability to perform certain skills within a specified time frame is part of the skills that are an essential function of a profession. As a result, the request for accommodations for an extended time in clinical practicum or professional skills testing will be assessed on different essential functions than in the academic setting. In other words, in these settings, you may not receive the same time extension that may be deemed reasonable in a different academic setting.