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.\u00a0These activities are essential components of the dental hygiene curriculum.<\/p>\n
Course Catalog<\/strong><\/a> | Curriculum Map (PDF)<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n"},{"label":"Program Prerequisites ","copy":" 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.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong>DENTAL HYGIENE PRIORITY SCIENCE PREREQUISITES:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n The following prerequisite PRIORITY science courses (or equivalent courses) must be completed or in progress<\/strong> prior to the February 1st<\/sup> application deadline and successfully completed by the end of winter quarter.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n It is recommended the Biology and Chemistry series be completed at one institution to assure continuity of coursework.\u00a0 <\/u><\/em><\/p>\n [table id=5 \/]<\/p>\n Two science or nutrition prerequisite course may be repeated one (1) time for improved GPA on the application.\u00a0 (Minimum acceptable grade is 2.0).<\/p>\n <\/p>\n DENTAL HYGIENE REMAINING REQUISITES:<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0In 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a grade of 2.0 or higher prior to the fall entry into the program.\u00a0 Failure to do so results in program acceptance rescinded.<\/p>\n [table id=6 \/]<\/p>\n EWU BACR and GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0All EWU Breadth Area Core Requirements (BACR) and graduation requirements; Math, English, Humanities, Social Sciences, Diversity, and Global Studies courses must be successfully completed.\u00a0 Failure to do so results in program acceptance rescinded.<\/p>\n At the time of application the EWU Credential Evaluators confirms these requirements are listed in the catalog.<\/p>\n EWU General Education Information<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n"}],"component_options_toggle":false,"component_options":{"disable_component":false,"nickname":"","identifier":"","navigable":false}},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion-with-notes","module_background_color":"off-white","accordion_position":"right","title":"Application Process ","notes":" Eastern Washington University Dental Hygiene Application cycle is open!\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n We welcome applicants with the following requirements who are eligible for application:<\/p>\n The selection process involves a competitive ranking of major and minor factors.<\/p>\n MAJOR FACTORS:<\/strong><\/p>\n MINOR FACTORS:<\/strong><\/p>\n Evaluation of qualified applicants<\/strong><\/p>\n After the February 1 application deadline, qualified applicants are initially ranked based upon:<\/p>\n Based upon initial\u00a0ranking, applicants are invited for a formal interview the first weekend in April.<\/p>\n After the April Interview Day, applicants who interviewed are ranked based upon:<\/p>\n In mid-April, the 40 top ranked applicants are accepted to the program and notified by email.\u00a0 The following\u00a010 ranked applicants are put on an alternate list and notified of their position\u00a0by email.<\/p>\n NOTE: Because enrollment in the program is limited to 40 and the admissions process is competitive, no assurance is given that all applicants who complete the prerequisite coursework and are accepted by EWU are admitted to the program.<\/em><\/p>\n"},{"label":"Step 1: Attend an Information Session","copy":" Oops! We could not locate your form.<\/p>\n"},{"label":"Step 2: Complete Observations ","copy":" COMPLETE ONE<\/strong>\u00a0of the following prior to program application: Please download the\u00a0EWU DNHY Observation Form<\/a> to document hours.<\/p>\n We encourage applicants to observe for 1-3 hours at the EWU Dental Hygiene Clinic.\u00a0 An appointment should be made with the front office staff during Fall or Spring semester: 509.828.1300<\/a>. Professional dress, closed-toe shoes, and no facial piercings are required.\u00a0 As a courtesy, we ask all visitors to refrain from wearing fragrances when visiting the clinic.<\/em><\/p>\n NOTE:<\/strong>\u00a0Dental office experience opportunities (with the exception of “A” above) may be limited if Hepatitis B vaccine series has not been initiated or completed.<\/p>\n"},{"label":"Step 3: Apply to EWU and Submit Official Transcripts ","copy":" Complete your EWU application, follow the steps, and pay the $60 EWU application fee.<\/p>\n Apply at EWU<\/a><\/p>\n The\u00a0Dental Hygiene Cohort Application for 2019 Fall Semester<\/a>\u00a0is now available.<\/p>\n Completed Application packets and supporting documents are due no later than February 1st<\/sup> 2019 at 4 p.m. in PDF format<\/strong>.\u00a0 Applications submitted past this deadline will not be accepted.\u00a0 It is the student’s responsibility that all documents are completed.\u00a0 Failure to include all required documents will affect your consideration for the program.<\/p>\n If you have any questions or concerns about the application process, please contact the Dental Hygiene Program Specialist at dentalhygiene@ewu.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n All applicants in the 2019 application cycle will receive email notification of their status in the application process on or after March 15.<\/p>\n \n"},{"label":"Step 5: If Invited, Attend Interview","copy":" Qualified applicants who are selected for the interview receive an email\u00a0on or after March 15. Formal admission interviews are conducted on the first Saturday each April at the EWU Spokane campus. Attendance is mandatory for continued eligibility. Professional dress is advised.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n"},{"label":"Step 6: If Accepted","copy":" Once notified of acceptance to the program, applicants must:<\/p>\n Students on the alternate list are ranked, and should stay in close contact with the dental hygiene office if they are interested in remaining active applicants. Alternates should complete all prerequisite courses as planned.\u00a0 If a candidate on the accepted list withdraws, alternate candidates are contacted.<\/p>\n All applicants for the Dental Hygiene program must have the following completed in order for enrollment in the program Fall semester.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Failure to provide documentation of above may result in admission rescind.\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n"}],"component_options_toggle":false,"component_options":{"disable_component":false,"nickname":"","identifier":"","navigable":false}},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion-with-notes","module_background_color":"white","accordion_position":"right","title":"Things to Consider","notes":" The Dental Hygiene program at Eastern Washington University is accredited by the Commission\u00a0on Dental Accreditation. A Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree signifies the holder is\u00a0prepared for entry into the profession of Dental Hygiene. The Department of Dental Hygiene\u00a0has adopted the following essential functions for admission, promotion and graduation for its\u00a0entry\u00a0level professional program. Dental Hygiene is an intellectually, physically, and\u00a0psychologically demanding profession. It is during the rigorous two\u00a0year curriculum that the\u00a0student begins to develop the qualities needed to practice dental hygiene. Students acquire the foundation of knowledge, attitudes, skills and behaviors needed throughout the dental\u00a0hygienists\u2019 professional career. Those abilities that dental hygienists must possess to practice\u00a0safely and in a professionally competent manner are reflected in the essential functions that\u00a0follow.<\/p>\n Students must be able to meet the following minimum standards, with or without reasonable accommodation, for successful completion of degree requirements.<\/p>\n A.\u00a0Visual Acuity<\/strong><\/p>\n B.\u00a0Speaking Ability<\/strong><\/p>\n C.\u00a0Motor Skills<\/strong><\/p>\n Must have sufficient motor function to execute movements reasonably required to provide general care and treatment to patients including:<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n D.\u00a0\u00a0Adaptive Ability<\/strong><\/p>\n E.\u00a0\u00a0Language Ability<\/strong><\/p>\n F.\u00a0\u00a0Observation<\/strong><\/p>\n G.\u00a0\u00a0Communication<\/strong><\/p>\n H.\u00a0\u00a0Intellectual, Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities<\/strong><\/p>\n Must possess the ability to effectively solve problems.<\/p>\n I.\u00a0\u00a0Behavioral and Social Attributes<\/strong><\/p>\n Must possess the psychological ability required for the full utilization of their intellectual abilities to include the exercise of good judgment:<\/p>\n J.\u00a0\u00a0Curriculum Requirements<\/strong><\/p>\n K.\u00a0\u00a0Tests and Evaluations<\/strong><\/p>\n L.\u00a0\u00a0Clinical Assessments<\/strong><\/p>\n Dental hygienists are responsible, by law, to the people of the State of Washington, for specific standards of dental hygiene conduct:<\/p>\n By law WAC 246-815-160\u2014”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\u201d. 18.130.010 \u201cIntent. 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.”<\/p>\n"},{"label":"Potential Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens","copy":" The Dental Hygiene Program at Eastern Washington University\u00a0addresses\u00a0all\u00a0issues\u00a0and concerns related to\u00a0bloodborne\u00a0pathogens, such as Human Immunodeficiency\u00a0(HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in order to protect patients,\u00a0students, faculty and staff, as well as protect the rights of our patients who may have a\u00a0bloodborne infectious disease.\u00a0Students treat all patients assigned and as a result, the\u00a0potential exists for transmission of bloodborne and other infectious diseases during\u00a0patient care services. Our Bloodborne Pathogen Policy\/Exposure Control Plan\u00a0minimizes the risk of transmission of\u00a0bloodborne pathogens, as well as, minimizes the\u00a0risk to other environmental hazards.\u00a0Policies are reviewed annually and changes implemented accordingly.<\/p>\n"},{"label":"Latex Allergy","copy":" 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.<\/p>\n"},{"label":"Reasonable Accomodations","copy":" In accord with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended; The Washington State\u00a0Law Against Discrimination, RCW 49.60; and Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act, as\u00a0amended, which prohibit discrimination against individuals on the basis of disability, Eastern\u00a0Washington University strives to make appropriate accommodations for students with\u00a0documented special needs. Students with disabilities must register with the EWU Disability\u00a0Support Services office which is located in Tawanka 124 if they require special\u00a0accommodations. Additional information about reasonable accommodations is contained in\u00a0EWU Policy 402-03, Accommodating Persons with Disabilities.<\/p>\n Determining what is a reasonable accommodation for students in the Eastern Washington\u00a0University Dental Hygiene Program is an interactive process which the student will need to\u00a0initiate with the Chair of the Dental Hygiene Department and the Disability Support\u00a0Services\u00a0Office. For more information, students can contact Disability Support Services by telephone at\u00a0509.359.6871<\/a>.<\/p>\n It is important to note that the essential functions for the academic portion of a professional\u00a0program are different than the essential functions for clinical practicum or professional testing.\u00a0The ability to perform certain skills within a specified time frame is part of the skills that are an\u00a0essential function of a profession. As a result, the request for accommodations for an extended\u00a0time in clinical practicum or professional skills testing will be assessed on different essential\u00a0functions than in the academic setting. In other words, in these settings, you may not receive\u00a0the same time extension that may be deemed reasonable in a different academic setting.<\/p>\n"}],"component_options_toggle":false,"component_options":{"disable_component":false,"nickname":"","identifier":"","navigable":false}},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion-with-notes","module_background_color":"off-white","accordion_position":"left","title":"Frequently Asked Questions","notes":"","include_spacing":false,"expanded":false,"sections":[{"label":"Do all of the prerequisites have to be completed by the dental hygiene application deadline?","copy":" No.\u00a0 Not all of the required prerequisite coursework needs to be completed by the application deadline.\u00a0 Priority science prerequisite courses must be completed by the end of winter quarter.<\/p>\n All remaining coursework may be in progress as long as it is completed prior to beginning the dental hygiene program.<\/p>\n"},{"label":"What are the priority prerequisite science courses?","copy":" There are five priority\u00a0prerequisite science courses:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n"},{"label":"Can I take my prerequisite coursework at a community college?","copy":" Yes. Prerequisite coursework can be completed at a regionally accredited college or university. Coursework should be verified by the online transfer guides or by contacting the dental hygiene department.<\/p>\n"},{"label":"Are grades important for acceptance to the dental hygiene program?","copy":" Yes, all prerequisites must be completed with a 2.0 gpa or higher. Admission to the program is highly competitive; we encourage students to consistently strive for academic achievement.<\/p>\n The priority prerequisite science courses are 50%\u00a0 of the value of the dental hygiene application. Cumulative gpa in all college-level coursework is worth 20% of the application value.<\/p>\n"},{"label":"Will my college coursework from 10 years ago be accepted?","copy":" All of the science coursework must be completed within 5 years of the date of application (including nutrition).\u00a0 Remaining program and EWU graduation requirements do not have an expiration date.\u00a0 All coursework is evaluated for transfer prior to admission.\u00a0 Applicants should contact the dental hygiene department early in their coursework to ensure transfer of courses.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n"},{"label":"What if I am not accepted into the program?","copy":" We do have an alternate list for the same year of entry. If an applicant from the alternate list is not admitted, the alternate list does not carry over. Applicants must complete the admissions process the following year to be reconsidered for admission. Reapplication is a minor factor contributing to admission.<\/p>\n If the applicant has completed all the prerequisites for the EWU Dental Hygiene program and is not accepted for admission, they may apply to the fully online EWU Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program.<\/p>\n"},{"label":"How long does it take to earn a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree?","copy":" The EWU BSDH degree is a two plus\u00a0two program. Students complete two years of program and university prerequisites and two years (5 semesters) of dental hygiene coursework. Students who are prepared for college courses can easily achieve this.\u00a0 Prerequisite coursework equivalencies\u00a0are accepted from other regionally accredited\u00a0institutions.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n"}],"component_options_toggle":false,"component_options":{"disable_component":false,"nickname":"","identifier":"","navigable":false}},{"acf_fc_layout":"text","module_background_color":"white","copy":" The Eastern Washington University Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene entry level\u00a0program is accredited by:<\/p>\n 211 East Chicago Avenue, Accreditation status of \u201cApproval without Reporting Requirements\u201d, the cycle is from 2018 to 2025.<\/em><\/p>\n CODA is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education, and formally evaluates accredited programs at regular intervals. Complete standards can be found on\u00a0the CODA website<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Commission strongly encourages attempts at informal or formal resolution through the program\u2019s or sponsoring institution\u2019s internal processes prior to initiating a formal complaint with the Commission.<\/p>\n\n
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\nA. 20 documented hours of observation of dental hygienist(s) in practice (in one or more offices).
\nB. 20 documented hours of volunteer work (in one or more dental offices).
\nC. 20 documented hours of paid employment (in one or more dental offices).<\/p>\nApplication Tips<\/h5>\n
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\nAdditionally,\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n\n
Accreditation<\/h2>\n
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The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).<\/h3>\n
\nChicago, IL 60611-2678
\nPhone:<\/strong>\u00a0312.440.4653<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0Web:<\/strong> ada.org\/en\/coda<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n