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OBJECTIVES
A program in Dental Hygiene provides an attractive opportunity to men and women interested in health careers. The main concern of the dental hygienist is the maintenance of good oral hygiene in relation to good oral health in relation to total health. The student is educated to perform clinical services, such as patient assessment, instrumentation, dental radiography, application of fluorides and sealants, and administration of local anesthesia. The student also learns to be an oral health educator, to teach patients and the community the principles of preventive oral health care. The program emphasizes the dental hygienists' role in the prevention of oral disease. Laboratory equipment and a modern dental hygiene clinic are among the facilities provided by the program.
Extramural clinical experience may be gained through the cooperation of the Veterans Center in Togus, Maine. Students gain enrichment experiences through extramural rotation assignments in general and from practicing dentists and dental hygienists throughout the state.
The curriculum is designed to give the student a well-rounded foundation in the health sciences, specific knowledge and clinical skills in the dental sciences, and an understanding in the humanities. The courses are particularly suited to those who have a sincere interest in science and enjoy working with people.
The Dental Hygiene Program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) of the American Dental Association, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation and by the United States Department of Education.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
To qualify to be considered for admissions to the dental hygiene program, all applicants must have the following:
- a high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma
- completed laboratory courses in biology and chemistry with grades of "C" or better
- completed algebra I with a grade of "C" or better
- a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 or higher
- grades of "C" or better in courses applied toward degree credit The program will individually evaluate other qualified applicants who do not meet these criteria.