Dental hygiene is a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) accredited associate of applied science degree program that is designed to prepare students to work as an integral part of a dental team. As licensed professionals, dental hygienists provide a variety of educational and health care services to the public, including
- cleaning and polishing teeth;
- applying preventive agents such as fluorides and sealants;
- exposing and processing radiographs;
- educating patients in the prevention of oral diseases;
- instructing patients in home care procedures;
- removing hard and soft deposits from teeth;
- providing nutritional counseling;
- administering nitrous oxide sedation and local anesthesia; and
- performing other preventive patient services.
Students have direct patient contact in the University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College (UCBA) Dental Hygiene Clinic. The UCBA Dental Hygiene Clinic is open to the public and provides dental hygiene services, charging a nominal fee to cover equipment and supplies. Learn more about the UCBA Dental Hygiene Clinic.
The UCBA Dental Hygiene Program is structured in accordance with accreditation requirements stipulated by the CODA of the American Dental Association. Upon successful completion of the two academic years, graduates are eligible to take national, regional, state and local anesthesia written and clinical licensure examinations.
Graduates can be employed in general/family, pediatrics, or periodontal practices, hospitals, public health clinics, research institutions, public schools, business and industry, or the armed forces.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental hygiene is projected to grow 11 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. Ongoing research linking oral health to general health will continue to spur demand for preventative dental services, which are often provided by the dental hygienist.
Individuals considering a career in dental hygiene should have a strong commitment to working with people in healthy or unhealthy conditions. A dedication to delivering competent and compassionate health care and the ability to communicate effectively are crucial to a successful and rewarding career in this profession.
When applying to the Dental Hygiene Program as well as for state licensure, the candidate will be required to complete a criminal background check and indicate whether or not he or she has ever been convicted of a felony or other crimes. The State Dental Board will also require candidates to indicate whether or not they have a history of mental illness or substance abuse. Positive responses may disqualify him or her as a candidate for licensure.
Information Sessions:
It is highly recommended that candidates attend an information session within the year of application. Please be on time and register online prior to the event. Click here for a list of dates as well as links to register.