Dental Hygiene program of study prepares students to become preventive health professionals who provide educational and clinical services to support oral health. These services include: evaluation; charting oral disease and conditions; removing deposits from teeth; exposing and processing dental radiographs; and applying fluoride and sealants to teeth. Graduates can seek positions in general or specialty dental practices, hospitals, research or academic institutions, public health, business and industry, or armed services. The rigorous science- oriented curriculum is the foundational framework for applying principles from the social sciences and biomedical areas to patient oral care. Didactic courses are offered at Iowa Western; clinical experiences occur at the clinic-affiliated site, Creighton University School of Dentistry, and at extramural community sites. We adhere to CDC and OSHA guidelines. A copy of our infection control policy is located in the office of the Health Division. To become a licensed professional, graduates must successfully complete both the National Board Examination and a state or regional exam. CPR certification is required. The program in dental hygiene is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of “approval without reporting requirements.” The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. Graduates of this program are awarded an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree.

Students must complete the curriculum described below: