About Department of Dental Hygiene

At Wichita State University the Department of Dental Hygiene consists of two programs offering an entry-level bachelors of science degree and degree completion degree in Dental Hygiene. Dental Hygiene graduates may choose to pursue the baccalaureate degree completion program as long as they possess an accredited associate degree in dental hygiene.

Prepare and inspire dental hygiene practitioners to provide oral health education and care in a variety of settings within the changing health care environment.

Leading change in dental hygiene education

• Promote preventive oral health care for the community
• Foster patient centered collaborative care
• Utilize critical thinking and problem solving in the provision of evidence based practice
• Model continuous improvement as an educator, practitioner, and partner in health care
• Value honesty, integrity, trust, fairness, respect and responsibility

1. Provide an entry-level bachelor of science degree in Dental Hygiene in this geographic area which will attempt to meet societal needs.
2. Provide educational experiences which will enable program graduates to achieve licensure as a dental hygienist in any state.

The objectives of the program are:

1. Maintain a quality accredited curriculum consistent with the program mission, vision, and values. (BSDH)
2. Review and monitor board performance with results expected to be at or above the regional or national average. (BSDH)
3. Document regular assessment and modification of the curriculum and program. (BSDH, BSDH-completion)
4. Maintain student, faculty, and program policies as required by CODA and WSU, as applicable. (BSDH, BSDH-completion)
5. Maintain student, faculty, and clinic records as required by CODA and WSU, as applicable. (BSDH, BSDH-completion)

1. Students will obtain the academic and clinical foundation required to practice as dental team member that develops and implements comprehensive dental hygiene care. (BSDH)
2. Students will successfully complete the National Board Examination. (BSDH)
3. Student will successfully complete a Clinical Board Examination. (BSDH)
4. Students will have an appropriate level of knowledge of dental hygiene practice as assessed by their employer. (BSDH)
5. Students will have an appropriate level of knowledge of dental hygiene practice as self- assessed as a graduate. (BSDH)
6. Students will have an acceptable level of satisfaction with the program as self-assessed just prior to graduation.
7. Students will be able to assess, plan, implement and evaluate community-based oral health programs. (BSDH, BSDH-completion)

The entry-level Dental Hygiene program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

Accreditation Status

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 United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. The Commission’s web address is: https://coda.ada.org/en