Program Goals and Competencies

Goals

Graduates of the dental hygiene program will be able to:

1. Apply professional values and ethics in all endeavors
2. Demonstrate the basic knowledge and skills needed for entry into the dental hygiene profession.
3. Effectively utilize problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Competencies

Program competencies, which connect with a program goal, describe the knowledge, skills, and values expected of the graduates.

Goal #1

Graduates of the dental hygiene program will be able to apply professional values and ethics in all endeavors.

1.1	Integrate the ADHA code of ethics in all interactions.
1.2	Demonstrate professional behavior in all interactions.
1.3	Demonstrate interpersonal skills to effectively communicate and collaborate with professionals and patients across socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.
1.4	Adhere to local, state, and federal laws, recommendations, and regulations in the provision of dental hygiene care.
1.5	Promote a positive care and practice environment for all patients.
1.6	Apply quality assurance and risk management practices based on accepted standards of care.
1.7	Commit to lifelong learning for professional and career opportunities in a variety of roles and settings.
1.8	Demonstrate self-awareness through reflective assessment for continued improvement.

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Goal #2

Graduates of the dental hygiene program will be able to demonstrate the basic knowledge and skills needed for entry into the dental hygiene profession.

2.1 Assessment

Systematically collect and analyze data on the general, medical, dental, psychological, and social health status of patients.

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2.2 Diagnosis

Utilize critical-thinking skills to formulate a dental hygiene diagnosis based on all available data that relates to and is harmonious with the diagnosis of the dentist and other health professionals.

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2.3 Planning

Use the patient’s assessment and dental hygiene diagnosis to establish an optimal and realistic, person-centered dental hygiene care plan through mutual communication with the patient and other health professionals.

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2.4 Implementation

Provide comprehensive and individualized care that includes educational, preventive, and therapeutic services designed to assist the patient in achieving and maintaining oral health.

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2.5 Evaluation

Evaluate the effectiveness of completed services and modify care plans as needed.

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2.6 Education

Provide health education and oral self-care to diverse populations.

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2.7 Documentation

Create and maintain comprehensive and accurate records.

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2.8 Community Involvement

Promote oral health and the prevention of oral disease through organized community-based activities.

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Goal #3

Graduates of the dental hygiene program will be able to effectively utilize problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

3.1	Acquire and analyze information in a scientific manner.
3.2	Integrate accepted scientific theories and research into educational, preventive, and therapeutic oral health services.
3.3	Use evidence-based decision-making to evaluate and implement health care strategies aligned with emerging trends to achieve high-quality, cost-effective, and humanistic care.