Dental Hygiene Major, B.S.

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C or better required in all coursework

The dental hygiene program at the University of Southern Indiana is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The address of the Commission on Dental Accreditation is American Dental Association, 211 East Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611-2678, phone 800/621-8099.

The dental hygiene program has two tracks. One track is for students in the entry level Dental Hygiene Program (Track I). The second track is a bachelor degree completion option for dental hygienists who hold an associate degree (Track II). Both tracks require 120 credit hours for the degree.

Track I - Entry-level Dental Hygiene Program

Students who are admitted to Track I complete two academic years (55 credit hours) of specified pre-professional courses prior to being admitted to the program. The third and fourth years of the program are comprised of professional courses in dental hygiene (65 hours).

Admission Requirements for Track I:

Admission to the University
Completion of the required prerequisite college courses with a grade of C or higher and a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.8
Submission of a dental hygiene application
Submission of medical and immunization records
CPR certification for healthcare providers
Completion of a criminal background check
Completion of drug testing

Students selected for admission into the Dental Hygiene Program must be eligible for dental hygiene licensure and capable of fulfilling clinical practice requirements.

Prerequisite Courses

Semester I

MATH 114 - Quantitative Reasoning Credits: 3
CMST 101 - Introduction to Public Speaking Credits: 3 or
CMST 107 - Introduction to Interpersonal Communication Credits: 3
ENG 101 - Rhetoric and Composition I: Literacy and the Self Credits: 3
KIN 192 - Concepts in Wellness and Fitness Credits: 1
PSY 201 - Introduction to Psychology Credits: 3
UNIV 101 - First Year Experience Credits: 1

Semester II

CHEM 141 - Principles of Chemistry Credits: 4
Selected Ways of Knowing (CAE, HI, or WLC) Credits: 3
ENG 201 - Rhetoric and Composition II: Literacy and the World Credits: 3
SOC 121 - Principles of Sociology Credits: 3
World Language and Culture (BS) Credits: 3

Semester III

BIOL 121 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I Credits: 4
HP 356 - Ethics and Healthcare in a Pluralistic Society Credits: 3
HP 115 - Medical Terminology For The Health Professions Credits: 2
NUTR 376 - Principles and Applications in Nutrition Credits: 3
Elective Credits: 3

Semester IV

BIOL 122 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II Credits: 4
BIOL 272 - Medical Microbiology Credits: 3
HP 302 - Biostatistics Credits: 3
HP 225 - Pharmacology and Therapeutics Credits: 3
Elective Credits: 2

Professional Courses

Track II - Degree Completion Program

Students admitted to Track II must hold an associate degree in dental hygiene.

Admission Requirements for Track II:

Admission to the University
Completion of an associate degree in dental hygiene
License to practice dental hygiene in any U.S. state
Submission of medical and immunization records
CPR certification for healthcare providers
Completion of a criminal background check
Completion of drug testing

Core 39

Completion of the USI Core 39 or its equivalent

Other Required Courses

HP 302 - Biostatistics Credits: 3
DTHY 401 - Clinical Management I Credits: 3
DTHY 402 - Clinical Management II Credits: 3
DTHY 457 - Professional and Current Issues in Oral Healthcare Credits: 3
Nine (9) hours of electives chosen from HA, HP, GERO, or PH courses
Completion of an accredited Associate Degree Dental Hygiene Program (60 hours)