Laura Mueller-Joseph, RDH, MS, Ed.D |
Dental Hygiene | Care Center Continuing Education Faculty |
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New Topics Program Students Page |
Dental Hygiene is the study of preventive oral healthcare and the management of behaviors required to prevent oral disease and promote health. It is a licensed healthcare profession that supports total health through the promotion of oral health and wellness.
Preventive oral healthcare includes:
- Preventive oral health services delivered by dental health professionals
- Therapeutic interventions that address oral conditions through treatment services
- Removal of barriers for access to preventive oral health services
- Promotion of patient compliance with professional recommendations for oral healthcare
- Provision of oral health educational outreach to special populations
As a member of the healthcare team, the dental hygienist integrates the roles of clinical practitioner, educator, consumer advocate, manager, change agent, and researcher to promote and maintain oral wellness and, thereby, contribute to the quality of life.
Farmingdale State University of New York offers
an Associate of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene which leads to
licensure and certification and a Bachelor of Science Degree in
Dental Hygiene which expands career opportunities for licensed Dental
Hygienists. The following is a description of both the Associate
and Baccalaureate degree programs offered at Farmingdale State University
of New York.
ASSOCIATE DEGREE PROGRAM
The program of study prepares students for licensure and entry
into the profession of Dental Hygiene, as well as certification
in the administration of local infiltration anesthesia and nitrous
oxide. The Department is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation
of the American Dental Association. Graduates receive an Associate
in Science Degree and are eligible to sit for the Dental Hygiene
National Board Examination and Northeast Regional Board Examination
for dental hygienists. The program provides students with a diverse,
well-rounded, clinical background. Clinical experiences take place at
As the need for dental hygiene care continues to grow throughout
the nation, many new and varied opportunities are available for
graduates in a wide array of work settings. Although the clinical
role is most closely associated with dental hygiene, it is only
one of six roles officially designated for the hygienist, which
include educator, researcher, administrator, change agent, and consumer
advocate. The Dental Hygiene Program at
Students perform a variety of comprehensive services at the College's technologically advanced Dental Hygiene Care Center. Among these services are thorough assessment of oral conditions, non-surgical periodontal therapy (scaling and root planing of teeth), exposing, processing and interpreting oral x-rays, patient education and nutritional counseling.
TYPICAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
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BACHELOR DEGREE PROGRAM
The dental hygiene profession
is expanding to include new career opportunities, many of which
require advanced degrees.
One unique feature of the Dental Hygiene Bachelor of Science Degree Program is the capstone Practicum Course. This course is taken in the last semester of study and provides students with an opportunity to further explore a specific area of interest through an internship. The course offers hands-on practical experience. Based on personal interest, students may partner with corporations, hospitals, public health programs/facilities, educational institutions, and research laboratories. Personal mentors are assigned to each student to guide them through their practicum experience.
TYPICAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
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| Care Center Continuing Education Faculty |
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