Dental Hygiene Mission Statement, Goals & Program Outcomes

Mission Statement

The mission of the SSU Dental Hygiene Program is to:

1. Educate and prepare competent dental health care professionals, capable of applying knowledge gained in general education, biomedical science, and dental hygiene science when making decisions in the dental hygiene practice setting;
2. Provide graduates with the means of making ethical decisions and assuming responsibility for dental hygiene services provided to diverse populations;
3. Develop in graduates an appreciation for life-long learning and the ability to critically analyze self, standards of care, and current research practices;
4. Provide graduates with the abilities and experience to value community service and contribute to the advancement of the dental hygiene profession.

Goals for Student Outcome

1. The graduate will be knowledgeable in the basic sciences which support dental hygiene.
2. The graduate will be able to provide complete dental hygiene services to include assessment of the patients physical and oral conditions, and demonstrate preparation for medical/dental emergencies.
3. The graduate will participate in dental hygiene continuing education, community service, and promote optimal health by utilizing appropriate educational methods, strategies and communication skills.
4. The graduate will be well prepared to gain employment and successfully function as an ethical dental hygiene practitioner, and/or successfully pursue advanced study in a related field, and to advance in those chosen specialties.
5. Patients served by the SSU Dental Hygiene Clinic will express overall satisfaction with the clinical services, business operations and student interactions regarding scheduling, and respect for individual needs.
6. The Dental Hygiene treatments provided by the SSU Clinic will exceed the expected standard of practice in the geographical region and comply with the Ohio Dental Practice Act (statutes and regulations)
7. The graduate will develop the ability to critically analyze self, standards of care, and current research literature. 

Program Outcomes 

1. The graduate will be knowledgeable in the basic sciences which support dental hygiene.
2. The graduate will be able to provide complete dental hygiene services to include assessment of the patients physical and oral conditions, pain management and demonstrate preparation for medical/dental emergencies.
3. The graduate will Participate in dental hygiene continuing education, community service, and promote optimal health by utilizing appropriate educational methods, strategies and communication skills.
4. The graduate will be well prepared to gain employment and successfully function as an ethical dental hygiene practitioner, and/or successfully pursue advanced study in a related field, and to advance in those chosen specialties.
5. Patients served by the SSU Dental Hygiene Clinic will express overall satisfaction with the clinical services, business operations and student interactions regarding scheduling, and respect for individual needs.
6. The Dental Hygiene treatments provided by the SSU Clinic will exceed the expected standard of practice in the geographical region and comply with the Ohio Dental Practice Act (statutes and regulations)
7. The graduate will develop the ability to critically analyze self, standards of care, and current research literature.