DENTAL HYGIENE

A registered dental hygienist (RDH) is a licensed dental professional who is an integral part of a successful dental team. The RDH provides preventive, educational, and therapeutic services to patients which can include oral examinations, oral prophylaxis (scaling, root planning, soft tissue curettage and selective polishing), dental radiography, pain control (administering local anesthesia and nitrous-oxide/oxygen sedation), dental sealants, preventive and adjunct therapies, nutritional counseling and oral health education. The Dental Hygiene Program will prepare graduates to work in a variety of settings, such as private dental offices, schools, health centers, government agencies, and private industry.