Program Goals

The dental hygienist applies foundational knowledge in the areas of general education, biomedical, dental, and dental hygiene sciences. They serve a range of populations including the medically compromised, mentally and physically challenged, underserved, and culturally diverse.

The BSDH dental hygiene program competencies are divided into three broad goals that are reflected in our curriculum. These goals represent what The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, Division of Dental Hygiene will use as a focal point to guide us in producing a competent graduate of high caliber.

Goal 1

Dental Hygiene graduates will be prepared to provide evidence-based dental hygiene therapy as a member of the oral healthcare team.

1. Utilize interpersonal communication and patient-care management skills to provide quality dental hygiene care in a safe, efficient and humanistic manner.
2. Recognize medical emergencies, risk factors, systemic diseases and medications that influence oral and overall health.
3. Collaborate with the patient and other dental professionals to utilize patient assessment data, diagnostic technologies, critical thinking skills and evidence-based decisions to create dental hygiene diagnoses and dental hygiene treatment plans.
4. Incorporate scientific research and evidence-based findings into dental hygiene therapy for patients with varied oral health needs.
5. Provide dental hygiene therapy via integrated care with pre-doctoral students and/or residents under the guidance of licensed oral health professionals.
6. Evaluate the outcomes and effectiveness of dental hygiene therapy.
7. Record accurate, consistent, and complete documentation of clinical care appointments.
8. Assume responsibility for professional actions and care based on state and federal laws, accepted scientific theories, research, and the standard of care.

Goal 2

Dental hygiene graduates will value their responsibility to the community by providing community service and outreach.

1. Embrace social responsibility by initiating and participating in the delivery of oral health care and education in the community.
2. Assess the oral health needs of a population and available resources, implement an action plan and evaluate the outcomes.

Goal 3

Dental hygiene graduates will contribute to the profession of dental hygiene through scholarly work, leadership, professional development and life-long learning. 

1. Contribute to the dental hygiene body of knowledge through identifying, analyzing, interpreting and applying research design and statistical analysis relevant to dental hygiene practice.
2. Apply a professional code of ethics and demonstrate inclusivity in all endeavors.
3. Perform self-assessment for lifelong learning and professional growth.
4. Promote the profession through leadership, service-based activities and/or involvement in professional organizations.