B.S. in Dental Hygiene

Northern Arizona University (NAU) offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Science (B.S.) program in Dental Hygiene, preparing students for careers in oral healthcare. This accredited program provides students with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience necessary to excel in the field of dental hygiene. NAU's B.S. in Dental Hygiene program offers a comprehensive and accredited education that prepares students for successful careers as dental hygienists. With a rigorous curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities, interdisciplinary education, CODA accreditation, and emphasis on career preparation, the program provides students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make a positive impact in oral healthcare.

Curriculum:

1. Rigorous Curriculum: The B.S. in Dental Hygiene program at NAU offers a rigorous curriculum that covers foundational courses in dental science, oral anatomy, radiology, periodontology, pharmacology, and dental hygiene theory and practice. Students also gain practical experience through clinical rotations and internships in dental clinics, where they learn to assess oral health, perform cleanings, administer preventive treatments, and educate patients on oral hygiene practices.

2. State-of-the-Art Facilities: NAU provides state-of-the-art facilities and equipment to support hands-on learning and practical training for dental hygiene students. The program includes access to modern dental clinics, simulation laboratories, and digital imaging technology, allowing students to develop clinical skills and proficiency in dental procedures under the guidance of experienced faculty and dental professionals.

3. Interdisciplinary Education: The B.S. in Dental Hygiene program emphasizes interdisciplinary education, integrating coursework in biology, chemistry, psychology, and public health to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of oral health and its relationship to overall health and well-being. Students learn to collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as dentists, physicians, and dental specialists, to deliver holistic patient care.

4. CODA Accreditation: NAU's B.S. in Dental Hygiene program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), ensuring that it meets the highest standards of quality and excellence in dental education. Accreditation signifies that the program adheres to rigorous academic and clinical standards, prepares students for licensure and professional practice, and provides opportunities for continuous improvement and advancement in the field of dental hygiene.

5. Career Preparation: Upon completion of the program, graduates are prepared to pursue careers as licensed dental hygienists in various settings, including private dental practices, community health clinics, hospitals, schools, and public health agencies. The program emphasizes professionalism, ethical practice, cultural competence, and lifelong learning, equipping graduates with the skills and competencies needed to succeed in the rapidly evolving field of dental hygiene.

Entry Requirements for Undergraduate programs

1. Academic Qualifications: International students applying for undergraduate programs at NAU are required to have a minimum academic achievement of 75% or above in their previous educational qualifications.

2. English Language Proficiency:

   • IELTS: Overall score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.
   • TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 70 or higher.
   • DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 95.
   • PTE: Overall PTE score required is 56.

Score reporting is required.

To support their academic pursuits, NAU offers various scholarships and financial aid options. These scholarships recognize outstanding academic achievements, leadership qualities, and contributions to the community. International students are encouraged to explore the available scholarships to help ease the financial burden of studying in the United States. 

1. Global Achievement Award: This scholarship is available to incoming international undergraduate students and is based on academic merit. The Global Achievement Award provides partial tuition waivers, making quality education more affordable for deserving international students.

2. International Excellence Award: The International Excellence Award is a competitive scholarship available to outstanding international students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievements. Recipients of this scholarship receive a substantial tuition reduction.

3. Into NAU Scholarships: Into NAU is a pathway program for international students, and it offers several merit-based scholarships for students entering NAU through the program. These scholarships recognize academic excellence and leadership potential.

4. Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship: This scholarship is available to transfer students who are members of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. It offers financial assistance to eligible international transfer students pursuing their bachelor's degree at NAU.

5. Diversity Scholarships: NAU values diversity and offers several scholarships that promote inclusivity and support underrepresented international students. These scholarships aim to foster a diverse and inclusive campus community.

6. Athletic Scholarships: Talented student-athletes have the opportunity to receive athletic scholarships, which are awarded based on athletic performance, skills, and potential to contribute to NAU's athletic teams.

7. Departmental Scholarships: Various academic departments at NAU offer scholarships to international students based on specific academic achievements and majors. Students are encouraged to inquire with their respective departments for available opportunities.

8. Graduate Assistantships: International graduate students may have the chance to secure graduate assistantships, which provide financial support and valuable professional experience through research, teaching, or administrative roles.

9. External Scholarships: NAU encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities available through organizations, governments, and foundations that provide financial support for studying in the United States.

Application Process and Deadlines: Each scholarship has specific eligibility criteria, application requirements, and deadlines.

Northern Arizona University (NAU) offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Dental Hygiene program that equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue rewarding careers in oral healthcare. Upon completion of the program, graduates have various career prospects in the field of dental hygiene. Graduates of NAU's B.S. in Dental Hygiene program have diverse career opportunities in various settings, including private dental practices, community health clinics, specialty dental practices, research and education, public health agencies, and hospital dental clinics. With their comprehensive education and clinical training, dental hygienists play a vital role in promoting oral health and improving overall well-being in their communities.

1. Dental Hygienist: Graduates of the B.S. in Dental Hygiene program are eligible to become licensed dental hygienists. They work alongside dentists to provide preventive dental care services to patients, including dental cleanings, oral examinations, fluoride treatments, and oral health education. Dental hygienists play a crucial role in promoting oral health and preventing dental diseases.

2. Private Dental Practices: Many dental hygienists work in private dental practices, where they collaborate with dentists and dental assistants to deliver comprehensive dental care to patients. They perform routine cleanings, take dental X-rays, apply sealants and fluoride treatments, and educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques.

3. Community Health Clinics: Dental hygienists may also work in community health clinics, providing dental care services to underserved populations. They may participate in public health initiatives, such as community outreach programs, school-based dental clinics, and oral health education campaigns aimed at improving access to dental care and promoting oral health in the community.

4. Specialty Dental Practices: Some dental hygienists choose to work in specialty dental practices, such as periodontics or orthodontics, where they assist dentists specializing in specific areas of dentistry. In these settings, dental hygienists may perform specialized procedures, such as periodontal scaling and root planing, or provide post-treatment care to patients undergoing orthodontic treatment.

5. Research and Education: Graduates of the B.S. in Dental Hygiene program may pursue careers in research or education. They may work as dental hygiene educators, teaching future generations of dental hygienists in academic settings or conducting research to advance the field of dental hygiene through scientific inquiry and innovation.

6. Public Health Agencies: Dental hygienists can also work in public health agencies or government organizations, where they contribute to public health initiatives aimed at improving oral health outcomes at the population level. They may develop and implement policies, programs, and interventions to address oral health disparities and promote preventive dental care practices.

7. Hospital Dental Clinics: Some dental hygienists work in hospital dental clinics, providing dental care services to patients with complex medical conditions or special needs. They may collaborate with other healthcare professionals to deliver comprehensive care to patients in hospital settings, such as pediatric units, oncology departments, or oral and maxillofacial surgery clinics.