As a licensed health professional and oral health educator, a dental hygienist learns to render professional services and expanded auxiliary duties. The services of dental hygienists are sought by dentists in private practice, hospitals, public schools, departments of health, universities, and industry. Although the type of position as well as state laws govern the specific duties involved, general professional services almost always include removing stains and deposits from the teeth, applying topical fluoride, taking dental x-rays, and educating patients on proper oral hygiene habits. Majors in the School of Dentistry Dental Hygiene B,M Dentistry D Endodontics M Oral Surgury C Orthodontics M Prosthodontics M B = Bachelor's; M = Master's; D = Doctorate; C = Certificate For more information, phone 304-293-3417 or e-mail: mgladwin@hsc.wvu.edu Visit us online at: www.hsc.wvu.edu/sod/ departments/Hygiene/index.html

The WVU School of Dentistry
The integrated curriculum in Dental Hygiene at WVU combines the advantages of both liberal arts and the professional aspects of education. This curriculum format has departed from the conventional, but there is a definite conviction that the inclusion of many disciplines provides greater strength to the program. After completion of the requirements, students are awarded a bachelor of science degree in Dental Hygiene.

The Dental Hygiene curriculum, constructed in accordance with the standards specified for a school of dental hygiene by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Dental Association, has been fully accredited by this organization since 1965.

To provide students in the Dental and Dental Hygiene programs with the clinical experience that is required, the School of Dentistry maintains and operates dental clinics in the Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center.

The WVU School of Dentistry has an excellent reputation for producing outstanding clinicians, and many faculty members and graduates are recognized leaders in dental education and organized dentistry.

Admission
High school students who wish to be accepted to the Dental Hygiene Program must meet regular University admission requirements. In addition, at least three units of higher mathematics (two units of algebra and one unit of geometry) and biology and chemistry lab courses are required. Additional science courses on the high school level are recommended. To be eligible for enrollment, the applicant must be a graduate of an accredited high school or preparatory school that is acceptable for college entrance. Good grades are expected, and applicants should rank in the upper one-half of their high school graduating classes. Particular attention is given to academic achievement in science courses.

Applicants with prior college credit are eligible for advanced standing into the sophomore year, if they have completed prerequisite courses that include chemistry, biology, nutrition, English, sociology, psychology, math, and communications.

Applicants with associate degrees in dental hygiene may enroll in the Degree Completion Program and obtain their baccalaureate degrees in dental hygiene through the transfer of credit.

While preference is given to West Virginia residents, outstanding nonresidents are considered for acceptance. Applications are available online beginning September 1.

Before a final decision is rendered, a candidate may be required to attend a personal interview with the Dental Hygiene Admissions Committee; he/she will be notified by mail if an interview is necessary. All candidates are welcome to visit the Health Sciences Center at West Virginia University.

Curriculum
The curriculum includes eight semesters and three summer sessions. Exclusive of English 101 and 102, a Dental Hygiene major is required to complete a minimum of 28 credit hours of General Education Curriculum (GEC) courses. Included in course requirements for degree completion are 102 credit hours in dental hygiene, dental science, biomedical sciences, and dental hygiene elective courses. To graduate, students must earn a total of 136 credit hours. A clinical rotation to a rural community in West Virginia is required.

Accreditation
West Virginia University is fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The WVU Dental Hygiene Program is fully accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation.

Career Opportunities
After graduation, career opportunities include, but are not limited to, positions in a private dental practice, research, industry, hospitals, public schools, departments of health, institutions of higher learning, federal service, and health care centers.

Graduate School Opportunities
Many graduates decide to continue their education in a master’s degree program in dental hygiene. WVU has one of the ten dental hygiene master’s degree programs in the United States.

Salary Range
Earnings for a full-time employee in the dental hygiene field are reported at $35,000 to $60,000 a year. Dental hygienists earn salaries that compare favorably to those in other health care fields requiring similar college education. Salaries may vary according to the hygienist’s experience and responsibilities, geographic location, and the type of practice or setting in which the dental hygienist is employed.