DENTAL HYGIENE PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY
The Coastal Bend College Dental Hygiene Program philosophy is to improve the oral health of all people and to empower them to maintain optimum oral health. The American Dental Association Accreditation Standards for Dental Hygiene Education are the foundation by which the program teaches students to effectively and ethically serve the public as oral health care professionals.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Coastal Bend College Dental Hygiene Program is to produce ethically qualified dental hygiene graduates who are actively committed to improving the oral health of the public, and can function effectively as health care professionals in a constantly changing society.
VISION STATEMENT
The vision of the Coastal Bend College Dental Hygiene Program is a school of well-qualified and demographically represented students and professional educators. Program quality is reflected by high student retention rates and high success rates on licensure examinations. Adequate funding, state-of-the-art equipment, a service-learning relationship with local and surrounding communities, and liaison with other health professionals act to sustain program quality.
PROGRAM GOALS
1. Prepare students through appropriate academic and clinical education, to be qualified dental professionals
2. Provide comprehensive dental hygiene treatment to those communities serviced by the program through a complete, sequential, and fully monitored system of care
3. Create a positive and rewarding academic environment that facilitates continued growth and enrichment of all students and faculty
4. Foster opportunities for faculty and student involvement in service activities that are consistent with personal development goals and that promote dentistry as an integral component in the overall health and welfare of the community
The Coastal Bend College Dental Hygiene Program is a competitive-entry program accepting 30 students each Fall semester. The program is based at the Beeville campus only. Upon satisfactory completion of the two-year program, students receive an Associate in Applied Science degree and are eligible to apply to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and a regional clinical board examination. The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The Dental Hygiene program prepares students to be primary oral health care professionals who play a key role in promoting oral health through education, preventive and therapeutic services. The program helps students reach their full potential by developing academic and clinical competencies, critical thinking skills, communication proficiency and civic responsibility. As part of a dental team in a private dental office, dental hygienists perform numerous services designed to detect and prevent diseases of the mouth. These include performing a prophylaxis (cleaning teeth); examining head, neck, and oral areas for signs of disease, obtaining a thorough dental and medical history; educating patients and the community on oral hygiene and nutrition; exposing and developing radiographs; and applying fluoride and sealants. In addition to private dental practices, dental hygienists may seek employment in public health settings, correctional facilities, mental health facilities and as sales representatives. The Registered Dental Hygienist may also provide educational, clinical, and therapeutic services. The U.S. Department of Labor predicts a 20% growth in jobs available in the field through 2026, and the median wage in the Coastal Bend is $74,070*.
Accreditation by the Commission on Dental Accreditation
The Coastal Bend College Dental Hygiene Program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611-2678. The Commission’s web address is: https://coda.ada.org
In addition, the college catalog and program websites are readily available and accurately depict:
a. purpose and goals of the program;
b. admission requirements and procedures;
c. degree and program completion requirements;
d. faculty, with degrees held and the conferring institution;
e. tuition, fee, and other program costs including policies and procedures for refund and withdrawal; and
f. financial aid programs;
g. national and/or state requirements for eligibility for licensure or entry into the occupation or profession for which education and training are offered; and
h. skill and competencies that students will need at the time of admission to the program.
