Career Opportunities
 Employment opportunities for dental hygienists are excellent.
Factors such as an increase in the number of dental insurance plans, a greater awareness of the importance of oral hygiene, and an expansion of the role and function of the dental hygienist point to a faster employment growth rate than is
likely for other occupations.
The majority of dental hygienists are employed in private dental offices, although an increasing number are working in public health agencies, school systems, industrial firms, clinics, hospitals, universities, and research organizations.
Specific responsibilities of the hygienist vary with the setting and with the laws of the state in which the hygienist is employed.
Typically, hygienists in private practice will provide the following services:
- oral prophylaxis (removing deposits and stains from teeth)
- exposing, processing, and mounting radiographs (X rays)
- instructing in preventive dental care
- counseling on diets
- applying dental sealants and fluoride
- taking medical and dental histories
 Although most hygienists in private practice are employed by dentists in general practice,
an increasing number are finding employment in specialty practices.
Within school systems, hygienists function as both clinicians and educators. As clinicians, they conduct dental screening examinations, participate in dental surveys and follow-up studies, and provide oral prophylaxes.
Expansion of the educator role presents the hygienist with the opportunity to develop and implement classroom programs on oral health as well as serve as a consultant to teachers on dental health education.
Dental hygienists employed in public health agencies typically have clinical, consultative, or supervisory/administrative responsibilities. These responsibilities include:
- application of topical fluorides
- demonstration of new dental preventive methods and procedures
- assistance in planning, organizing, and conducting community dental health programs
- participation as dental health advisers in community health activities
- service as liaisons with agencies to help channel funds from various sources to specified recipient groups
Dental hygienists may also find employment as researchers in public health departments, hospitals, schools of dentistry or dental hygiene, and industry.
Dental hygiene is a licensed profession. Following graduation from an accredited dental hygiene program,
the applicant is required to demonstrate proficiency by successful completion of a board examination that includes both written and clinical practice sections.
The license to practice dental hygiene is issued by the state board of dentistry in the state where employment is undertaken.
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Program Description
 The University of Michigan was chartered in 1817, and has developed into a world-class institution of higher learning.
More than 35,000 students study in the seventeen schools and colleges at the main campus in Ann Arbor. In addition to a highly ranked academic program, the university features a fine intercollegiate athletic program and many social events.
The dental hygiene program is a part of the School of Dentistry. Founded in 1875, the school is one of the best in the country. The present dental building was completed in 1971 and features modern clinics, lecture rooms, and study areas.
The program in dentistry includes many specialty clinics with a wide variety of patient experiences that enhance the dental hygiene program. Interaction with dental students and faculty further broadens the dental hygiene experience.
Dental research at the school involves scientists working in several primary areas:
- periodontal diseases
- dental caries
- quality of life issues related to oral health
- viral disease of the oral cavity
- caniofacial deformities
The school sponsors frequent seminars that complement the dental hygiene program.
The dentistry library houses 49,600 volumes and is part of the six-million volume University of Michigan library system. The system provides computerized bibliographic search services to over 100 bibliographic databases.
A separate media library and microcomputer center contain many videotapes, computer programs, and slides/tapes that support and augment the dental hygiene program.
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Program Goal
The course of study provides a broad based education in the social, behavioral, and biological sciences with special emphasis toward teaching, community health, or research.
Although legal dental hygiene functions vary from state to state, some of the functions routinely performed by a dental hygienist include, but are not limited to:
- removing calculus and plaque (hard and soft deposits) from above and below the gumline
- thoroughly examining the teeth and oral structure, including a soft tissue exam
- exposing, processing, and interpreting dental radiographs
- plaque control instruction and development of personal oral hygiene programs for home care
- placing temporary fillings, applying periodontal dressings, removing sutures, polishing and recontouring amalgam restorations
- dietary and tobacco use counseling
- applying caries-preventive agents, such as fluorides and pit and fissure sealants
- educating the individual patient and the general public about the importance of good oral hygiene habits
- oral cancer and blood pressure screening
- designing community dental health programs
- oral health care research, data collecting and tabulating
- working with special population groups (e.g., minority groups, geriatric, mentally/physically disabled persons).
With additional training in some states, a hygienist may administer local anesthesia, and place and carve amalgam and non-metallic restorations.
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Degree Curriculum
 The University of Michigan School of Dentistry provides a baccalaureate degree program in dental hygiene, designed to offer students an expanded education
resulting in increased career opportunities after graduation. The program consists of a year of prescribed college courses followed by three years of enrollment in the School of Dentistry. During the three years of education in the School of Dentistry,
the student will complete the required dental hygiene courses, and additional courses will be offered through the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts and the schools of
Business Administration, Education, and Public Health. At the completion of the program,
each student will receive a baccalaureate degree.
| Sophomore Year |
|---|
First Term:
210. Clinical Dental Hygiene
220. Survey of Dental Hygiene
242. Oral Anatomy
252. Behavioral Science I
272. Dental Practice Emergencies
291. Oral Histology & Embryology
401. Anatomy
First Term Credits
|
3
2
2
1
2
2
4
___
16 |
 |
Second Term:
209. Radiography
210. Biochemistry
212. Clinical Dental Hygiene
322. Dental Specialties
224. Periodontics
234. Special Patients
243. Head and Neck Anatomy
338. Health Education Methods
Second Term Credits
|
2
4
3
2
1
1
2
2
___
17 |
| Junior Year |
|---|
First Term:
201. Microbiology
310. Interpretive Radiology I
312. Clinical Dental Hygiene
344. Community Dentistry
350. Microbiology Lab
382. Nutrition
420. Pharmacology and Pain Control
First Term Credits
|
3
0
3
2
1
3
3
___
15 |
|
Second Term:
313. Clinical Dental Hygiene
324. Periodontics
345. Research Methods
362. Gerontological Dental Hygiene
393. General and Oral Pathology
421. Pharmacology II
440. Internal Medicine
Electives
Second Term Credits
|
3
1
2
1
3
3
1
3
___
17 |
| Senior Year |
|---|
First Term:
100. Introductory Statistics
335. Biomaterials
410. Interpretive Radiology II
414. Clinical Dental Hygiene
425. Periodontics
446. Scientific Communication
Electives
First Term Credits
|
4
2
1
3
1
2
3
___
16 |
|
Second Term:
415. Dental Hygiene
430. Practice Management
450. Practicum
455. Medically Compromised
Electives
Second Term Credits
|
4
2
2
1
6
___
15 |
Some of the opportunities provided by the new curriculum include work with special population groups such as the medically compromised, mentally impaired, and geriatric patients. There are also opportunities for independent study and research
activities, as well as interaction with other health care professionals.
This preparation should increase possible career opportunities in nontraditional settings such as:
- federal, state, and local health departments
- hospitals and nursing homes
- school districts (as a consultant or on the staff)
- educational programs for dental auxiliary students
- convalescent hospitals
- health maintenance organizations
- private industry
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Professional Organizations
Dental hygiene students have the opportunity for membership in the Student American Dental Hygienists' Association, the official organization representing the dental hygiene profession.
Sigma Phi Alpha is the national dental hygiene honor society, and student election to it is limited to ten percent of each graduating class. Candidates are selected on the basis of scholarship, character, and potential for professional leadership.
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Admission Requirements
The program in dental hygiene starts in the fall of each year. Prospective students should apply by March 1 of the year acceptance is desired in order to receive equal consideration with other applicants.
General admission policies of the University of Michigan are observed.
Students enter the dental hygiene program as sophomores. All candidates must have completed at least one year of college. The equivalent of thirty semester hours of college level work in liberal arts is a prerequisite to the three-year curriculum in
dental hygiene. College transfer students applying for admission must present at least a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
The thirty semester hours must include:
- English composition
- Speech
- Introductory psychology
- Introductory sociology
- Chemistry (preferably with laboratory)
Suggested courses:
These classes can be acquired either at the University of Michigan or another recognized college or university. (High school applicants desiring to spend their first year of study for the dental hygiene program at the University of Michigan should
apply to the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts.)
Admission to the dental hygiene program is based upon scholastic achievements. Consideration is given to applications from all qualified resident and non-resident candidates. Applicants are encouraged to arrange an interview.
The purpose of the interview is to acquaint the prospective student with the areas of study in dental hygiene and with the
university campus. Contact hygiene.info@umich.edu for more information.
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Application Materials
The same Application for Undergraduate Admission is used for new applicants, transfer students, cross-campus transfer students, and international applicants.
(The above link requires Adobe Acrobat Reader,
available free.)
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Estimated Expenses
| | Michigan
residents | Non-
residents |
|---|
| Sophomore Year |
|---|
| Tuition (2 semesters) | $ 6,454 | $ 20,286 |
| Housing (2 semesters) | 5,780 | 5,780 |
| Student instrument fee | 510 | 510 |
| Refundable security deposit | 125 | 125 |
| Uniforms and lab coat | 130 | 130 |
| Textbooks (2 semesters) | 800 | 800 |
| Miscellaneous (2 semesters) | 300 | 300 |
| |
| Total (2 semesters) | $ 14,099 | $ 27,931 |
| |
| Junior/Senior Years |
|---|
| Tuition (2 semesters) | $ 7,288 | $ 21,720 |
| Housing (2 semesters) | 5,780 | 5,780 |
| Student instrument fee | 510 | 510 |
| Textbooks (2 semesters) | 500 | 500 |
| Miscellaneous (2 semesters) | 100 | 100 |
| Licensing examination fees (senior year) | 650 | 650 |
| |
| Total | $ 14,828 | $ 29,260 |
| |
| Upper Division Students |
|---|
| For each hour elected: |
| first hour | $ 602 | $ 1,184 |
| Each additional hour | 280 | 880 |
It is anticipated that fees will increase over the amounts given above. In addition, all students will be assessed these additional fees each term:
- registration fee, $80.00
- school government, $1.50
- Michigan Student Assembly, $5.69
- Student Legal Services, $5.50
Because some items are purchased once and used during the entire program, expenditures for other terms will vary somewhat from those shown.
All fees and fee regulations are subject to change without notice by the Regents of the University of Michigan.
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Financial Aid
The University of Michigan offers various programs to assist students who might not be able to obtain a college education otherwise. By indicating the need for financial aid on the university's application materials, prospective students are applying
for most of the programs handled by the Office of Financial Aid. Undergraduate students will be considered for student loans, college work-study employment, Perkins loans (formerly known as NDSL),
and grants.
After completing the first year of enrollment in the dental hygiene program, additional financial aid is available to qualified students. Candidates in good standing are eligible for:
- Dorothy Hard Loan Fund
- ADHA Foundation Scholarship Program
- Michigan Dental Auxiliary Loan Fund
- County Dental Components
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International Students
The university welcomes students from around the world. Prospective
applicants are encouraged to read the
International Admissions Information Brochure prior to completing an
application for admission. This document outlines special requirements and
guidelines for students with international academic experience.
Students on temporary visas are required to purchase the
University health insurance policy upon arrival from the
International Center.
Payment is due each semester. Additional coverage is required for students with
dependents.
If you are requesting eligibility forms for either an F-1 Student Visa or a
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa, you will be required to submit the Financial
Resources Statement (included with the Application for
Undergraduate Admission) along with proof of sufficient financial resources.
All speakers of English as a second language must achieve minimum scores on
the Test of English as a Foreign La
nguage (TOEFL) or the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB).
Minimum score requirements are:
| TOEFL (paper-and-pencil) | 560-600 |
| no section score below | 56 |
| TOEFL (computer-based) | 220-250 |
| no section score below | 22 |
| MELAB | 80-85 |
| no section score below | 80 |
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Further Information
The university provides complete information and counseling for prospective students. When writing for information, the student should indicate educational background, work experience, and educational objectives. The university will then send the
student informational materials. However, trips to campus for conferences and visits to instructional facilities are the best way to procure information and to make educational plans.
If a visit to the university is feasible, requests for appointments should be made in advance and two or three desirable dates suggested. Appropriate arrangements will be made for the visit and the student notified of the date of the appointment.
For further information, or to schedule an appointment, e-mail hygiene.info@umich.edu or telephone 734-763-3392.
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