Department of Dental Hygiene

Mr. Gary-Lee A. Lewis, BS.,R.D.H., M.Ed., Department Chair
213 Clement Hall
615-963-5801

Faculty: G .A. Lewis, J. Williams, R. Word, C. Rainey (supervisory dentist), G. Battiste, Clinical Supervisors: E. Thompson, M. Salamon, B. Kibbel, T. Robertson, L. Roberts, F. Licht

General Statement: Two academic degree programs are offered by the Department of Dental Hygiene: the Associate of Applied Science and the Bachelor of Science Completion Degree. Students accepted into the Bachelor of Science degree completion program must be graduates of an accredited associate degree Dental Hygiene program and hold a Tennessee Dental Hygiene License. The Bachelor of Science Degree/ Completion Program may serve as the foundation for further study.

“The Dental Hygienist is a licensed oral health care professional who integrates the roles of a clinician, educator, consumer advocate, manager, change agent and researcher to prevent oral disease and to promote health.” (Dental Hygiene Theory and Practice, Saunders, St. Louis, MO 2010)

Graduates of the Dental Hygiene Program are eligible to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and Regional/State Board Examinations throughout the country.

Mission Statement

The Department of Dental Hygiene is committed to an educational program of excellence for its students. The Department further pledges to provide ongoing oral health care to all populations, especially those designated as underserved through community service and cultural diversity. We pledge to continue the promotion of Dental Hygiene as a profession and promote lifelong learning.

Goals

To develop well-prepared dental hygiene professionals who deliver quality care regardless of cultural diversity.
To provide an environment which facilitates students to think; become critical thinkers; learn to problem solve and engage in lifelong learning.
To promote the effective use of technology throughout the curriculum among faculty and students.
To promote a positive value system that will foster ethical behavior throughout a student’s life and career as a dental hygienist.
To promote and provide oral health care to everyone including populations designated as underserved.
To promote Dental Hygiene as a profession through service learning and civic engagement.

Admission/Retention Requirements

A student must be accepted into the University before applying to the Dental Hygiene Associate Degree Program. Applications to the Department of Dental Hygiene must be received by January 15th of the year in which admission is requested. Any applications received after the January 15th deadline will not be considered by the Dental Hygiene Admissions Committee. Admission into Dental Hygiene is required prior to enrolling in any dental hygiene courses.

NOTE: Acceptance to the University does not ensure acceptance into the Dental Hygiene Program. After notification of acceptance to the University by the Office of Admissions and Records, the prospective applicant’s admissions materials should be submitted directly to the Dental Hygiene Department. All newly submitted admissions material will then be evaluated by the Admissions Committee in the Dental Hygiene Department. Dental Hygiene applicants will be informed of their acceptance or non-acceptance by the Department Chairperson of the Admissions’ Committee in Dental Hygiene.

Programs

Major

Courses

Dental Hygiene