Dental Hygiene Fact Sheet

"Dental hygienists play an important role by being in the community and serving many of the populations in schools, nursing homes, and other institutional programs, as they can be involved in providing preventive oral health care services to those who have difficulty receiving care from other sources." U.S. Surgeon General, David Satcher, MD, PhD., ADHA Access, Sept. 1998.

REGISTERED DENTAL HYGIENIST

A licensed oral health care professional whose educational, therapeutic, and preventive services limit the extent of cavities and periodontal disease and promote optimal oral health and general wellness.

DENTAL HYGIENE EDUCATION

The only college in the state that offers this program of study is North Dakota State College of Science, which is fully accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.
The Dental Hygiene program is two years in length with an eight week summer session between the first and second year. Students are provided with classroom, laboratory and clinical experience emphasizing skill development, self-assessment and professionalism.