Dental Hygiene, B.S.

Program Overview

Lewis University's Dental Hygiene Bachelor's Degree prepares students for licensure as dental hygienists through a 2+2 program with partner colleges. The program emphasizes clinical skills, patient care, and career flexibility in public health, research, and further education. Graduates are well-prepared for the workforce and further studies, with a high pass rate on national boards and strong job placement rates.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Objectives:

• Prepare students to become licensed dental hygienists with a strong foundation in dental anatomy, clinical skills, and patient care.
• Provide graduates with career flexibility to pursue various opportunities in public health, research, dental pharmaceuticals, or further education in health-related fields.

Program Description:

• Partners with local colleges to offer a 2+2 program where students complete the first two years at Lewis University and the remaining two years at a partner college for clinical rotations.
• Partner colleges include College of DuPage and Parkland College.
• All partner colleges are accredited by CODA and offer excellent facilities and high pass rates on national boards.
• Upon successful completion, students receive a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from Lewis University.

Market Demand:

• Listed as the #1 Healthcare Support Career by U.S. News and World Report with a median salary of $74,820 and strong job growth.

Outline:

Year 1 & 2 at Lewis University:

• Focus on science courses like anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and general chemistry.

Years 3 & 4 at Partner College:

• Transition to dental hygiene courses and clinical rotations working with patients.

Careers:

Potential Career Paths:

• Clinical dental hygienist
• Public health educator
• Researcher in dental pharmaceuticals
• Graduate studies in a health-related field

Opportunities:

• Employment in private dental practices, public health departments, hospitals, and research institutions.

Outcomes:

• Graduates are well-prepared for the workforce and further education.
• The program boasts a high pass rate on national boards and strong job placement rates.

Other:

• Admission to the Dental Hygiene program at the partner colleges is not guaranteed and is based on the respective college's admissions committee decision.
• Biology major + Dental Hygiene Certificate option available for students who want to complete their Biology degree at Lewis and then pursue a certificate in Dental Hygiene at a partner college.