Why Choose Dental Hygiene?
The Dental Hygiene program at Ferris is the largest in the State of Michigan and one of the largest programs in the nation. The program enjoys a reputation of educational excellence, with expert faculty who are recognized at the state, national and international levels within the discipline of dental hygiene for the delivery of innovative academic and continuing education.
Dental hygiene is a practice area that continues to grow with the increased consumer awareness of the importance of good oral hygiene in the prevention and detection of systemic disease processes. Dental hygiene will continue to grow based on the increasing focus on preventative dental care needs of the public.
Completion of the three-year Associate in applied science degree, and final written and clinical exams enables the graduate to sit for the state licensure exam. Student clinical experiences occur within the college as the students work with patients from the University, community, and local schools in the College’s 30-seat state of the art Dental Hygiene Clinic.
Get a Good Job
Dental hygienists are professionals, licensed by the state in which they practice, who complete extensive educational and clinical preparation in preventive oral health care. A dental hygienist is a clinician, oral health care educator, health promoter, consumer advocate, administrator, and researcher.
The responsibilities of a dental hygienist include the development, implementation, and
evaluation of a dental hygiene plan of care that is based on the needs of the patient. Clinical services can include:
the evaluation and monitoring of medical and dental health histories
examining, assessing, and documenting oral conditions
exposing, processing and interpreting x-rays
removal of calculus and stain that form on the teeth
application of caries-preventive agents such as fluorides and pit and fissure sealants
delivery of dietary education and counseling
design and implementation of community or school oral health programs
delivery of local anesthesia and nitrous oxide
Accelerated employment growth is expected for several years in response to increasing demand for dental care. Earnings of dental hygienists are affected by geographic location, employment setting, education, and experience. The average hourly wage in Michigan is $26 – $30 per hour in private practice employment settings. Dental hygienists who work for school systems, public health agencies, the federal government, or state agencies usually have substantial benefits.
Admission Requirements
High school graduates entering the program must have at least a 3.0 GPA, and a “B” or better in a year of biology and chemistry. An ACT math subscore of 19 will fulfill the math entrance requirement.
College students wishing to enter the program must have a 2.5 GPA with “C” or better grades in MATH 110 or equivalent, and in one-semester classes with a lab in both biology and chemistry.
To assure students of quality technical training in both classroom/lab instruction and clinical practice, enrollment is limited. Students who meet the program’s admission criteria are accepted by date of application. It is essential to apply for admission at the earliest possible date. A year of college level prerequisites is required before entering the program’s two-year professional sequence.
Graduation Requirements
The six-semester program leads to an associate in applied science degree. Graduation requires a minimum 2.5 GPA overall. Students must earn a grade of “C” or better in major and core courses and meet all the general education requirements as outlined on the General Education website.
If a student interrupts progression in the professional sequence of the program, re-entry cannot be guaranteed due to space limitations.
More Information
Kimberly Beistle, Program Coordinator
College of Allied Health Sciences
Ferris State University
200 Ferris Drive
Big Rapids, MI 49307
Phone: 231-591-2224
email: beistlk@ferris.edu
For information about accredited programs and educational requirements contact:
Commission on Dental Accreditation
American Dental Association
211 E. Chicago Ave.
Suite 1814
Chicago, IL 60611
www.ada.org
