Program Description
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
Mission & Philosophy
Public demand for dental services has created excellent opportunities for those interested in careers in dental hygiene. The dental hygienist is a member of the oral health team and is responsible for a wide range of services related to the provision of oral health care and patient education.
Mission Statement - The mission of the Dental Hygiene Program is to promote optimal oral health in a culturally sensitive manner through education, research and service. To achieve its mission, the Dental Hygiene program will:
- Educate dental hygienists in the current theory and practice of the profession so they may provide the best standard of care to all segments of the population
- Conduct research related to oral health and dental hygiene
- Serve the University and profession by disseminating knowledge and establishing linkages to promote oral health and dental hygiene
- Foster diversity in education, patient care, research and health policy
Program Philosophy - The dental hygiene curriculum provides a broad based education in the social, behavioral, and biological sciences, which prepares the graduate for the practice of contemporary dental hygiene and for leadership roles in oral health care of the future. The dental hygiene program at the University of Michigan is unique in that it is structured to confer the baccalaureate degree to all students at the completion of the dental hygiene curriculum. Graduates are prepared not only for the traditional dental hygiene responsibilities as clinician and health educator, but also for the roles as consumer advocate, change agent, researcher, and health care manager/administrator.