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Do you have good interpersonal skills and enjoy the thought of helping people with their oral health?

The Dental Hygiene program provides the skills and knowledge necessary to function effectively as an integral member of the dental health team. Dental hygienists may work in a variety of healthcare settings such as private dental offices, schools, public health clinics, hospitals, managed care organizations, correctional institutions, nursing homes or in a corporate environment. In addition to the clinical role, dental hygienists may also work in an administrative capacity in any of these locations.

The Dental Hygiene program, located on the Tunxis campus, is the only state-supported dental hygiene program in Connecticut and is taught by highly qualified faculty with a wide range of clinical and community experience. In this program, you will have many opportunities to participate in community outreach service learning projects on the local, national and international levels.

Dental hygiene students look at a dental x-ray together

Classes are held in state-of-the-art simulated dental clinics and lab facilities. Additionally, the program has a 45-year affiliation with the University of Connecticut (UCONN) School of Dental Medicine, utilizing their facilities as well as federal, state and local hospitals and community health clinics.

Dental Services

Dental services performed by Tunxis students are available to our campus community!

Dental services are determined after a dental exam and based on patient/client needs. The procedures may include prophylaxis, fluoride treatment, x-rays, sealants, nutritional counseling, oral hygiene instructions and oral cancer screenings. All clients needing additional dental care beyond the scope of dental hygiene practice receive a referral.

All students are supervised by faculty who are licensed dental professionals.

The clinic accepts all patients/clients who meet the educational needs of the program. The dental hygiene clinic accepts direct pay, as well as Medicaid and Husky A and B plans.

Services are provided at the UCONN School of Dental Medicine.

To make an appointment, please call 860-773-1681 Monday-Thursday during the academic year (August 25-May 1).

Please note that evening appointments are only available from September to May.

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Admissions

This is a selective admissions program. Additional admissions requirements beyond general acceptance to the college are needed.

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Curriculum

See learning outcomes and required courses for the Dental Hygiene degree.

Fact Sheet

Contact

Dr. Patricia Johnson Lane
Dental Hygiene Program Coordinator, Professor of Dental Hygiene
Phone: 860-773-1679
Email: patricia.johnsonlane@ctstate.edu 

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Accreditation

The CT State Tunxis Dental Hygiene program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611-2678.

Licensure for Graduates: Dental hygiene students at the Tunxis campus have excellent outcomes on the Dental Hygiene National and Regional Clinical Boards, which qualifies them to apply for licensure to practice.

Licensure for Graduates

Graduates of the Dental Hygiene program are eligible to take the licensure examinations given by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE) and ADEXexaminations. Graduates who pass both boards are eligible for a Connecticut license. 

Program Goals

The Dental Hygiene Program will utilize the following graduation outcomes in assessing students. CT State Tunxis dental hygiene students strive for achievement of these abilities as well as traditional grades.

Health Promotion - develops, implements, and evaluates health promotion strategies directed toward assisting individuals as well as diverse populations achieve oral wellness as a component of overall health and awareness.

Process of Care and Evidence-Based Practice - provides care to all clients without regard to economic, social, cultural, religious, or health status, based upon an individualized human need, evidence-based practice which includes assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, education, evaluations, and documentation.

Teamwork - effectively engages in interpersonal activities and teamwork.

Technology - appropriately and effectively uses technology to accomplish assigned tasks.

Oral and Written Communication - delivers oral presentations or written text using appropriate information and/or analysis for the rhetorical situation.

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving - identifies the problem or deficit, formulates an argument, explains, and analyzes relationships clearly, draws reasonable inferences, and conclusions that are logical.

Ethical and Professional Standards - community settings, or clinical patient care. Demonstrates professionalism across the curriculum in all aspects of the program.

Resources

Learn more about a career in dental hygiene: