The West Liberty University Sarah Whitaker Glass Dental Hygiene School was established in 1938 and graduated its first class in 1940. An Associate of Science, a Bachelor of Science, and Master of Science are offered. The dental hygiene clinic is located in the newly constructed Campbell Hall. The clinic includes 24 dental operatories equipped with ADEC dental units. The radiography suite consists of 9 patient treatment rooms equipped with x-ray machines for digital x-ray imaging. Ascend Academic software is utilized. All classrooms are equipped with current educational technology. The dental hygiene program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of “approval without reporting requirements”. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education for dental hygiene schools. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611-2678. The Commission’s web address is: https://ada.org/en/coda.
DENTAL HYGIENIST STUDENT OUTCOMES
West Liberty is proud to announce our students consistently have successful results on both the clinical and national board examinations.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR DENTAL HYGIENE
Career opportunities for dental hygienists have increased in response to society’s demands for comprehensive dental health care. Increasing numbers of dental hygienists are working in expanded career alternative settings including dental hygiene education, school systems, public health, hospitals, clinics and long term care facilities, clinical research, military services, sales and private industry, research organizations, health promotion specialties, federal, state, and local health departments, and foreign employment. The selection of a career is one of the most important decisions a person makes; therefore, it is important that potential students be fully informed about the profession and educational requirements. The American Dental Hygienists’ Association publishes important facts about dental hygiene education, professional roles, employment, licensure, national and international careers.
DENTAL HYGIENE PROGRAM SCOPE OF PRACTICE
As stated on the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, “Dental Hygienists work in a host of settings to deliver clinical care and work under varying levels of supervision. Each state enacts its own laws determining its services dental hygienists can perform, the settings in which they can practice and the supervision under which they practice.
DENTAL HYGIENE UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS
WL Admissions Requirements
Students applying for the Dental Hygiene Program must first meet the general admissions policies established by West Liberty University. All applicants must complete an application to the DH Program by January 15 of the year you wish to attend in addition to a West Liberty University application. For more information on the West Liberty University admissions process, contact the Admissions Office at 304-336-8076 or 866-WEST LIB.
Dental Hygienist Requirements
Students may apply for the Associate in Science Degree in Dental Hygiene Program, or for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene. Applications for admission to both the Associate Degree Program and the Bachelor Degree Program must be completed and submitted to the Dental Hygiene Program before January 15 of the year the student wishes to enroll.
DENTAL HYGIENIST UNIVERSITY TUITION & FEES
Tuition and fees are based on in-state and out-of-state residency. Most costs for the program are built into tuition, however, additional expenses for students enrolled in the clinical portion of the program include: textbooks, uniforms, clinic shoes, Dental Hygiene lab fee, professional dues for student organizations, board examination fees, and professional pin.
DH PHILOSOPHY & GOALS
Download the DH Philosophy and Goals
The Dental Hygiene Program is committed to creating an educational environment that fosters the development of competent oral health professionals who are capable of thinking critically, solving problems and making responsible decisions in the delivery of dental hygiene care.
COMPETENCIES FOR DENTAL HYGIENE SCHOOLS
The West Liberty University Dental Hygiene Program Competencies identifies knowledge, skills, and attitudes graduates must possess to become competent and caring members of the health-care team in the delivery of dental hygiene educational, clinical, and consultative services in a variety of settings. At the completion of the Associate degree program, the dental hygiene graduate will be competent as an entry-level dental hygienist as evidenced by the completion of the following competencies.
1. To comply with state and federal laws governing the practice of dental hygiene and the ADHA Code of Ethics while providing optimal and compassionate care to a diverse population of patients and communities.
2. To use critical thinking and problem solving skills supported by evidence-based research to provide dental hygiene care, promote patient health and wellness, analyze efficacy of oral health products, and treatment modalities.
3. To identify individuals and populations through risk assessment to develop strategies for improved health, disease prevention, and referral for comprehensive evaluation.
4. To assess, plan, implement, evaluate, and document the oral health needs of the community utilizing available resources for education, prevention and therapeutic services.
5. To demonstrate critical decision making skills in the development of individualized dental hygiene care through assessment, analysis, planning, implementation, evaluation, and documentation.
6. To evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented clinical, preventive, and educational services through outcome assessments and modify as needed.
7. To demonstrate self-assessment skills to evaluate and modify the provision of current and continuing clinical patient care.
8. To advance personal and professional growth and development through community service activities, continuing education, and affiliation with professional organizations.
WLU Dental Hygiene Program Policies
The West Liberty University Dental Hygiene Program strictly adheres to the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Guidelines, and the CDC guidelines for the management of Blood-Borne Pathogens. The following is a link to the West Liberty Dental Hygiene Program DH PROGRAM HIV & HEPATITIS B VIRUS POLICY
Dental Board Licensure Requirements
The West Liberty University Dental Hygiene Program has designed the curriculum to meet state board requirements for Dental Hygiene licensure. Students will be required to pass a national exam as well as regional clinical examinations. The following are links to the tri-state area dental board web sites.