Dental Hygiene ~ Farmingdale State College

Dental Hygiene is the study of preventive oral healthcare and the management of behaviors required to prevent oral disease and promote health. It is a licensed healthcare profession that supports total health through the promotion of oral health and wellness.

Preventive oral healthcare includes:

* Preventive oral health services delivered by dental health professionals
* Therapeutic interventions that address oral conditions through treatment services
* Removal of barriers for access to preventive oral health services
* Promotion of patient compliance with professional recommendations for oral healthcare
* Provision of oral health educational outreach to special populations

As a member of the healthcare team, the dental hygienist integrates the roles of clinical practitioner, educator, consumer advocate, manager, change agent, and researcher to promote and maintain oral wellness and, thereby, contribute to the quality of life.

Farmingdale State University of New York offers an Associate of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene which leads to licensure and certification and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene which expands career opportunities for licensed Dental Hygienists. The following is a description of both the Associate and Baccalaureate degree programs offered at Farmingdale State University of New York.