Western Kentucky University’s Department of Allied Health and Human Services, Dental Hygiene Division offers educational opportunities to qualified man and women who wish to prepare themselves for the responsibilities of professional Dental Hygiene. Dental Hygiene is a profession undergoing change. The impact of technology, consumer needs and expectations, societal changes and the complexity of total oral health care demand highly skilled, well educated dental hygienists.

The dental hygienist is a licensed member of the dental profession who provides preventive oral health care to the public. The dental hygiene profession is separate from that of the dental assistant or dental laboratory technician.

Career opportunities for the dental hygienist are varied. The graduate may choose to work in general practice, specialty practice (periodontic, orthodontic, pedodonic, prosthodontic), industrial health, public health program (Head Start, Job Corps, Peace Corps, School Systems), military installation, hospital or clinic, research facility, teaching institutions, or public school dental hygiene. Positions in other countries are also available.

The dental hygienist must assume considerable responsibility in the profession, and the rewards are many. Demand for the dental hygienists are good and is expected to rise in the years ahead because of population growth, rising real incomes, and growing public awareness of the importance of oral health.

Enrollment in the program is limited; students should apply for admission to both the University and the dental hygiene program.

The dental hygiene applicant must do the following:

1. The applicant must be officially accepted by the University before his or her application can be considered for admission to Dental Hygiene.
2. The following information must be submitted to the Department of Allied Health & Human Services, Program of Dental Hygiene:

1. Application to the Program of Dental Hygiene is due before March 15. Applications received after this date will be considered on a space available basis.
2. High school transcript or high school equivalency credentials and ACT scores.
3. Post high school transcripts: College, university.

1. It is the responsibility of the student to see that this information is forwarded to the Department of Allied Health & Human Services/Program of Dental Hygiene.
2. Upon receipt of your application, you will be assigned an advisor in the Allied Health & Human Services Department with whom you must make an appointment before registering for classes.
3. Applicants seeking admission into the clinical component must complete 12-15 hours of the required general education Freshman course hours including Biology 131 Anatomy and Physiology and Chemistry 109 Chemistry for the Health Sciences with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. Admission is based on space available, and applicants are considered on a competitive basis. There are no restrictions regarding age, sex, race, religion, disability, or marital status. Notification of acceptance will be sent in April.

The associate degree in dental hygiene requires a minimum of 75 semester hours and leads to an Associate of Science Degree.

The baccalaureate degree in dental hygiene requires a minimum of 131 semester hours and leads to a Bachelor of Science Degree.