Health Sciences Center
60 Lafayette Street
Telephone: (203) 576-4138
Fax: (203) 576-4220
Curriculum and Program Requirements
Students in the Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.) may integrate bachelor’s courses with the clinical aspect of the Dental Hygiene curriculum or pursue a baccalaureate degree (B.S.) after completing clinical preparation at the Associate of Science/Certificate Level. This baccalaureate degree completion approach is available to Fones’ students as well as graduates of other Dental Hygiene programs accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation.
Education at the baccalaureate level enhances the dental hygienist’ opportunities, abilities, background and values. The professional dental hygiene curriculum is combined with a liberal arts education, and is designed to foster student growth, promote development of critical and ethical judgment, and encourage life-long learning. Upon satisfactory completion of semester hours in the areas of study specified, the student will be recommended for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene.
General Education Track
This program option has been developed for those students who have semester hours beyond the Associate’s degree and are interested in a broad general education. Students have the opportunity to shape their own curriculum to meet personal career goals. The outcome of this planning process is an individualized program that enables the dental hygienist to gain desired knowledge and skills and directly transfer this expertise to a professional work setting. Students may identify a minor in such areas as human services, marketing and biology to name a few.
Learning Outcomes
In addition to the learning outcomes of the entry-level dental hygiene curriculum, through completion of the Bachelor of Science Degree in dental hygiene, students will achieve the following outcomes:
- Communicate effectively through written, oral, and electronic means;
- Apply scientific inquiry to foster critical thinking and reflective reasoning in all initiatives;
- Participate in domestic and global collaborative efforts that allow for expanded and/or alternative career opportunities;
- Develop, lead, and manage programs and strategies responsive to the diverse cultural and ethnic values and traditions of the communities served;
- Instill the desire to pursue graduate level education.