The Philosophy and Goals of the
Dental Hygiene Program reflect those of the University
and the School of Dentistry. The Philosophy encompasses
the areas of teaching, service and scholarship.
The teaching philosophy of this
Program is to prepare students who strive for excellence
and ethical conduct in the provision of comprehensive
dental hygiene care. A state of the science curriculum
integrates the biophysical, clinical, and psychosocial
sciences and facilitates the development of a knowledge-based
practitioner. Patient care focuses on the individual
needs of each patient and actively involves the patient
in the treatment process to promote positive, long-term
changes in health status. To prepare the dental hygienist
for a dynamic interdisciplinary health care system,
both didactic and clinical experiences explore practice
in a variety of settings and with culturally diverse
patients of all ages and health status. An atmosphere
of mutual trust and respect increases the opportunity
for instructor evaluation of student performance and
improves the quality of feedback. Student self-evaluation
is encouraged as a step toward becoming a practitioner
who continually appraises the quality of his/her patient
care. The student advising and remediation program allows
for individualization of the curriculum and promotes
intellectual growth. The challenging, collegiate atmosphere
fosters the development of dental hygienists who are
intellectually curious, critical thinkers and lifelong
learners. The exposure to the humanities provides the
student with the flexibility to adapt to societal change
and to contribute to the community.
The Dental Hygiene Program has a service philosophy
to the University, the School of Dentistry, the students,
the public and the profession of Dental Hygiene. The
educational program graduates competent dental hygienists
who are engaged in health care, education, research
and professional leadership nationwide. The provision
of quality patient care is of primary importance in
the dental hygiene teaching clinics at the School of
Dentistry and the various community sites. Continuing
education in changing concepts of dental health care
is offered to health care professionals. A commitment
to the education of the public and the profession is
demonstrated by student and faculty involvement in community
and professional activities.
The scholarship philosophy is to conduct educational
and clinical research to further develop the body of
dental hygiene knowledge. This philosophy is facilitated
by a commitment to the professional development of each
faculty member. Faculty keep current and exchange instructional
methodologies and research findings through oral presentations
and written publications.
1. Prepare a qualified dental hygienist
who will be competent with respect to the University
of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, Dental Hygiene
Program Competencies for the Dental Hygienist.
2. Maintain a contemporary dental
hygiene program that reflects relevant and current dental
hygiene practice.
3. Provide a dynamic interdisciplinary
dental and dental hygiene curriculum that integrates
biomedical, clinical and behavioral sciences.
4. Maintain admission policies
to ensure admission of a diverse and qualified student
body.
5. Maintain a baccalaureate degree
completion program to support and encourage continued
formal dental hygiene education.
6. Provide quality individualized
patient centered dental hygiene care.
7. Participate in collaborative community health promotion.
8. Serve as a resource of oral
health knowledge and education for the health care community.
9. Engage in professional association
activities.
10. Demonstrate leadership in dental
hygiene education and research.
11. Provide service to the School
of Dentistry and the university communities.
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