Dental hygiene program objectives

The Foothill College Bachelor of Science degree graduate will demonstrate their competence in their role as health professionals at the local, state, and national levels.

The graduate will possess the ethics, values, skills, and knowledge integral to all aspects of the profession. The Foothill College Bachelor of Science degree graduate will be competent in the performance and delivery of oral health promotion and disease prevention services in public health, private practice and alternative settings.

The graduate will be able to exercise evidence based practice, critical thinking and communicate effectively in all professional employment settings.

Why were OSCEs developed? OSCEs represent a method of measurement that is valid, reliable, and fair. Standardized patients i. OSCEs were developed to help accurately and reliably assess the complex notion of clinical competence in the medical field. Harden, Stevenson, Wilson Downie, and Wilson introduced the OSCE format to avoid many of the weaknesses and disadvantages of traditional clinical examinations.

To familiarize students with the use of standardized research methods to enable them to evaluate scientific information as a basis for dental hygiene decision-making and to assume entry-level roles as researchers.

To engage students in the promotion of dental health ideals through service to the community and the professional organization. Objectives of the Dental Hygiene Program Upon successful completion of the program and all licensing examinations, the dental hygienist will be able to: Apply ethical reasoning relevant to dental hygiene and practice with professional integrity.

Comply with state and federal laws governing the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene and take the appropriate measures when confronted with the incompetent, impaired or unethical practitioner. Solve problems and make decisions based on accepted scientific principles utilizing scientific literature as a basis for dental hygiene decision making.

Communicate professional knowledge verbally and in writing to patients, colleagues and other professionals. Commit to self-assessment and life-long learning in order to provide contemporary clinical care. Advance and support the profession through leadership, service activities and affiliation with professional organizations.

Assume entry-level roles of the profession clinician, educator, researcher, change agent, consumer advocate, administrator , as defined by the ADHA.