B.S. in Dental Hygiene

University of South Dakota

In the dental hygiene program, you'll become a health professional who promotes and improves the well-being of all people. You'll gain hands-on clinical experience in a variety of settings, learn collaboratively with other students and develop into a lifelong learner capable of providing care in a wide range of settings as you prepare for your career as a dental hygienist.As a dental hygiene major at USD, you will learn to emphasize prevention and outreach through your work in oral health and oral disease prevention. Our program provides you with real-world, hands-on experience in a variety of settings – including dental clinics, schools, nursing homes, tribal hospitals and penitentiaries – so you can gain confidence and learn by doing. Plus, as a student in the USD School of Health Sciences, you'll study and practice alongside students from a variety of disciplines, which will prepare you to be a collaborative member of your future patients' care teams.With faculty who care about your success, USD will help you find the educational path you need to achieve your goals. You'll graduate ready to provide essential services in the traditional dental office setting and a variety of other facilities. Dental hygienists can also find employment in other areas such as dental sales, education, the military, research labs and public health settings.Through the dental hygiene program, you'll gain hands-on clinical experience, take innovative classes and receive personalized support. Your education will equip you with the knowledge and experience you need to pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and a clinical licensing exam, which is required for licensure in any state, and set you up for success as a compassionate and confident dental hygienist.

School of Health Sciences