Dental Hygiene Degree
Type:
Associates in Applied Science
College:
Allied Health Services
Career Pathway:
Health Sciences
The Dental Hygiene degree program at Ferris State is the largest in the State of Michigan and one of the largest Dental Hygiene AAS degree programs in the nation. Our dental hygiene program program enjoys a reputation of educational excellence, with expert faculty who are recognized at the state, national and international levels within the discipline of dental hygiene for the delivery of innovative academic and continuing education.
Dental hygiene is a practice area that continues to grow with the increased consumer awareness of the importance of good oral hygiene in the prevention and detection of systemic disease processes. The dental hygiene industry will continue to grow based on the increasing focus on preventative dental care needs of the public.
Completion of the three-year Associates Degree in dental hygiene and applied science, and final written and clinical exams enables the graduate to sit for the state licensure exam. Student clinical experiences occur within the college as the students work with patients from the University, community, and local schools in the College's 30-seat state of the art Dental Hygiene Clinic.
Dental hygienists are professionals, licensed by the state in which they practice, who complete extensive educational and clinical preparation in preventive oral health care. A dental hygienist is a clinician, oral health care educator, health promoter, consumer advocate, administrator, and researcher.
Dental hygiene degree students must be admitted to the university. To be qualified to enter the professional sequence of the dental hygiene degree program, a student must have earned at least a 2.5 GPA with a minimum grade of a C in the following courses or their equivalent: MATH 110 (alternate MATH ACT subscore of 19 or above); BIOL 108; MRIS 102; ENGL 150; SOCY 121; CHEM 114, BIOL 205, COMM 105 or COMM 221 and PSYC 150 with a grade of C or better.
The responsibilities of a dental hygienist include the development, implementation, and evaluation of a dental hygiene plan of care that is based on the needs of the patient. Clinical services can include:
Accelerated employment growth for professional dental hygienists with a college degree in Dental Hygiene is expected for several years in response to increasing demand for dental care. Earnings of dental hygienists are affected by geographic location, employment setting, education, and experience.
The average hourly wage for dental hygienists in Michigan is $26 – $30 per hour in private dental practice employment settings. Dental hygienists who work for school systems, public health agencies, the federal government, or state agencies usually have substantial benefits.
To assure aas degree college students of a quality technical education in classroom/lab and clinical practice, enrollment is limited. Dental Hygiene associates degree students who meet or will have met the dental college hygiene program's qualification criteria by the end of Spring semester are required to apply to the program's professional sequence between January 15 and January 30 of the year prior to the August professional sequence entry. Admission will be based upon date of qualification.
The six-semester college dental hygiene degree program leads to an associate in applied science degree. Students must earn a grade of C or better in major and core courses and meet all the general education requirements as outlined on the General Education website.
If a dental hygiene degree students interrupt progression in the professional sequence of the college dental hygiene program, re-entry cannot be guaranteed due to space limitations.
College of Allied Health Sciences
Dental Hygiene Major
Ferris State University
200 Ferris Drive
Big Rapids, Michigan MI (USA) 49307-2737
Phone: 231-591-2224
About Ferris State University: College classes including our Dental Hygiene Degree Program, are taught at all levels by professional teachers, not graduate assistants. College Students at Ferris State University, including our Dental Hygiene Degree students, study in more than 170 different college educational programs which may include an Associates Degree in Applied Science degree programs or Dental Hygiene AAS Associates Degree Program in.
Seven of the Ferris' Michigan colleges are based in Big Rapids, Michigan - Allied Health Sciences, Arts and Sciences, College of Business, Education and Human Services, Optometry, Pharmacy and Technology. Ferris' College of Professional and Technological studies, and Kendall College of Art and Design are based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. College courses in dental hygiene are also offered at several Michigan College campus sites through the Ferris State University College of Professional and Technological Studies.
Ferris State University offers a wide variety of scholarships and financial aid. A majority of our students receive financial aid assistance. We encourage you to explore this website for more information on available scholarships and financial aid opportunities at Ferris State University. Ferris State provides all enrolled students access to a variety of academic skill-building opportunities that will assist them in their pursuit of academic excellence in a format that accommodates various learning preferences and schedules. At FSU students experience small classes with individual attention in 170 career-oriented majors leading to job placement for our graduates. FSU students also enjoy 220 student organizations for fun in a relaxed, hometown setting in the heart of Michigan's recreation area.
The group presentation, by one of our admissions recruiters, includes information on academic offerings, scholarships, housing, student life, and costs. A question and answer period follows the presentation and includes a few surprises! Lunch is provided at one of our well known dining facilities on campus. After lunch, guests may take part in a walking tour of campus led by one of our exceptional student guides. The walking tour takes approximately 1 hour.
If you would like more information on Dental Hygiene Degree or would like to talk with or visit our campus in Big Rapids, Michigan contact us.
To Learn More About Ferris State University click here for the Mission Statement.
Ferris State University Mission Statement
Ferris State University prepares students for successful careers, responsible citizenship, and lifelong learning. Through its many partnerships and its career-oriented, broad-based education, Ferris serves our rapidly changing global economy and society.
Ferris State University is the recognized leader in integrative education, where theory meets practice throughout the curriculum, and where multi-disciplinary skills important in a global economy are developed with the result that Ferris State University will also be the preferred choice for Dental Hygiene Degree and college students who seek specialized, innovative, career and life-enhancing education. FSU is the premier educational partner for government, communities, agencies, businesses, and Search Engine Optimization industries through applied research and joint ventures. Ferris State offers a stimulating, student-centered academic environment that fosters life-long engagement, leadership, citizenship, and continuing intellectual development.
Leading Michigan College Dental Hygiene Degree Core Values
Ferris State Dental Hygiene Degree contribute to the advancement of society by building partnerships with students, alumni, business and industry, government bodies, accrediting agencies, and the communities the University serves. By providing a Michigan college campus which is supportive, safe, and welcoming, Ferris State embraces a diversity of ideas, beliefs, and cultures. Ferris State recognizes the inherent dignity of each member of the University community and treats everyone with respect. FSU is committed to innovation and creativity, Ferris State strives to produce the highest quality outcomes in all its endeavors. Ferris State University values college education that is career-oriented, balances theory and practice, develops critical thinking, emphasizes active learning, and fosters responsibility and the desire for the lifelong pursuit of knowledge. FSU keeps a focus on developing career skills and knowledge, providing opportunities for civic engagement, leadership development, advancement, and success.
Ferris State Michigan
Campus Locations
Through our regional college campus locations across lower Michigan, Ferris State University and The University College of Professional and Technological Studies are here to serve your dental hygiene needs.
Tel: 800 4-FERRIS