Dental Hygiene students in Ferris State University’s College of Health Professions
are pointed toward a high-demand, rewarding career. Cohorts of 50 students a year
learn hands-on skills and are involved in community outreach programs prior to earning
their Associate of Applied Science degree.
Ninety-five Ferris State University Dental Hygiene students are learning in-demand
that the industry is actively seeking, according to a report from the oral healthcare
website dentistryiq.com.
Samantha Mishler, an assistant professor of Dental Hygiene, said cohorts in their
Associate of Applied Sciences degree number 50 students a year for a program that
emphasizes hands-on learning.
“Our Dental hygiene students begin treating patients during the spring semester of
their first year in the program,” Mishler said. “We work to ensure that they see patients
of all backgrounds, varying levels of health status, of all age levels, and of different
complexities during their time in the program to ensure they are ready for any patient
they will encounter after graduation.”
The Dental Hygiene clinical lab in the Victor F. Spathelf Building is where students
gain experience while benefiting community members who visit as patients.
“Students provide free or reduced cost services in our clinics to veterans and several
at-risk populations,” Mishler said. “Learning, community dentistry opportunities in
several offsite locations have been offered over the years, which include Hope Network,
the Mecosta-Osceola Intermediate School District, Mission Point, and some local schools
and daycares.”
Taylor DeWildt, of Coopersville, is working toward an associate degree in Dental Hygiene.
She is eyeing a double major in Allied Health Sciences with a projected graduation
date of May 2025.
“I began my studies at Ferris in Architecture. In seeking an alternative, I went back
to my interest in oral health care,” DeWildt said. “Pursuing a Bachelor of Science
in Allied Health Sciences allowed me to catch the prerequisite courses for Dental
Hygiene and continue as a full-time student.”
DeWildt is excited about her advance into clinical learning as a first-year student.
“I have always been meticulous and detail-oriented,” she said. “I have been so ready
and excited. You have spent time learning about the tools of dental hygiene, and when
you begin, that allows you to be well-versed. We have learned so much in these last
eight weeks.”
Mishler said those who complete the Dental Hygiene associate degree are due to enter
the industry with salaries averaging $70,000. She noted, however, that students can
continue their learning and expand their range of opportunities.
“Our department has developed a degree completion program to obtain a Bachelor of
Science degree in Dental Hygiene that can be utilized to expand into other areas of
the field, outside of clinical practice,” Mishler said. “The career options for these
graduates include dental sales, speaking, advocacy, as well as dental education.”
A dentistryiq.com report said factors like an aging population’s need for oral health
services and a labor market in flux after the COVID-19 pandemic call for more dental
hygienists to support industry demand. DeWildt said her current plan is to work in
Michigan after earning her degree.
“I hope to go back near my hometown, there is a care group there with multiple offices that I am familiar with and enjoy,” DeWildt said. “I do plan to keep my options open.”