Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Weber State University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene at Weber State University prepares students with the clinical, technical, patient-care, and community-health skills needed for professional dental hygiene practice, combining classroom learning, clinical practice, and community outreach. The program is suited to students seeking advanced preparation in areas such as clinical dental hygiene care, periodontal therapy, oral radiology, patient management, interprofessional education, and evidence-based practice.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1: Students build the academic and scientific foundation through courses such as ENGL 1010 – Introductory College Writing, PSY 1010 – Introduction to Psychology, HTHS 2110 – Integrated Human Anatomy and Physiology I, and HTHS 2111 – Integrated Human Anatomy and Physiology II. They also study nutrition, sociology, communication, and introductory pathophysiology, establishing the biomedical and communication knowledge needed for dental hygiene practice.

Year 2: Students begin specialized dental hygiene training with DENT 2205 – Head/Neck and Dental Anatomy, DENT 2206 – Clinical Dental Hygiene/Radiology, and DENT 2207 – Dental Hygiene I, alongside radiology, community dental health, and professional ethics. The second semester develops clinical knowledge through DENT 2211 – Oral Pathology, DENT 2215 – Periodontology, DENT 2216 – Clinical Dental Hygiene II, and DENT 2235 – Dental Medicine.

Year 3: Students advance their clinical capabilities through DENT 3336 – Clinical Dental Hygiene III, DENT 3337 – Dental Hygiene III, DENT 3305 – Pain Control, and DENT 2219 – Dental Materials. They also begin the bachelor's-level component through DENT 4530 – Principles and Application of Evidence-Based Dental Hygiene Practice, with DENT 4800 – Individual Research available as an approved elective.

Year 4: Students complete advanced clinical and community-based preparation through DENT 3301 – Community Dental Health Service Learning Lab, DENT 3346 – Clinical Dental Hygiene IV, and DENT 3347 – Dental Hygiene IV. The bachelor's-level curriculum culminates in DENT 4780 – Baccalaureate Thesis and DENT 4890 – Advanced Community or Clinical Work Experience, combining research, advanced practice, and professional experience.

Focus Areas: Clinical dental hygiene care, patient management, head, neck and dental anatomy, periodontal care and therapy, local anesthesia, oral radiology, community dental health, interprofessional education, evidence-based practice, research, and advanced clinical experience.

Learning Outcomes: Students develop the knowledge and technical skills required for dental hygiene practice, including patient assessment and care, radiological techniques, infection control, professional and ethical responsibilities, clinical instrumentation, contemporary technology, problem-solving, research, communication, and interprofessional practice.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The Dental Hygiene program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), part of the American Dental Association, with the current accreditation extending through 2032; Weber State states that accreditation ensures the dental hygiene education meets required standards for the profession and Utah licensing.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): Not stated on the official Weber State Dental Hygiene program pages reviewed. The university does state that graduates are prepared for employment and successful completion of licensure examinations, and that bachelor's graduates can also qualify to teach part-time in dental hygiene programs.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in Weber State University’s Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene develop practical skills through a combination of classroom instruction, clinical practice, community outreach, research, and advanced clinical experiences. The program provides hands-on training using current dental technology and allows students to treat real patients under the supervision of licensed faculty, with clinical rotations at the campus-based Dental Hygiene Clinic and additional off-site clinical locations. These experiences build technical, communication, leadership, research, and critical-thinking skills needed for professional dental hygiene practice.

Key practical learning opportunities and facilities include:

Dental Hygiene Clinic: Students provide actual oral healthcare services to students and community members under the supervision of experienced, licensed dental hygiene faculty, creating direct patient-care experience.
Clinical Rotations: During the second year of the professional program, students complete clinical rotations at off-site locations as well as the Weber State campus clinic, gaining experience with different patient-care environments.
Dental X-rays and 3D CBCT Imaging: Students learn to perform dental X-rays and 3D CBCT imaging, giving them practical experience with diagnostic imaging technology used in dental hygiene care.
Advanced Clinical Procedures: Hands-on training includes teeth cleaning, periodontal therapy, fluoride treatment, and diode laser treatment, allowing students to develop skills across a range of dental hygiene services.
Community Dental Health Service Learning: DENT 3301 – Community Dental Health Service Learning Lab provides community-based learning, while DENT 4890 – Advanced Community or Clinical Work Experience develops further practical experience.
Baccalaureate Thesis and Research: DENT 4780 – Baccalaureate Thesis gives students a structured research experience, while DENT 4800 – Individual Research allows eligible students to undertake faculty-approved individual research.
Clinical Teaching Experience: The program provides opportunities to develop dental hygiene education and clinical teaching skills, including practicing clinical supervision of junior students under faculty supervision.
Technology-Enhanced Learning: Weber State highlights the use of the latest technology in hands-on dental hygiene education, including modern imaging and treatment technologies used in clinical care.
Interdisciplinary and Community Experience: The program combines clinical education with community outreach and interprofessional practice, helping students understand dental hygiene within the wider healthcare environment.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene at Weber State University are prepared to enter professional dental hygiene practice after obtaining the required professional license, with training in clinical care, periodontal therapy, oral radiology, patient management, teamwork, and evidence-based practice. The bachelor’s degree also broadens opportunities beyond traditional dental practices into community settings and dental hygiene education.

Typical Job Roles: Dental Hygienist, Community/Public Health Dental Hygienist, Dental Hygiene Educator, Clinical Dental Hygienist.

Career Development & Employment Opportunities: Weber State supports students through professional development, career advising, clinical experience, and involvement with the dental hygiene profession:

Career Services: Students can work with a Weber State Career Advisor for career guidance and employment preparation.
Employment & Salary: Weber State states that graduates can become employed as licensed dental hygienists, with an average starting salary in Utah of around $100,000, although earnings vary according to clinics and working hours.
Employment Settings: Graduates can work in private and group dental practices, periodontal, pediatric and orthodontic clinics, residential care facilities, schools, and other community settings.
Teaching Opportunities: The bachelor’s degree qualifies graduates to teach part-time in Weber State’s dental hygiene program and other dental hygiene programs, providing an additional professional pathway beyond clinical practice.
Professional Development: The program encourages active involvement with the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) and maintains an active student chapter, supporting professional and leadership development.
Clinical Preparation: Students complete clinical and community experiences designed to develop the practical skills required for professional dental hygiene and successful completion of licensing examinations.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: The Dental Hygiene program has been accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) since 1975 and currently holds accreditation with no reporting requirements; the most recent review was in 2025 and the next is scheduled for 2032. This accreditation confirms that the program meets established dental hygiene education standards and supports preparation for professional licensure.
Graduation Outcomes: Weber State states that graduates are prepared for employment as dental hygienists and for successful completion of licensure examinations, while the BS also provides preparation for graduate-level study and broader professional opportunities.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the BS in Dental Hygiene, students can pursue graduate-level education in fields related to dental hygiene, health professions, education, public health, administration, or other advanced healthcare disciplines. Weber State specifically notes that its BS provides the foundation to pursue a graduate program, although a specific dental-hygiene master’s degree is not stated on the university’s current program page.