Contact information
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
This rigorous two-year program includes four 16-week semesters, a 6-week summer session, and a 2-week summer externship. All courses are offered exclusively at NAU’s Flagstaff Mountain Campus. Before admission, students must complete approximately two years of prerequisite coursework.
Students in the NAU Dental Hygiene program are actively involved in the community and public health projects which provide additional learning and engagement opportunities. Learn more about the curriculum offered through NAU’s Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene.
Program details and admission requirements:
Admission to the NAU Dental Hygiene Program is highly competitive and requires a separate application process. Meeting the minimum criteria allows you to apply but does not guarantee acceptance. Due to limited spaces, students not admitted must reapply each year, as no waitlist is maintained. The application is open yearly from January 1st through January 31st.
State-of-the-art facilities
Students in the program benefit from cutting-edge clinical and educational resources, including an 18-chair clinic and dental laboratory, equipped with advanced tools like Velscope, Spectra, and intraoral cameras, a dedicated 5-chair radiographic facility featuring digital x-ray technology, and a panoramic x-ray machine, and a seminar and computer center with scenic views of the San Francisco Peaks, offering a comfortable and inspiring space for studying and accessing web-based courses.
By combining exceptional facilities with a comprehensive curriculum, NAU prepares students for successful careers as skilled dental hygiene professionals.
What is a Dental Hygienist? Accordion Closed
Job description according to the ADA
A career as a dental hygienist offers a wide range of challenges. In the dental office, the dentist and the dental hygienist work together to meet the oral health needs of patients. Since each state has its own specific regulations regarding their responsibilities, the range of services performed by hygienists varies from state to state. Some of the services provided by dental hygienists may include: Patient screening procedures; such as assessment of oral health conditions, review of the health history, oral cancer screening, head and neck inspection, dental charting and taking blood pressure and pulse, taking and developing dental radiographs (x-rays)
removing calculus and plaque (hard and soft deposits) from all surfaces of the teeth
applying preventive materials to the teeth (e.g., sealants and fluorides)
teaching patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health;
(e.g., tooth brushing, flossing and nutritional counseling)
counseling patients about good nutrition and its impact on oral health
making impressions of patients’ teeth for study casts (models of teeth used by dentists to evaluate patient treatment needs)
performing documentation and office management activities
Dental Hygienist scope of practice
CDCA/WREB/CITA Accordion Closed
The NAU Dental Hygiene Clinic is a CDCA/WREB/CITA testing location for Local Anesthesia Clinical & Dental Hygiene clinicals.
State licensure information Accordion Closed
Click here for information on state licensure
Dental Hygiene State Licensure Spreadsheet
Professional licensure by state
https://legacy.nau.edu/compliance-and-authorization/professional-licensure-by-state/
STATE LICENSURE
Licensure is granted by each individual state. Dental hygienists practice in accordance with requirements of individual state dental practice acts. For more information regarding program licensure in other states, please visit here.
DISCLAIMER: STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Students enrolled at NAU who wish to practice in the state of California must take an additional ANE/CURETTAGE/NITROUS OXIDE course because CA does not recognize AZ dental hygiene anesthesia courses. More info can be found here.