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General Information

Dental Hygiene

Nursing

 

Dental Hygiene

Hemenway 200-B
2445 Campus Road
Honolulu, HI 96822
Tel: (808) 956-8821
Fax: (808) 956-5707

Faculty

C. Kuba, RDH, MEd (Chair)—dental hygiene
A. Akamine, RDH, BEd—dental hygiene
J. Ebert, DDS—periodontology
P. Fujimoto, RDH, DDS—oral pathology
D. Fukuda, RDH, MPH—dental hygiene
G. Lau, RDH, MEd—dental hygiene
M. Oishi, DDS—dental materials
J. Omori, RDH, MPH—dental hygiene
A. Ogawa, RDH, DMD—dental anesthesia/radiology
K. Osada, RDH, MEd—dental hygiene
D. Saidy, RDH, MEd—dental hygiene
K. Sing Chow, RDH, MEd—dental hygiene
W. A. Wakai, RDH, DMD—head and neck anatomy
L. Wong, DDS—oral histology
L. Yamada, DDS—periodontology

Emeritus Faculty

Y. Koga, MA—dental and dental hygiene sciences

Degree Offered: BS in dental hygiene

The Academic Program

The Department of Dental Hygiene admits students to the bachelor of science in dental hygiene program following completion of a minimum of 29 semester credit hours of prerequisite and the majority of general education courses.
The program at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa offers the only baccalaureate dental hygiene educational program in the state. It offers the preparation required by dental hygienists to provide oral health care and education to the people of Hawai'i, the continental U.S., and the Pacific-Asia region.

Students completing the bachelor of science in dental hygiene qualify for admission to the national and regional dental hygiene examinations for licensure to practice dental hygiene in private, public health, and other dental hygiene settings.

The bachelor of science in dental hygiene provides opportunity for students to continue their education. It offers professional training to broaden and deepen knowledge and skills, as well as provides a foundation for personal and professional development and opportunities for admission to graduate work.

Accreditation

The dental hygiene program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, American Dental Association.
Each program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation must post the Notice of Opportunity and Procedure to File Complaints with the Commission on Dental Accreditation, which states:

"each program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation must develop and implement a procedure to inform students, patients and others of the mailing address and telephone number of the Commission on Dental Accreditation. The Commission on Dental Accreditation will review complaints that relate to a program's compliance with the accreditation standards. The Commission is interested in the sustained quality and continued improvement of dental and dental-related education programs but does not intervene on behalf of individuals or act as a court of appeal for individuals in matters of admission, appointment, promotion or dismissal of faculty, staff or students. The complaints/comments are due in the Commission office no later than 60 days prior to the program's site visit."

A copy of the appropriate accreditation standards and/or the Commission's policy and procedures for submission of complaints may be obtained by contacting the Commission at:

211 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60611
Tel: 1-(800)-621-8099, ext 4653

Advising

Department of Dental Hygiene
Hemenway Hall 200-B
Honolulu, Hawaii 96822
Tel: (808) 956-8821

Academic advising is provided by faculty of the Department of Dental Hygiene. Potential applicants as well as students in need of advising should call for appointments. All enrolled dental hygiene students are advised to meet with a faculty advisor regarding their progress toward their degree to ensure that all requirements are met at least two semesters before the scheduled graduation date.

An application for graduation must be submitted with a degree fee to the Cashier's Office, QLCSS Room 001. This should be processed during the first three weeks of the semester the student intends to graduate.

Honors and Awards

Dental Hygiene Faculty Award

An outstanding dental hygiene student who has maintained high scholarship and made contributions to the department is recognized by the faculty of the Department of Dental Hygiene at graduation.

Sigma Phi Alpha

Alpha Kappa Chapter of Sigma Phi Alpha is the national dental hygiene honor society at UH Manoa. Senior dental hygiene students who rank high in scholarship and character and exhibit potential qualities for future growth are recommended by faculty members for election to membership.

Undergraduate Study

Admission Requirements

To qualify for admission to the Dental Hygiene Program, applicants must complete the following requirements:

  1. Admission to UH Manoa
  2. Minimum GPA of 2.5
  3. Prerequisite courses or equivalents: PHYL 103/103L; BIOC 241; MICR 130/140L; FSHN 185; ENG 100; SOC 100; PSY 100; SP 151
  4. Near completion of general education courses required for UH Manoa graduation
  5. Recommend completion of PHRM 203; PSY 225 (or equivalent)
  6. Interview

There is a path for those students interested in completing a baccalaureate degree, who have graduated from an associate degree or certificate program. To qualify, the applicant must complete the following requirements:

  1. Admission to UH Manoa
  2. Minimum GPA of 2.5
  3. Minimum DH GPA of 3.0
  4. Passed the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination
  5. Completion of courses equivalent to: DH 361, DH 370, DH 389, DH 390/391
  6. Near completion of UH Manoa general education courses
  7. Interview
  8. Certified in the administration of intra-oral anesthesia (including regional blocks)

Application Period

December 1 through February 1 for the upcoming fall semester. Students are admitted only during the fall semester.

Transfer applicants from other universities and colleges must complete the UH System Application form and submit the form to UH Manoa Office of Admissions. Students enrolled as classified day students at UH Manoa during the semester immediately preceding the semester of desired entry must complete the Curriculum Transfer Request and the Department of Dental Hygiene application forms.

Applicants must submit transcripts, if applicable, and photocopy of grades if enrolled in courses at any community college or other university during the semester immediately preceding the semester of entry to the program.

Health Certification and Other Requirements

Prior to enrollment, accepted students must provide evidence of sound health and meet other requirements as follows:

  1. CPR Certification (Health Provider level BLS Course);
  2. Health clearance of immunizations including polio, tetanus within 10 years, mumps, complete hepatitis B vaccine series; laboratory evidence (titer) of immunity to rubella, rubeola and varicella; and TB clearance;
  3. Health insurance; and
  4. Malpractice insurance of $1 million per incident/$3 million aggregate

All requirements must be cleared before registration by presenting photocopies of CPR certification, health insurance policy (card), titer results, Health Clearance Form (vaccination record), and TB clearance to the Department of Dental Hygiene. Students with prerequisite deficiencies may not register for or attend laboratory or clinical classes.

Students must take a tuberculosis screen test or chest x-ray as required. Dental hygiene students who have not taken a TB skin test within the last year must take the two-step TB test. CPR certification must be current.

Students are required to have health insurance. Student medical insurance plan information may be obtained through the University Health Services at (808) 956-8965.

Students enrolled in dental hygiene clinical courses have the potential for exposure to communicable diseases and may sustain injuries in the clinical setting. Limited emergency care will be rendered onsite. Students are financially liable for all care received, including emergency room charges.

Note: All certifications and requirements must be kept current for the duration of program enrollment.

Financial Consideration

Significant costs (e.g., professional education fee; purchase of instruments, supplies, uniforms, and books; examination fees, etc.) not related to tuition and housing are associated with dental hygiene education. The additional cost over a period of three years in the dental hygiene program is approximately $14,000. Students are encouraged to make appropriate financial arrangements.

Note: School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene students pay a higher fee at registration.

Varied Schedules

Dental hygiene students are expected to participate in clinical experiences at various scheduled times. Therefore, students must make time and arrangements to accommodate a modified daily schedule.

Continued Registration

The minimum academic requirements of UH Manoa apply to all dental hygiene students. In addition, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 for all registered credit hours in dental hygiene courses to continue registration in the dental hygiene program.

BS in Dental Hygiene

Students must complete the following:

General Education Core Requirements

  • See Catalog

Pre-Major Requirements

  • BIOC 241 Fundamentals of Biochemistry (3)
  • ENG 100 Composition I (3)
  • FSHN 185 The Science of Human Nutrition (3)
  • MICR 130 General Microbiology (3) and MICR 140L Microbiology Laboratory (2)
  • PHYL 103/103L Human Physiology and Anatomy/Physiology and Anatomy Lab (5/1)
  • PSY 100 Survey of Psychology (3)
  • SOC 100 Introduction to Sociology (3)
  • SP 151 Personal and Public Speech (3)

Major Requirements

  • DH 231 Oral Anatomy and Tooth Morphology (2)
  • DH 231L Oral Anatomy and Tooth Morphology Lab (2)
  • DH 238 Basic Dental Hygiene I (2)
  • DH 238L Basic Dental Hygiene I Lab (1)
  • DH 239L Basic Dental Hygiene I Lab (1)
  • DH 240 Basic Dental Hygiene II (2)
  • DH 240L Basic Dental Hygiene Lab/Clinic (1)
  • DH 241L Basic Dental Hygiene Lab/Clinic (1)
  • DH 242L Basic Dental Hygiene Lab/Clinic (1)
  • DH 250 General and Oral Histology and Embryology (2)
  • DH 251 General and Oral Histology and Embryology (1)
  • DH 28l Dental Radiography (2)
  • DH 281L Dental Radiography Lab/Clinic (1)
  • DH 361 Health Education and Promotion (2)
  • DH 366 General and Oral Pathology (2)
  • DH 367 General and Oral Pathology (1)
  • DH 369 Dental Materials (1)
  • DH 369L Dental Materials Lab/Clinic (1)
  • DH 370 Expanded Functions in Dental Hygiene (2)
  • DH 370L Expanded Functions Lab/Clinic (1)
  • DH 375 Clinical Dental Hygiene I (2)
  • DH 375L Clinical Dental Hygiene I Clinic (1)
  • DH 376L Clinical Dental Hygiene I Clinic (1)
  • DH 377L Clinical Dental Hygiene I Clinic (1)
  • DH 378L Clinical Dental Hygiene I Clinic (1)
  • DH 380 Clinical Dental Hygiene II (2)
  • DH 380L Clinical Dental Hygiene II Clinic (1)
  • DH 381L Clinical Dental Hygiene II Clinic (1)
  • DH 382L Clinical Dental Hygiene II Clinic (1)
  • DH 389 Pain Control and Local Anesthesia in Dentistry (2)
  • DH 390 Periodontology I (2)
  • DH 391 Periodontology II (2)
  • DH 473 Community Health (3)
  • DH 475 Advanced Clinical Dental Hygiene II (2)
  • DH 475L Advanced Clinical Dental Hygiene I Clinic A (1)
  • DH 476L Advanced Clinical Dental Hygiene I Clinic B (1)
  • DH 477L Advanced Clinical Dental Hygiene I Clinic C (1)
  • DH 478L Advanced Clinical Dental Hygiene I Clinic D (1)
  • DH 480 Advanced Clinical Dental Hygiene II (2)
  • DH 480L Advanced Clinical Dental Hygiene II Clinic (1)
  • DH 481L Advanced Clinical Dental Hygiene II Clinic (1)
  • DH 482L Advanced Clinical Dental Hygiene II Clinic (1)
  • DH 483L Advanced Clinical Dental Hygiene II Clinic (1)
  • NURS 310 Psychosocial Concepts in Health (3) or equivalent
  • NURS 439 Management for Health Professionals (3) or equivalent
  • NURS 441 Introduction to Nursing Research (3) or equivalent
  • PHRM 203 General Pharmacology (3)

For information on a Bachelor Degree Program Sheet, go to www.manoa.hawaii.edu/ovcaa/programsheets/.

DH Courses