Dental Hygiene Western Kentucky University

Overview

The Dental Hygiene programme at Western Kentucky University provides a rigorous academic and clinical foundation for students aspiring to enter the dental profession. This curriculum is designed to develop highly skilled healthcare providers capable of delivering essential oral care and promoting public health within diverse communities.

Students can choose between an Associate of Science or a Bachelor of Science degree track depending on their career goals. The baccalaureate curriculum is specifically structured to prepare graduates for advanced roles in teaching, research, and healthcare management, alongside traditional clinical practice.

The core professional curriculum requires a two-year commitment, with new cohorts beginning exclusively in the autumn term.

Why Dental Hygiene at Western Kentucky University?

The programme is fully accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, ensuring that the education provided meets the highest national standards. Established in 1970, the department has a long-standing history of excellence in allied health education and clinical training.

Students benefit from hands-on experience in the dedicated Dental Hygiene Clinic, where they provide supervised patient care. The curriculum emphasises a strong theoretical base in psychosocial and basic sciences, fostering leadership skills and a commitment to lifelong learning in the field.

The institution focuses on preparing graduates who are capable of problem-solving and decision-making in complex, interdisciplinary environments. This approach ensures that alumni are ready to contribute to the betterment of the profession through both clinical skill and ethical practice.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 29030 per year
• National fee: USD 27000 per year
• Local fee: USD 12072 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Microbiology
• College Writing
• Psychology
• Chemistry for the Health Sciences
• Dental Radiology I
• Periodontics
• Dental Pharmacology
• Oral Anatomy
• Preventive Dental Hygiene Care
• Oral Histology and Embryology
• Dental Radiology II
• Community Dental Health
• Advanced Periodontology
• General and Oral Pathology
• Pain Control in Dentistry
• Research Methods
• Clinical Dental Hygiene III
• Public Speaking and Communication
• Human Nutrition
• Sociology

Careers with Dental Hygiene

Graduates are prepared for diverse professional opportunities across various sectors of the healthcare industry. Many alumni secure roles in general dentistry practices or specialised clinics, focusing on patient care and preventive education.

Beyond private practice, career paths include positions in public health organisations, military installations, and hospital settings. Graduates may also find employment in research facilities, public school systems, or corporate dental environments.

The programme equips students with top-tier skills in clinical research, aesthetics, and customer service. Alumni often pursue careers in dental hygiene management or teaching, contributing to the training of future generations of dental professionals.

Accreditation

The Program is accredited by the Council of Dental Education/Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.