Dental Hygiene

About

The UNMC Department of Dental Hygiene is a leader in dental hygiene education, patient care and research. Our program is one of the few in the United States to offer a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. With a comprehensive curriculum, we prepare students for successful careers while equipping them with advanced education and critical thinking skills that set them apart in the job market.

Our department features award-winning faculty, exceptional hands-on clinical training, and innovative research and community outreach opportunities. This unique learning environment fosters student success, outstanding patient care and groundbreaking research.

Education

The program emphasizes hands-on learning in state-of-the-art dental hygiene practice. Students engage in research and service-learning experiences, providing care to vulnerable and underserved patient populations across Nebraska. Our faculty prepare students to promote health, prevent disease within their communities, communicate professional knowledge effectively to patients and healthcare providers, and uphold the ethical and legal standards of dental hygiene practice.

Courses taught include:

• Clinical Dental Hygiene
• Clinical Techniques
• Community Dental Health
• Dental Anatomy
• Local Anesthesia
• Medical Emergencies
• Nitrous Oxide-Oxygen Sedation
• Professional Perspectives

Patient Care

The department provides patient-centered, comprehensive and evidence-based dental hygiene care. The college has developed a highly effective clinical model that closely mirrors the comprehensive care offered in private practice. In this model, dental and dental hygiene students collaborate to deliver complete patient care. This approach fosters teamwork, enhances efficiency, and helps students build strong, lasting relationships with their patients.

Research

Our students lead cutting-edge, award-winning research projects under the guidance of our faculty. They have opportunities to present their findings at national meetings, with many receiving top honors for their work.

Faculty are actively involved in research and regularly present their work at national and international dental hygiene conferences.