Blood-borne Pathogens and Infectious Disease: Students in the dental hygiene program, in the course of their clinical duties have exposure to blood, tissue, secretions or body fluids of patients potentially containing infectious diseases. Unintentional punctures of the skin with contaminated instruments could occur despite all precautions and could pose an increased risk to disease for the student. Policies have been developed to reduce student risk in accordance with occupational risk abatement procedures. Training in blood-borne pathogens is given at the onset of pre-clinical study. Certain vaccinations and immunizations are required prior to beginning the program, as well as an initial health assessment. No student or patient is discriminated against regarding past or present history of a blood-borne pathogen disease.

Requirements: HBV vaccination, Tuberculosis (TB) testing and verification of results, Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccination (MMR) verification and proof of immunity through a blood test, DPT, (Tetanus within 10 years), Chicken Pox vaccination or proof of immunity through a blood test. TB testing required yearly.

Students as Partners: During the course of study, it is commonplace for students to serve as a “learning patient partner” for another student. Dental hygiene procedures and pain control methods are often practiced on each other.

Licensing Information
At the conclusion of the second year of study the student will be eligible to take the necessary licensing examinations: National Dental Hygiene Board Examination and a Regional Board Examination. Additional Board Examinations may be required in some states for administration of local anesthesia and nitrous oxide conscious sedation.

Criminal Convictions
The applicant for licensure must have a criminal background check and the State of Michigan Department of Community Health will review applications for licensure in these matters. Obtaining licensure may be impeded in certain cases. Drug screening checks may be required for licensure and/or clinical placement while a student in the program. Additional background checks may be required for clinical experiences while in the program.

Additional Costs
In addition to tuition and lab fees, students entering the dental hygiene program will be required to purchase an instrument kit, uniforms and various supplies that will be used during their clinical experience. The cost is estimated at $2700.00. Licensing examinations estimated costs are $1400.