The health of the mouth can affect the health of the entire body. Infection and inflammation of the teeth and gums can have long-term systemic consequences. In our B.S. in Dental Hygiene program, one of the finest dental hygiene programs in the U.S. you will learn just how important the dental hygienist is to patients overall health and will acquire the in-classroom knowledge and hands-on expertise you need for success in this highly rewarding field. The cornerstone of the university's dental hygiene program is the Bachelor of Science degree. This program enables the student to be involved in dental hygiene coursework throughout all four years of the curriculum. The course of study integrates science prerequisites and general (core) education requirements with foundational and advanced-level dental hygiene courses. Graduates of the Bachelor of Science program will be prepared not only to seek employment in private dental offices but also to pursue employment in a variety of other healthcare settings such as nursing homes, centers for the developmentally disabled, hospitals, schools, Head Start Programs, National Health Service Corps, correctional facilities, and community health centers. A dental hygienist with a Bachelor of Science degree may also pursue a career as a corporate educator or sales representative. Bachelor of Science degree students also have the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to seek education at the graduate level.