The Dental Hygiene Degree Completion Program: It's All About Access

Abstract

The state of Florida has 18 accredited, entry-level dental hygiene associate degree programs, but until now, there was no advanced dental hygiene degree available. As dental hygiene institutions began facing faculty shortages, it became clear that there was a need to provide an opportunity for dental hygienists to earn a bachelor's degree in dental hygiene. In January 2004, St. Petersburg College (SPC) began offering an online Bachelor of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene (BASDH) degree completion program. Since that time, approximately 70 students have graduated, and 150 students are currently enrolled or are ready to begin. The program seeks to address 3 main issues: ease the impending and current shortages in qualified faculty to staff associate degree programs; provide opportunity to expand career options of the registered dental hygienist outside of traditional clinical practice; aid in the professional development for those in clinical practice. The BASDH program is designed to be accessible to the majority of prospective students. The entire program is delivered online, requires no campus visits, and all web-based course activities are asynchronous. Students enter the program as a cohort and progress through the curriculum together. This fosters a virtual learning community that increases connectivity and team collaboration within the online courses. Courses are offered one at a time in a shortened time frame of 6-8 weeks. The Capstone course provides the opportunity for students to explore their individual area of interest and focus outside the traditional clinical dental hygiene setting, and to do so within their community. The outcomes indicate the mission was met and graduates are being placed in positions that utilize the advanced degree. The online structure of the program creates a stimulating environment that is highly interactive, learner centered, and results in excellent participation and collaboration with peers and instructors.