Home > For Prospective Students > Dental Hygiene Program > Mission, Philosophy and Goals
Mission
As an integral part of the VCU School of Dentistry as well as the greater University:
The mission of the Division of Dental Hygiene is to prepare future practitioners
who are competent in patient care delivered in a culturally-sensitive manner; will
provide service to the local, national and global community and the profession;
and are life-long learners who are responsive to a changing profession.
Philosophy
The Division of Dental Hygiene is dedicated to providing an education to a
diverse population of learners in a patient-centered, student-friendly atmosphere
that fosters active and self-directed learning, critical thinking, and self-assessment.
Dental hygienists are recognized in their roles as clinician, educator, advocate,
manager and researcher in the prevention of oral diseases and health promotion. Our
purpose is to empower students in attaining their full potential as informed, productive
oral health professionals with a lifelong commitment to learning and service.
Program Goals
The following program goals reflect the mission of the School of Dentistry and the University:
Education
Prepare dental hygiene graduates who possess the knowledge, values, ethics, and
skills to provide quality dental hygiene care through demonstrated competence as defined
by the Division of Dental Hygiene Competencies for the Entry Level Dental Hygienist.
Provide students with an interdisciplinary curriculum that integrates biomedical,
clinical and behavioral sciences.
Patient Care
Prepare dental hygiene graduates who are competent to provide patient-centered,
comprehensive, evidence-based dental hygiene care in an ethical and professional manner.
Provide a clinical education based on wellness designed to create satisfied patients
who will achieve and maintain optimal oral health through a combined educational,
preventive and therapeutic approach.
Service
Prepare dental hygiene graduates to respond to the evolving oral health care needs
of a culturally-diverse society by demonstrating a commitment to the community.
Provide students with opportunities for service learning activities in the community
that promote the missions of the School, University, and profession.
Professionalism
Prepare dental hygiene graduates to assume active roles in professional organizations.
Provide students with the skills to advance the foundation and practice of dental hygiene
through a commitment to scientific inquiry and life-long learning.