UVSC degree options open wide

OREM — Above the buzzes from teeth scrapers, polishers and drills at Utah Valley State College's Dental Clinic, students Jennie Nye and Lisa Allen talk about their futures.

Of course, they can pin their hair back, don scrubs and work in a dentist's office, just like they do at the school's clinic, where people can get their teeth cleaned for $25, a cheap alternative for folks without dental insurance.

But new opportunities may open up for Nye and Allen, now that UVSC is pushing for a four-year degree in dental hygiene. With such a degree, they could do research, work for the government, teach oral health or sell products for firms such as Crest.

"I'd really like to use my education to help people who haven't enjoyed going to the dentist before enjoy it," Allen said. "Or to help people who can't really afford it."

Since 1998, UVSC's dental hygiene students have graduated with associate degrees.

Earlier this month, the college's Board of Trustees approved a plan for bachelor's degrees in dental hygiene. If the governor-appointed Utah State Board of Regents approves the plan, the degree could be offered beginning next year.

Dixie State College, Salt Lake Community College and Weber State University also offer associate degrees in dental hygiene. While Weber State is the only public school in Utah with a four-year degree in dental hygiene, Stephanie Bossenberger, chairwoman of WSU's program, wrote to UVSC's trustees that she did not anticipate competition between WSU's bachelor's program and UVSC's.

"The complexity and challenges of a growing population in our country calls out for increased knowledge and skills to be provided by qualified dental hygiene professionals," Bossenberger wrote. "With the technology that is being introduced on a daily basis, dental hygienists need additional avenues to increase their educational level."

"The industry standard is heading toward the four-year degree," said Sam Rushforth, dean of UVSC's School of Science and Health, who referenced a paper by the American Dental Hygienists' Association stating that bachelor's degrees are the wave of the future.

About a dozen colleges throughout the United States offer master's degrees in dental hygiene; 30 offer bachelor's degrees, Rushforth said.

UVSC's bachelor's proposal requires students to emphasize in business, education or public health by earning 12 credit-hours in one of those areas, said George Veit, dental hygiene director.