What is a dental hygienist?

Dental hygienists are licensed dental health professionals who specialize in educational, preventive, and therapeutic oral health care for the public. In Indiana, dental hygienists are required to complete a minimum of one year of prerequisite college courses and two years of dental hygiene courses at an accredited college or university. At IUFW, we offer a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BSDH), with 2 concentration tracks—community dental hygiene and dental hygiene health care administration.

Most dental hygienists are employed in private dental offices where their duties include:

• cleaning teeth
• taking and processing x-rays
• applying fluoride treatments and sealants
• teaching correct oral health care techniques to patients
• examining teeth and surrounding tissues
• screening for hypertension and oral cancer
• providing nutritional counseling to dental patients

Academic advising

As a dental hygiene student at IU Fort Wayne, you'll work closely with your academic advisor to select and register for classes that apply toward the degree program. Your advisor will help monitor your progress to ensure you are on the right track to a successful career in dental hygiene.

Learn more about academic advising