Results of the Surgeon General's 2000 report entitled "Oral Health in America," prompted the American Dental Hygienist’s Association to establish the advanced dental hygiene practitioner (ADHP) designation in 2004. This role was created so licensed dental hygienists with a master's-level education may assume more clinical responsibility and, in turn, combat the nation's declining dentist workforce and oral health disease epidemic. ADHPs play an important role in providing dentistry care in situations where finances or geography limits a patient's access to the services of an MD.
Eastern Washington University
The master of science in dental hygiene degree program at Eastern Washington University is part of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) program that allows students of 15 U.S. states to qualify for "in-state" tuition rates. A link to a list of states and further details is provided in the Resource section below. '},{'content':'The master's program is between 62 and 67 credit hours in length and qualifies graduates to practice as an ADHP pending any applicable state licensure. The program can be completed in seven quarters with full-time attendance or within six years studying part-time. The course combines online study with a week-long clinical intensive in Spokane and a thesis defense or presentation.
Eastern Washington University Office of Admissions 101 Sutton Hall Cheney, WA 99004 509-359-2397 ewu.edu
Idaho State University
According to the Idaho State University, the school's dental hygiene program is ranked in the top 10 percent of all programs in the U.S. The master of science in dental hygiene degree with an emphasis in rural and community health encompasses the curriculum outlined in the 2008 American Dental Hygienist's Association publication entitled, "Competencies for the Advanced Dental Hygiene Practitioner."
More than 1,500 members of the community receive dental care at the campus' high-tech dental facilities equipped with 33 patient chairs, six x-ray rooms and computers for clinical use. Students will be eligible for state licensure across the U.S. upon graduation.
Idaho State University Department of Dental Hygiene 921 South 8th, Stop 8048 Pocatello, ID 83209 208-282-3796 isu.edu
Metropolitan State University
Metropolitan State University spearheaded the first ADHP program certified by the American Dental Hygienist's Association in partnership with Normandale Community College. The program is offered alongside the master of science oral health care practitioner degree plan. Through the program current bachelor degree holders and practicing dental hygienists receive the clinical and classroom training necessary for state licensure and a career in advanced dental therapy. An online study component enhances the on-campus and hands-on portions of the program curriculum.
Metropolitan State University Saint Paul Campus 700 East Seventh St. Saint Paul, MN 55106
Midway Campus 1450 Energy Park Drive Saint Paul, MN 55108
Minneapolis Campus 1501 Hennepin Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55403
651-793-1378 metrostate.edu
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Tricia Chaves began her writing career after working in advertising and promotions for entertainment publisher "The New Times." In 2005, she earned her real-estate salesperson license from the state of Ohio and certification for leasing and property management from the Northeast Ohio Apartment Association. She was certified as a life and weight-loss coach and master practitioner of neuro-linguistic programming in 2011.