Clinical experience information, Dental Hygiene
How many hours will I spend in clinic seeing patients? You will spend at least 12 hours each week seeing patients.
Where do I receive my clinical education? Clinical dental education and patient care experience will be obtained in established health settings.
Who supervises and teaches? All dental hygiene faculty are assigned to supervise clinic throughout the semester. There is also a supervising dentist who provides local anesthesia, consults, and exams for patients of dental hygiene students. All faculty members will guide and mentor students.
Who are my patients? Patients are members of the San Antonio and Laredo community. Students are required to recruit their own patients.
What rotations will I participate in? Clinical and community rotations are subject to change due to availability.
What types of procedures will students be expected to perform to complete in clinic and rotations?
- Periodontal assessments
- Comprehensive dental exams
- Oral cancer screenings
- Tobacco cessation and nutritional counseling
- Radiograph
- Pit and fissure sealant applications
- Periodontal therapy, including scaling and planning
- Simple dental cleanings
Rotations are subject to change due to availability.
What else should I know? Faculty will evaluate students on patient management and clinical competencies. Students are expected to uphold professional standards throughout the program.