The University of Southern Indiana (USI) Dental Hygiene Program experienced many firsts during the 2023-24 academic year. Settled into newly renovated clinic, laboratory and simulation spaces, the program quickly implemented cutting-edge equipment and treatments, significantly enhancing the educational experience
for students and faculty.
Training on Biolase Epic Hygiene dental lasers, EMS AIRFLOW Prophylaxis Master debridement systems and 3Shape TRIOS 3 intraoral scanning was provided. These advanced technologies, including dental lasers, guided biofilm therapy and intraoral scanning, are becoming mainstream in dental offices nationwide.
Integrating these into the curriculum ensures graduates are prepared to incorporate these innovations into clinical practice, thereby improving patient care and staying at the forefront of dental hygiene advancements. Faculty members elevated their skills with the new equipment, enhancing their clinical
practices within and outside of USI.
Additionally, all full-time and several adjunct faculty members completed certification in mental health first aid through the
National Council for Mental Wellbeing. This training equips them to recognize potential mental health challenges, listen without judgement, offer reassurance and refer individuals to appropriate professional support and services. These skills foster a
healthier, more supportive educational environment.
USI dental hygiene faculty also led collaborative efforts to enhance their students’ clinical skills and foster interprofessional relationships crucial in health care. Senior dental hygiene students partnered with occupational therapy assistant students at a local assisted living facility to
screen for oral health concerns and recommend adaptive techniques and equipment for oral care. They also worked with nursing students to teach them how to perform knee-to-knee oral exams for young children and apply sodium fluoride varnish. Additionally, dental hygiene students teamed up with family nurse
practitioner students to simulate phone consultations, determining if dental patients could be treated based on seven scenarios.
All students in the USI Dental Hygiene Program are members of the
American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), underscoring the program’s commitment to professional development and community involvement. ADHA played a vital role in community engagement through oral health presentations at three elementary schools, the YMCA and the Boys and
Girls Club. These presentations raise awareness about oral health among children and the community. ADHA also organized monthly social events such as bowling, laser tag, campfires, game nights, ice skating, movie nights and sand volleyball, fostering camaraderie among dental hygiene students. These events
balanced academic demands, allowing students to build strong relationships and support networks. ADHA members also requested presentations on alternative careers and how to substitute in a dental office, providing invaluable career path information.
Overall, the 2023-24 academic year has been transformative for the USI Dental Hygiene Program, marked by advancements in technology, enhanced training and strengthened community connections.
Courtesy of the University of Southern Indiana
(USI) Dental Hygiene Program
Published on August
14, 2024