The dental hygienist is a member of the oral health team who provides treatment to prevent oral health diseases. Clinical skills include performing oral health assessments, examining head, neck and oral regions for disease, exposing and processing dental radiographs, other diagnostic assessments, debridement (removing) of deposits from the tooth structures, applying sealants and fluorides to prevent decay, providing nutritional counseling for maintenance of the oral cavity, fabricate athletic mouth guards, and other patient services allowed by the State Board of Dentistry. Dental hygienists are oral health educators within the community and plan oral health promotion strategies to better inform and serve their patients. The curriculum covers a three-year program culminating in a BS degree. The BSDH program is fully accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) is the national programmatic accrediting agency for dental and dental-related education programs at the post-secondary level. BSDH program teaches the student the essential theoretical and hands-on knowledge to compete for entry-level positions in the field. In addition, the program provides a framework for developing the necessary skills to expand career opportunities in education, health promotion, public health, management and research. The program is built on academic excellence and clinical expertise with a vision toward the development of a professional leader, change agent, educator and/or public health manager in Dental Hygiene. The BSDH program is comprised of 45 semester credits of General Education and 78 semester credits of Technical courses.