Southern Miss Students Learn about UMMC Dental Hygiene Program
Tue, 04/22/2014 - 02:37pm | By: Tara Burcham
The University of Southern Mississippi Premedical and Health Professions Office, housed in the College of Science and Technology Dean's Office, recently hosted faculty from the University of Mississippi Medical Center's Dental Hygiene program who presented information on the program to students.
Housed in the UMMC School of Health Related Professions with clinics in the School of Dentistry, the Dental Hygiene program offers two programs of study; a traditional program and an advanced standing online program.
The traditional program is an entry-level program for students who want to obtain a dental hygiene license. Upon completion of the two-year traditional program, students receive a Bachelor of Science degree and are prepared to apply for and obtain their initial dental hygiene licensure. The advanced standing online program enables licensed dental hygienists with a certificate or associate's degree the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in dental hygiene.
UMMC serves as a health science campus providing traditional dental hygiene students a wide variety of clinical opportunities. In addition to a varied exposure of UMMC clinical sites such as oral oncology, pediatric dentistry, periodontal clinics, and oral surgery, students have access to a medical library, diverse patient populations and interactions with a variety of health care providers.
Presenters Elizabeth Carr, assistant professor, and Cynthia Senior, instructor, offered tips about the program and answered student's questions about the program.
“We want to increase awareness about our high-quality program and give students information on what a career in dental hygiene offers,” said Carr. “If you enjoy working with people and want to learn in a state-of-the art laboratory environment, then our program could be a great fit for you.”
The program offers clinical opportunities as well as community service. “Our students have the opportunity to work with the Give Kids A Smile Day serving selected Jackson schools,” said Senior. “It is a great way to have hands-on experiences.”
According to Carr, graduates have numerous employment opportunities including military, public health, research, working abroad, and many more.
The USM Preprofessional Office helps students prepare for careers in a variety of health-care fields by discussing strategies for success and offering assistance with course selection, schedule planning, and the application process.
For more information about the Dental Hygiene program, visit http://www.umc.edu/Education/Schools/Health_Related_Professions/Dental_Hygiene/Dental_Hygiene_Home.aspx
For more information on the USM Premedical and Health Professions Office, visit www.usm.edu/preprofessional