HOBET EXAM INFORMATION

The HOBET Exam is now administered through UAA's Advising and Testing Center.   Testing availability is on a walk-in basis and the test will take approximately 3 hours.  Students must start the test no later than 10am.  The cost is $50.  For additional information about the exam, please visit the Advising and Testing Center's HOBET Exam Website or call (907) 786-4500.

Introduction

The registered dental hygienist is a licensed oral health educator and clinical operator who, as part of the dental team, uses preventive, educational, and therapeutic methods which aid individuals and groups to attain and maintain optimum oral health. Dental hygienists can work as clinicians, educators, researchers, administrators, managers, preventive program developers, consumer advocates, sales and marketing managers, editors, and consultants. Clinical dental hygienists may work in a variety of health care settings such as private dental offices, schools, public health clinics, hospitals, managed care organizations, correctional institutions, or nursing homes.

The Dental Hygiene program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation and by the United States Department of Education. The Associate of Applied Science degree is a three-year endeavor comprising one year of science and general education courses and two years of course work in dental hygiene. The program prepares graduates clinically and academically to take the National and Western Regional Examining Boards for licensure.

Clinical dental hygiene requires the ability to sit for long periods of time, good to excellent eye-hand coordination, and excellent fine hand motor skills. Dental hygienists are exposed to bacteria and viruses. Use of protective glasses, face masks and surgical type gloves is required. A professional appearance must be maintained during preclinical and clinical sessions.

Due to the nature of the work, students are not permitted to work in the classroom, laboratory or clinic when under the influence of intoxicants, drugs or medication affecting psychomotor responses. Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental-Health Care Settings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will be followed for students with, or exposure to, infectious diseases. As a condition of participation in the Dental Hygiene Program students must abide by the University’s “Student Code of Conduct,” the Dental Hygiene Program’s “Policies and Procedures,” and the American Dental Hygienists’ Association “Code of Ethics for Dental Hygienists.”

Oral Care

Application for obtaining an Alaska dental hygiene license requires information concerning illegal activity, crimes, hospitalization history regarding emotional or mental illness, drug addiction, alcoholism and contagious diseases. If these are issues for the applicant it is highly recommended the applicant contact the Alaska Department of Occupational Licensing or a similar government agency in any state in which the applicant wants to practice. The UAA Dental Program application requires information concerning disciplinary actions taken at any university or college.

Transfer of credits may be possible to graduates of an ADA accredited dental assisting program. Contact the Dental Hygiene program advisor for details.

Some expenses beyond tuition generally include activity fees, instruments, uniforms, lab fees, student organization membership, graduation pin, immunizations, cost of Basic Life Support class, licensure fees, student health insurance, and malpractice insurance for the Western Regional Examining Boards and professional liability insurance.

Once enrolled as a dental hygiene student, the student can anticipate a four-semester, 40-hour-per-week endeavor. Some evening classes and clinics are scheduled.

Preclinical and Clinical Requirements

Once admitted to the Dental Hygiene program students are required to provide the following by the first day of class.

1. A signed application form indicating the understanding and acceptance of the Dental Hygiene Programs requirements regarding health screening, vaccinations, and immunizations.
2. Current Health Care Provider Basic Life Support Certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation/AED for infants, children, and adults. First year students must present proof of certification at orientation. Certification must be kept current until graduation.
3. Professional liability insurance must be maintained throughout the duration of the student’s enrollment in Dental Hygiene courses. Specific information regarding acceptable professional liability insurance policies may be obtained directly from the Program.

Students enrolled in the Dental Hygiene Program must provide their own transportation to all off campus assignments. The Program assumes no responsibility for illnesses and injuries experienced by the student while enrolled in the Dental Hygiene Program. Students are responsible for all costs incurred due to illness or injury experienced by the student while enrolled in the Dental Hygiene Program. It is required that students maintain personal medical insurance while enrolled in the Program. In order to satisfy clinical requirements students are responsible for providing both adult and child patients.