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September 28, 2012

ULM dental hygiene achieves perfect passage rate

Students in the University of Louisiana at Monroe’s Dental Hygiene Program have—for the 12th time in 13 years—achieved a 100 percent passage rate on the spring National Board Dental Hygiene Examination.

“I continue to be proud of the exceptional ways our faculty prepare the next generation of health care providers for the community and the region,” said Denny Ryman, dean of the ULM College of Health Sciences.

The American Dental Association Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations administered the test.

“Passage rates on this examination are a good indicator of the quality of the dental hygiene program,” said Beverly Jarrell, associate professor and head of ULM’s dental hygiene program.

According to Jarrell, students must pass this exam to take state and regional practical exams.

Students who pass the practical exam are then recognized as licensed hygienists, making ULM’s passage rate even more impressive.

“The university and community should certainly be proud of a program with excellent pass rates,” continued Jarrell.

Dental hygienists are licensed oral health professionals trained to help prevent and treat oral diseases and promote overall health.

As part of the dental care team, dental hygienists may serve in a variety of capacities, including clinician, educator, patient advocate, administrator or manager, and researcher in private and public health care settings.

More about ULM’s dental hygiene program and clinics:

The Dental Hygiene Clinic at ULM was opened in 1972 with 10 operatories. The clinic now has 17 operatories.

There are also three operatories at Riser Elementary and Middle School, and three in the mobile dental hygiene unit.

More than 2,000 patients receive dental hygiene care in ULM's three clinics.

Supervised by faculty who are licensed dental hygienists, students provide teeth cleaning, x-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants, oral cancer screenings, patient education, and nutritional information.

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