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THE MISSION OF THE ALLIED DENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS IS TO ENABLE STUDENTS TO ACHIEVE THEIR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL GOALS, TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE COMMUNITY AND TO SUPPORT THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE CENTRAL MIDLANDS.
PHILOSOPHY OF THE ALLIED DENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAMSThe critical test of any form of academic activity must ultimately be its usefulness to our culture and society. The institutions of higher learning were created and continue to be supported because they aid society in achieving its aspirations and goals. While the education of the Expanded Duty Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene student is the primary mission, this activity alone is insufficient for fulfilling our obligation to society. Patient focus during the allied dental professional students’ education and service activities are essential in validating the social value of the institution and the worth of the graduate’s degree. Education of the ideal Expanded Duty Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene student is a goal, which would not be attainable without effective student rapport. The student is to be regarded as a colleague in a learning experience with adequate flexibility for individual expression and achievement. The student should be encouraged and assisted in obtaining personal as well as professional goals. Acknowledging that competence fosters confidence, the student’s progress towards attainment of capstone competencies will be validated via benchmark assessments throughout their academic program. The allied dental professional, the dentist and the dental educators work as a team for the betterment of the community’s oral health. The dentist, the expanded duty dental assistant, dental hygienist, and dental laboratory technician share common goals and objectives as they work together as a team to improve their patients’ oral and general health status. Through the strength of this oral health care team, the Expanded Duty Dental Assistant becomes a partner in the restoration of the patient’s optimum oral health and the Dental Hygienist becomes a partner in the prevention of disease associated with the oral cavity. Both Expanded Duty Dental Assistants and Dental Hygienist must possess a biological understanding of oral health and disease in terms of total health and disease. Their clinical practices must be evidence based and scientifically sound. Furthermore, the allied dental professional must exhibit respect for diversity and effectively communicate with patients and colleagues in all health professions. As scientific advancement is continuous in the field of dentistry, it is essential for allied dental educators to continually update course content and to integrate new functions, as allowed by the South Carolina laws, into the students’ clinical practices. It is expected that both the faculty and the students will be active in their discipline's professional associations, as it is through these organizations that much of their continuing education can be obtained. It is through life long learning that the allied dental professional will continue to provide competent patient care.
Dental Hygiene Mission Statement: The mission of the Dental Hygiene Program is to assist students in achieving their professional goals, to contribute to the quality of life in the community and to support the economic development of the Central Midlands. Goals: In support of the Dental Hygiene Program’s Mission, the following goals have been established.
Dental Assisting Mission Statement: The mission of the Expanded Duty Dental Assisting Program is to assist students in achieving their professional goals, to contribute to the quality of life in the community and to support the economic development of the Central Midlands. Goals: In support of the Expanded Duty Dental Assisting Program’s Mission, the following goals have been established.
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