Dental Hygiene

Program Overview

The Dental Hygiene program at Lithuanian University of Health Sciences is a 4-year program that educates and trains dental hygienists. It focuses on developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and clinical skills. Graduates receive a "BSc in Health Sciences" degree and the qualification of "Dental Hygienist."

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Aimed at: Educating and training dental hygienists.
• Focus on: Developing creative, scientific, and critical thinking, critical analysis, and problem-solving skills.
• Qualification: After successful completion, graduates receive the degree of "BSc in Health Sciences" and the qualification of "Dental Hygienist."
• Duration: 4 years
• ECTS Credits: 240
• Tuition Fee: €3,836 per year
• Admission Language: English
• Program benefits:
• Develops clinical skills in the largest clinical hospital of the Baltic States.
• Diploma recognized in the EU, USA, Israel, and other countries.
• Offers a multicultural environment with students from 87 different countries.
• Allows for studying abroad through the Erasmus+ exchange program.
• Follows a problem-based learning curriculum, encouraging students to solve clinical cases, conduct research, discuss, and present solutions.
• Provides small group sizes (up to 10 students) for enhanced learning and personalized attention in clinical courses.

Outline:

• Year 1:
• Natural Sciences:
Acquires foundational knowledge in the natural sciences relevant to dental hygiene.
• Human Anatomy: Gains a comprehensive understanding of the human body with a focus on the oral cavity and its structures.
• Dental Hygienst's Professional Health: Explores the health and safety aspects of the dental hygiene profession.
• Psychology of Communication: Develops effective communication skills for interacting with patients and colleagues.
• Lithuanian Language: Develops proficiency in the Lithuanian language, enhancing integration and local understanding.
• Year 2:
• Physiology:
Deepens understanding of the human body's functions, with specific emphasis on the physiology of the oral cavity and head and neck region.
• Oral Health and Personal Oral Hygiene: Acquires knowledge and skills related to maintaining oral health and practicing good oral hygiene.
• Ethics: Explores ethical considerations and professional conduct within the dental hygiene field.
• Ergonomics: Learns about proper posture and work techniques to prevent musculoskeletal strain in dental hygiene practice.
• Phantom Course in Professional Dental Hygiene: Develops clinical skills and techniques using phantom models in a simulated dental hygiene environment.
• Year 3:
• Professional Dental Hygiene and Clinical Practice:
Engages in comprehensive clinical practice, applying theoretical knowledge to real-world patient care.
• Cariology and Clinical Practice: Studies dental caries, its causes, prevention, and treatment approaches, including hands-on clinical practice.
• Periodontology and Clinical Practice: Focuses on periodontal diseases, their management, and clinical interventions, with practical application in patient care.
• Oral Surgery: Pain Control: Acquires knowledge and skills in managing pain associated with oral surgery procedures.
• Pharmacology: Learns about the principles of pharmacology and the safe and effective use of medications in dental hygiene practice.
• Radiology: Develops skills in taking and interpreting dental radiographs for diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Prevention of Oral Diseases: Explores various preventive measures and strategies for maintaining oral health and preventing oral diseases.
• Year 4:
• Clinical Practice:
Continues to hone clinical skills and apply theoretical knowledge to diverse patient cases in various oral health settings.
• Paediatric Dentistry and Clinical Practice: Focuses on the specific needs and management of oral health in children, with practical experience in pediatric dental care.
• Oral Health Care of Elderly People: Addresses the unique oral health considerations and care requirements of the elderly population.
• Oral Health Care of Orthodontic Patients: Learns about managing oral hygiene and providing specific care for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Assessment:

• Assessment methods: The program likely utilizes a combination of methods to assess student learning, including:
• Examinations:
Written and practical exams to evaluate knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts.
• Clinical assessments: Observation of practical skills and performance in clinical settings.
• Portfolio development: Creating a portfolio showcasing student work, progress, and achievements throughout the program.
• Presentations: Delivering presentations on various topics related to dental hygiene.
• Case studies: Analyzing and presenting solutions for real or hypothetical patient cases.
• Research projects: Engaging in research projects and presenting findings.
• Knowledge and understanding:
Demonstrating a solid grasp of relevant theoretical knowledge and concepts in dental hygiene.
• Clinical skills: Performing dental hygiene procedures safely, effectively, and with appropriate technique.
• Communication skills: Communicating effectively with patients, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving: Applying critical thinking skills to analyze patient cases, identify problems, and develop solutions.
• Professionalism: Demonstrating ethical behavior, responsibility, and commitment to the dental hygiene profession.

Teaching:

• Teaching methods: The program likely employs a variety of teaching methods to engage students and facilitate learning, including:
• Lectures:
Providing theoretical knowledge and introducing key concepts.
• Interactive seminars and discussions: Encouraging active participation, critical thinking, and exchange of ideas.
• Problem-based learning: Presenting real-world scenarios to students and requiring them to research, analyze, and propose solutions.
• Clinical skills workshops: Developing practical skills through hands-on practice and feedback from experienced instructors.
• Laboratory sessions: Conducting experiments and learning practical techniques in a laboratory setting.
• Simulation exercises: Using simulation models and scenarios to practice clinical skills in a safe and controlled environment.
• Group projects and presentations: Fostering collaboration, communication, and research skills through group projects.
• Faculty: The program likely has a dedicated faculty of experienced and qualified dental hygiene professionals, including:
• Professors:
Highly knowledgeable and experienced in their field, providing lectures, supervising research, and guiding students' learning.
• Associate Professors and Lecturers: Contributing to teaching and research activities, sharing their expertise with students.
• Clinical Instructors: Providing guidance and supervision in clinical practice settings, ensuring students develop and refine their practical skills.
• Unique approaches: The program may implement innovative teaching approaches such as:
• Blended learning:
Combining traditional classroom instruction with online learning resources and activities.
• Tele-dentistry: Utilizing telecommunication technology to provide remote consultations and oral health education.
• Interprofessional education: Learning alongside students from other healthcare professions to foster collaboration and teamwork skills.

Careers:

• Career paths: Graduates of the Dental Hygiene program can pursue diverse career paths in various settings, including:
• Public dental clinics and hospitals:
Providing oral hygiene services to the general population.
• Private dental practices: Working alongside dentists in private clinics, offering preventive oral care and assisting with procedures.
• Schools and universities: Educating students about oral health and providing preventive care services.
• Community health centers: Promoting oral health awareness and providing preventive care to underserved communities.
• Research institutions: Contributing to research in the field of oral health and dental hygiene.
• Opportunities: Graduates have opportunities for:
• Continuing education:
Pursuing further studies to specialize in areas of dental hygiene or related fields.
• Professional development: Attending conferences, workshops, and online courses to stay updated on advancements in the field.
• Networking: Building connections with other dental hygiene professionals and healthcare providers.
• Outcomes: Graduates are well-prepared to:
• Enter the workforce with confidence and competence.

• Contribute significantly to improving oral health outcomes for individuals and communities.

• Enjoy a rewarding career in a dynamic and growing field.

Other:

• Study plan: The program offers a detailed study plan outlining the specific courses, modules, and their content for each year of study.
• Study environment: Students benefit from studying in modern classrooms, renovated laboratories, well-equipped clinical practice facilities, and access to advanced simulation equipment.
• Multicultural environment: The program attracts students from diverse cultural backgrounds, creating a rich learning experience and fostering understanding of global perspectives.
• International recognition: The degree earned from the program is recognized in numerous countries, including the EU, USA, and Israel, allowing graduates to pursue career opportunities internationally.

€3,836