Rose State Dental Hygiene Program Seeking Patients Published March 16, 2018

Patients needed for student clinical board examinations

The Rose State College Dental Hygiene program is seeking qualified patients to assist with board examinations. In order to become a licensed Registered Dental Hygienist, each student must pass a clinical board examination. This examination costs the student over one thousand dollars, so finding a qualified patient for the examination is extremely important.

The exam, offered by the Western Regional Examining Board (WREB), is the final step in the process of becoming a Registered Dental Hygienist. The exam evaluates each student criteria ranging from patient selection to hands-on ability. To ensure that each criterion is covered during the exam, the ideal candidate is one that has not had a dental visit in at least five years, and is at least eighteen years of age. Each potential patient must complete a screening process to determine oral health, and the amount of existing dental disease. Patient selection includes evaluation of health history, dental history, oral conditions such as amount of calculus (also known as tartar), condition of the gingiva (gums), and amount of bone loss around the teeth. Any treatment provided at the examination does not constitute full dental care, and ongoing dental treatment is always recommended afterward.

Individuals interested in applying as a patient for the clinical board examinations can complete an online form to begin the screening process at www.rose.edu/screening.

For more information on the Rose State College Dental Hygiene Program, contact Kara Hodges (khodges@rose.edu), or call  405.733.7337.