The Baccalaureate as the Minimum Entry-Level Degree in Dental Hygiene

A growing body of evidence indicates the baccalaureate degree is needed for dental hygiene (DH) graduates to address the changes in oral health delivery and health systems, develop the societal expectations of a professional, and practice to the full extent of their education. Transitioning from the associate to the baccalaureate as the minimum entry-level degree in DH will better prepare graduates to address the increasingly complex oral health care needs of the public. The higher degree prepares the dental hygienist to serve in roles that will improve access to high-quality care and allow for interprofessional collaboration as a part of a health care team. A higher entry-level degree is also needed to advance the public perception of DH and its recognition as a unique health care profession. However, reported student barriers to the entry-level baccalaureate degree include time and funding constraints, and the belief that the associate degree education is sufficient for clinical practice coupled with a lack of perceived value/benefit of the higher-level degree. This narrative literature review examines relevant policies, standards, and survey data to assess the support for the baccalaureate degree as minimum entry-level education in DH. As the roles for dental hygienists expand to meet the needs of the changing population demographics, the health care market demands for a baccalaureate degree educated dental hygienist will follow. More research is needed to document the value of the baccalaureate-prepared dental hygienist.