The purpose of graduate education is for individuals to master their discipline. As such, the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) and the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) define the dental hygienist with a master’s degree specializing in dental hygiene as follows:A master’s-level dental hygienist is a member of a multidisciplinary health care team who approaches the holistic care of patients from a foundation of evidence-based knowledge and theory. Advanced education and a higher level of mastery prepares the graduate to assume positions in academia, health care organizations, public health, government, research, corporate and dental insurance arenas. Graduates conduct translational research to improve teaching and practice, the health care industry, and oral health care delivery models. This professional is a transformational leader and advocate who drives change in the health care delivery system. Graduates are prepared for doctoral level education.The following Aims & Outcomes defined by ADEA and ADHA reflect the abilities expected of the graduate of the University of Michigan Master of Science in Dental Hygiene Program. These Aims & Outcomes promote the development of educators, clinicians, researchers, and leaders by cultivating the highest levels of specialized professional knowledge and behaviors. Graduates should leave the program equipped to be valuable contributors and stakeholders in any setting. Focus Area AimMaster's OutcomesDoctoral OutcomesHealth Care Policy, Advocacy & DeliveryEvaluate health policy Identify public policy processes (legislative and regulatory) that influence health priorities and health care educationDefend a solution to a problem that supports oral health and the oral- systemic link.Analyze health policy initiatives and fiscal implicationsDevelop policy and regulatory practices that improve the professional practice of dental hygiene Improve the health care delivery system Integrate social determinants of health to improve health care access and delivery Evaluate the effectiveness of risk reduction and health promotion programsEmploy program development principles as a leader, advocate, manager, or administrator to improve health care delivery Create workforce planning models to support community-focused interventions that prevent and control oral diseases and reduce health disparities Implement workforce planning models and assess their effectiveness in preventing and controlling oral diseases and reducing health disparities Propose policy changes that promote health in diverse populations Assess the effectiveness of policy changes designed to promote health in diverse populations Apply health informatics and current technologies to improve health care delivery and outcomes Participate in advocacy efforts Identify advocacy needs of vulnerable populations and communities and within the profession Interprofessional Collaboration & Integrated CareIntegrate dental hygiene into multidisciplinary teamsEstablish partnerships to enhance health care and educationLead health care teams to deliver person- centered careDesign health care teams to deliver person-centered servicesPromote the medical/dental integration model Access, Diversity & Inclusion Integrate cultural competency and inclusion in all professional endeavors Provide effective, equitable, understandable, and respectful quality care that is responsive to diverse cultural health beliefs, preferred language and health literacy Develop policy and procedures to improve person-centered care in dental hygiene Recognize one’s implicit bias and how it impacts actions, decisions and social justice Integrate cultural humility, diversity and inclusion in research, teaching, service, advocacy, policy, administration, and public health Promote diversity and inclusion in research, teaching, service, advocacy, policy, administration, and public healthScholarship & Research Increase the dental hygiene body of knowledge through original research Conduct original research that supports the National Dental Hygiene Research Agenda Conduct dissertation research related to a systematic review Conduct dissertation research that creates or validates a theoretical model Conduct dissertation research that translates into policy or practice Disseminate research findings through professional venues Disseminate research findings through publication and presentation EducationModel service, scholarship, and teaching to create a cadre of accomplished dental hygiene educators Apply learning theory in course development and instruction Use evidence-based educational methodologies for clinical, didactic, laboratory, and online learning environments Apply principles of curriculum development and program administration Fulfill the roles of the educator in an academic setting Advance skills in teaching, service, and scholarship Apply strategies for mentoring and team building with students and colleagues Mentor students in program administration, curriculum design, and curriculum review LeadershipCreate change through leadership Development. Implement leadership models and applications to enhance innovation and change within health care, education Fulfill leadership positions within health care, education, and professional associations Recognize leadership potential through active participation in professional associations Employ leadership skill sets to create and lead effective, collaborative teams Engage in service activities and professional association involvement to advance the professionFrom the Graduate Dental Hygiene Program Aims and Outcomes, Approved by ADEA & ADHA, 2021.
