Study Guide

Description

210 ct
3,5 years
Full-time studies

COMPETENCIES PRODUCED BY EDUCATION
The dental hygienist is an expert in oral health care, with an understanding of the significance of oral health as an integral component of overall human health and well-being. They promote oral health among different age and population groups using effective resource-based methods. The dental hygienist possesses strong teaching and guidance skills at individual, group, and community levels, utilizing developed communication skills acquired during their education.

Upon completion of the program, the graduating dental hygienist demonstrates proficient clinical skills and can work independently within their assigned responsibilities, while recognizing the need for timely consultation. Ensuring the safety of the working environment and precise knowledge of the healthcare legislation are essential for dental hygienist qualification. Their practice is based on ethical decision-making and evidence-based knowledge, emphasizing patient-centered care and the integration of sustainable development principles into daily work. Graduates have the capacity for continuous professional development in an environment where digitization and health technology underscore the importance of lifelong learning.

A graduate from the Degree Programme in Dental Hygiene are able to work as part of the oral health care team, engaging in network collaboration and multidisciplinary teams alongside other social and health care professionals. Interprofessional collaboration is crucial in addressing the complex and interdisciplinary challenges present in contemporary health care.

Key competencies are oral health promotion of individuals, groups, and populations across various age groups, clinical oral health care, safety competence, communication and interaction skills, leadership and entrepreneurship skills, as well as research and development expertise.

QUALIFICATIONS PRODUCED BY THE DEGREE
Only individuals who have completed the program and become licensed health care professionals can practice as dental hygienists. The qualification meets the criteria set for a bachelor's degree in the Finnish national qualification framework and corresponds to the European qualifications framework for degrees and other competencies. The National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health (Valvira) licenses graduates in accordance with the legislation on health care professionals (559/949).

PLACEMENT OF THE GRADUATES IN THE WORKING LIFE
Dental hygienists enjoy excellent employment prospects. They can work in clinical settings in well-being services counties healtcare centers or hospitals, as well as in private practices in the oral health sector. Some may choose to operate independently or as entrepreneurs. Dental hygienists may also take on administrative roles or positions of leadership. Employment opportunities may extend to sales and marketing or research and development roles within the field.

VALUES OF THE DEGREE PROGRAM
We conduct high-quality oral healthcare work, where the dignity, convictions, autonomy, and privacy of individuals are respected.
We work in a customer-oriented manner, listening to the wishes and needs of individuals.
We treat individuals holistically, considering oral health as part of overall health and well-being.
We promote the oral health of individuals and populations through evidence-based methods.
We consider sustainable development as part of everyday professional practice.
We are responsible and reliable professionals in our field, contributing to the reliability of the oral healthcare sector through our actions.
We have the courage to address shortcomings when needed and are committed to developing our professional field.
As skilled professionals, we are capable of reflective and critical evaluation of our actions and receiving feedback.
We can collaborate effectively with clients, their guardians, and relatives, as well as colleagues and other healthcare professionals, laying the foundation for good teamwork.

IMPLEMENTATION OF TEACHING
Teaching utilizes diverse and activating teaching methods, and activities are carried out in modern learning environments.

In addition to Finnish-language materials, English-language materials are also used as teaching materials.

Supervised training consists of 75 credits, and supervised training starts from the first semester. Supervised training takes place at TAMK facilities as well as in work environments.

Students have the opportunity to complete part of their studies or training abroad as exchange students. The timing of exchange studies is no earlier than the second academic year.

At the end of their studies, students complete a bachelor's thesis to demonstrate their professional competence.

COMPETENCE ACQUIRED THROUGH THE PROGRAM IN DIFFERENT STUDY YEARS

Theme of the 1st year: On the way to becoming a professional in oral healthcare
After the first year of study, students have the study skills required in university studies and can use digital tools and learning environments to assist them in their studies. Students are familiar with the study program and the professional competence of dental hygienists in the oral healthcare service system. Students can apply the mathematical and natural science knowledge they have acquired in basic studies in their professional studies. Students can operate in the changing operating environments of oral healthcare and have adopted a safety-promoting work attitude as part of their evolving professional role. Students can act in first aid situations and participate safely in guided practice sessions involving medication. Students have basic knowledge and skills related to the development, symptoms, and treatment of common oral diseases. Students can participate in the treatment of oral diseases as part of the oral healthcare team. Students can independently utilize evidence-based participatory teaching and guidance methods to promote oral health in individuals and provide individualized oral care instructions. Students can guide clients at the clinic and in seeking oral healthcare services. Students interact respectfully and appreciatively with classmates, professionals, and clients in their studies and practical training.

Theme of the 2nd year: As a Dental hygienist, part of patient-centered oral health care teams.
During the second year of study, students deepen their expertise in treating common oral diseases. Students familiarize themselves with the oral healthcare of families, children, and adolescents. Additionally, they explore oral healthcare for adults. Students acquire skills in providing nutritional advice and using evidence-based support measures in supporting smoking cessation. Students expand their safety skills in radiation protection. Students acquire skills for independent work in the oral healthcare of individuals of different ages during supervised practice periods and learn to use pain relief methods to aid in oral healthcare. Additionally, students become acquainted with current developments in their field. At the end of the second year of study, students can use Finnish and English in oral healthcare guidance situations. Students are familiar with the social and healthcare service system, can guide clients to services, and work as part of multidisciplinary teams.

Theme of the 3rd and 4th year: Dental hygienist as a developer, influencer, collaborator, and lifelong learner in oral health care.
During the third year of study, students explore oral healthcare for the elderly and individuals with special needs. In promoting oral health, students deepen their expertise in promoting the oral health of populations and understand oral health promotion as part of sustainable development in society. Additionally, students familiarize themselves with the specialties of dentistry, local management, entrepreneurship, and research and development methods. During supervised training, students gain experience in working independently in oral healthcare for individuals of different ages and in health promotion. During the third year, students complete a thesis under supervision. After the third year, students who have completed two-thirds of their studies can work as substitutes for licensed dental hygienists.

During the fourth year, on the final semester, students deepen their expertise in oral healthcare. During supervised training, students deepen their professional expertise in a practice chosen by themselves. Upon graduation, students work as experts in oral healthcare. They can work independently in their own area of responsibility, recognizing the need for timely consultation. Students can ensure the safety of their operating environment and are familiar with legislation in their field. Their actions are based on ethical decision-making and evidence-based knowledge. They consider customer orientation and sustainable development as part of their daily work. Graduates are prepared for continuous self-development in an industry where digitalization and health technology create a need for ongoing learning.

Curriculum development and working life cooperation

CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT AND COLLABORATION WITH THE WORKING LIFE
The Working Life Forum acts as a guiding body for curriculum development, providing guidance on future competency priorities. The Dental Hygiene Degree Program maintains close collaboration with the working life, offering valuable insights into the development of the professional field as the basis for curriculum development.

The curriculum takes into account the national and international definitions of professional competence for dental hygienists, the competence classifications of the Council of Rectors of Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences, the common competencies of the Tampere University Community, and the national framework for qualifications (NQF). It also considers national and international health policy programs, future competencies, and TAMK's strategy. The curriculum ensures compliance with the regulations of the Health Care Professionals Act (559/1994) and its decree (564/1994), as well as other relevant legislation such as radiation protection laws and laws regarding the prescribing of medication.

Further information

ELIGIBILITY
Please refer to TAMK's admissions page and eligibility for a bachelor's degree.
Students must present a criminal background check at the beginning of their studies.