Idaho State University Department of Dental Hygiene to celebrate 50th anniversary Oct. 4-5

The Idaho State University Department of Dental Hygiene will celebrate its 50^th anniversary Oct. 4-5 with a variety of events including a reunion, presentation, and reception in conjunction with ISU's Homecoming.

"Everyone in the department is very excited to celebrate 50 years of excellence in dental hygiene education," said Kristin Calley, the department chair. "We encourage all alumni, former staff and faculty to join us in the events planned in conjunction with ISU's Homecoming and celebration of 50 years as a university."

The first class of eight students was accepted in the fall of 1961. Since that time, the program has expanded to accept 31 students in each of the two professional classes. The Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene is a professional entry-level degree program that prepares students for licensure to practice as dental hygienists. A graduate program resulting in a Master of Science in Dental Hygiene began in 2005.

The Master of Science degree in Dental Hygiene is an online program designed for licensed dental hygienists with baccalaureate degrees. The dental hygiene program is fully accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation.

The Arthur D. Tranmer Dental Hygiene Clinic is an educational environment where experienced students, licensed dental hygienists and dentists provide preventive and therapeutic oral health services for the general public and campus community. Dental hygiene care includes oral prophylaxis, x-rays, nonsurgical treatment for periodontal (gum) disease, fluoride treatments, and self-care education. 

For more information regarding the Department of Dental Hygiene and the celebration, visit www.isu.edu/dentalhy/fifty.shtml or call 282-2482.

###