Program Highlight: Ferris State University Dental Hygiene

The Ferris State University (FSU) Dental Hygiene Program is the largest in the state of Michigan and one of the largest dental hygiene A.A.S. degree programs in the nation. FSU is located in Big Rapids, which is considered rural, and right in the middle of the state, attracting students from all corners of the Great Lakes. For over 50 years, the dental hygiene program has provided education to future dental hygienists. The program has a reputation of educational excellence, with expert faculty who are recognized at the state and national levels within the discipline of dental hygiene for the delivery of innovative academic and continuing education.

As a community-based clinic, the FSU Dental Hygiene Clinic provides preventive hygiene services, including oral hygiene education, prophylaxis (cleanings), fluoride varnish, sealants and radiographs, nutritional counseling and tobacco product cessation counseling. The dental hygiene program also serves populations with diverse backgrounds in neighboring counties. These populations and services include:

• Free services for veterans; 

• Free children oral health care weeks; 

• “Back to school specials” for college-aged students; 

• Fluoride varnish for federal Head Start programs; 

• Oral health education for nursing home residents;

• Special needs patients from the local Mecosta-Osceola Intermediate School District; 

• Adult education center oral health care instructions; and

• Outreach rotations to Exalta Health clinic locations in Grand Rapids, MI. 

Below are general quick facts about the degree program. 

Program Overview

• There are 26 chairs in the main clinic and 6 chairs in the small clinic.

• Largest dental hygiene program in the state of Michigan with 50 students per class.

• Most northern program in a predominantly rural region of Michigan.

• Over 50+ years of providing education for future dental hygienists.
  

Free Clinic Services Recap

• Current Kids Week(s): 233 pediatric patients.

• From January 2024 to present: 98 patients who are veterans.

• From January 2024 to present: Welcome Back FSU student events treated 447 patients.
  

Faculty Notables

• The Baby Brutus Bites into Brushing illuminated graphic signs were created for the FSU Early Learning Center, an on-campus childcare center, to promote oral health and good brushing habits.

• Academic Service-Learning Grants were used for power toothbrushes for use by clinic patients and instrument kits for Exalta Health clinic student rotations. 

Community Dentistry Spotlights

• This academic year, 350 children received fluoride varnish in Pre-K fluoride varnish program.

• Nursing homes visits for tooth brushing and appliance cleanings reached 167 attendees.

• Educational lesson plans and special education center visits to the Mecosta-Osceola Intermediate School District and local adult education centers.

• Dental hygiene students provided free dental services to Guyanese residents on a mission trip to Guyana.

• Exalta Health student outreach enrichment rotations in Grand Rapids, MI, served the underinsured and refugee community in west Michigan. 

Student Chapter of the American Dental Hygiene Association (SADHA)

• SADHA offers free treatment and transportation for all Our Brothers Keeper residents, a local homeless shelter.

• SADHA students participate in oral health screenings and other health impairment (OHI) for Special Olympics’ athletes each summer.
  

Student Recognition

• Several male students were selected for the Breaking Traditions Award, given by the Office of Career and Technical Education at the Michigan Department of Education. The award recognizes students who have selected a career and/or technical training because of their interests and abilities and who have not allowed a nontraditional career path for their gender to influence their decision.
  

Courtesy of Ferris State University Dental Hygiene Program  

Published on April 9, 2025