Bulletin of Dental Education Article

Since its inception in 2013, Eastern International College’s Dental Hygiene Program has been a pioneer in the dental hygiene education field. Located in Jersey City, NJ, Eastern International College’s Dental Hygiene Program began as an associate degree in dental hygiene. Over the years, the program has grown, evolved and adapted to meet the changing needs of the dental professions and its students. Today, the college is proud to reflect on the progress that has positioned its program as a leader in dental hygiene education in the state.

In 2020, a significant milestone was reached when the program was approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) to award a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (B.S.D.H.). This approval marked a pivotal moment, expanding opportunities for students and setting a higher standard for dental hygiene education. Eastern International College became the first and only B.S.D.H. program in the state of New Jersey, a distinction the school holds with pride and responsibility.

The transition to a B.S.D.H. degree program culminated in 2023, when the school celebrated the graduation of their first cohort of bachelor’s degree students. A total of 58 dedicated students received their B.S.D.H. degrees, stepping into the professional world equipped with advanced knowledge, skills and a comprehensive understanding of patient care. Last year, the college continued this momentum, with 57 students successfully earning their degrees. 

The B.S.D.H. degree consists of 45 credit hours of general education followed by 78 hours of dental hygiene education. With a focus on advanced education to help prepare students for expanded roles in clinical practice, leadership, research, education and advocacy, the B.S.D.H. degree provides a wide range of opportunities within oral health care. 

In addition to the comprehensive on-campus clinical requirements, the program affords students the unique opportunity to participate in rotational clinical settings in their final year of the program through partnerships with West Broadway Dental, Tender Smiles and NuvaSmile Dental Clinic. These partnerships provide students with real-world, hands-on experiences in dental offices, where they treat patients of various ages and diverse periodontal conditions. For example:

• At West Broadway Dental, students work alongside experienced dental professionals in a high-paced environment, treating adult patients with a wide range of oral health needs;

• Tender Smiles offers students the chance to care for pediatric patients, honing their skills in providing dental care to younger age groups; and

• At NuvaSmile Dental Clinic, students encounter patients with complex periodontal conditions, allowing them to refine their skills in advanced dental hygiene treatment and maintenance.

These rotational experiences enhance student education by broadening their exposure to different patient demographics and conditions and providing a well-rounded foundation in dental hygiene practice. These real-world experiences, coupled with rigorous on-campus training, prepare students for successful and rewarding careers in the dental professions.

As the only B.S.D.H. program in New Jersey, Eastern International College is committed to leading the way in dental hygiene education. The program’s success is not just measured by the number of graduates, but also by the positive impact they have on the communities they serve. 

With each class, the college continues to foster a new generation of dental hygienists who are well-prepared to advance oral health care and elevate patient care. Eastern International College looks forward to seeing even more growth and success in the years to come as it continues to innovate and set the standard for excellence in dental hygiene education in the state of New Jersey.

Courtesy of the Tiffany Janajreh, M.S.D.H., RDH, Faculty, Dental Hygiene Program, Eastern International College 

Published on November 13, 2024