This course provides dental hygiene clinical educators with an in-depth overview of CODA Dental Hygiene Standards 2 and 3, focusing on curriculum, competencies, patient care experiences, and student learning outcomes. Emphasis is placed on how these standards guide clinical instruction, supervision, evaluation, and the development of competent entry-level dental hygienists.

Participants will examine the alignment of clinical experiences with program competencies, the role of clinical faculty in supporting critical thinking and ethical decision-making, and the documentation required to demonstrate compliance with CODA expectations.

Objectives:

• Describe the purpose and scope of CODA Dental Hygiene Standards 2 and 3 and their role in ensuring curriculum effectiveness, student competence, and faculty compliance.
• Identify the required curriculum components and competencies outlined in Standard 2 and explain how they are reinforced through clinical education.
• Explain the relationship between program competencies, clinical learning experiences, and student outcomes as required by CODA.
• Support student development of critical thinking and clinical judgment through structured supervision, feedback, and evaluation consistent with CODA expectations.
• Identify common areas of noncompliance related to Standards 2 and 3 and implement strategies to prevent accreditation risk.