Congratulations: EWU Department of Dental Hygiene Turns 50!

On May 14, 2022, Eastern Washington University's (EWU) dental hygiene program celebrated five decades of excellence and service to the community.

Since the beginning, the dental program has been engaging students in pre-clinical and clinical care, community outreach, off-site rotations, and cooperative programs/partnerships in the community. These include partnerships with Eastern State Hospital, Eastern Washington Area on Aging, Head Start, Veterans Administration Hospital, CHAS Community Health Centers, Spokane Community College Dental Assisting Head Start partnership, Give Kids a Smile Day, Dental Camp, Smiles for Veterans, Unify Dental Clinics, and so many others.

The support of alumni, community partners, and friends ensured this program's success. Over the years, the dental hygiene program has proudly educated generations of dental hygiene professionals while operating a clinic that provides quality care for less-advantaged residents of our community.

Here's a quick look back at their history!

1963 - The first official meeting between Eastern Washington State College (EWSC) and Spokane area dentists took place in 1963.

1967 - Six years later, the state legislature provided the initial funding for a baccalaureate program in dental hygiene with $249,000 in special appropriations. The feasibility of a Cheney Clinic on the EWSC campus was conducted and supported.

1969 - The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program was approved in 1969, and the Music building – Rowles Hall, was remodeled to house the dental clinic.

1970 - In 1970, the Council on Dental Education gave the dental hygiene program eligible accreditation status. The first class of seven dental hygiene students enrolled in September 1970. The faculty consisted of one full-time dentist, one part-time dentist, and one full-time dental hygienist, and the staff included a secretary and a dental assistant.

1971 - In 1971, the second class enrollment grew to 17 students. The faculty grew to twice its capacity, and duties expanded. Restorative and local anesthesia courses were added to the curriculum.

In the early 1970s, student enrollment grew to 20 students.

1976 - In 1976, a federal grant marked the beginning of many changes in the department. A satellite dental hygiene clinic and offices were established in downtown Spokane's Paulsen Building. Enrollment grew to 24 students.

2002 - In January 2002, the dental hygiene program moved to the EWU Spokane Campus, which currently included a 46-chair dental clinic and dental simulation lab.

Today - Current enrollment is 40 students per year in both the junior and senior classes. The EWU Department of Dental Hygiene Department includes a baccalaureate degree-completion program (established in 1979) and a Master of Science in Dental Hygiene program (established in 2008).