Suadah Ismail Asraf

1 Introduction Preparedness for clinical practice represents a fundamental goal of dental hygiene education and reflects graduates' ability to deliver safe, competent and patient care after graduation. Educational programs are designed to develop competencies spanning scientific knowledge, clinical skills, communication, professionalism and ethical responsibility, aligned with accreditation and regulatory standards governing entry-to-practice expectations [1].

1 Introduction Dental hygienists (DHs) are oral health care professionals who promote preventive oral care as part of overall wellness [1]. The profession, which began in 1906, has evolved from apprenticeships to structured programs offering associate, bachelor's and master's degrees [2]. The scope of practice of DHs has expanded significantly in the last two decades.