Dental Hygiene

Note: Admission to the program is limited. The College accepts a limited amount of applicants for this program for all people who apply, therefore a selective admission process is administered based on cumulative GPA, laboratory science grades, and standardized Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) scores.

Students who complete the program earn a Dental Hygiene Associate Degree of Applied Science. Dental Hygienists are licensed professionals and are required to successfully complete the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and the CDCA-WREB Computer Simulated and ADEX.

Program Goals

The Dental Hygiene Program is based on a commitment to the highest standard of education that promotes the acquisition of knowledge, skills and attitudes that ensure quality patient care, professional competence and ethical behavior in the art and science of dental hygiene.

Graduates of the program will be able to:

• Demonstrate the knowledge, skills and values necessary to qualify for licensure as a Registered Dental Hygienist.
• Provide optimal and comprehensive patient care.
• Promote disease prevention and oral health to the community-at-large.
• Demonstrate a level of professional and ethical conduct consistent with the dental hygiene standard of care.

Program Competencies

The Dental Hygiene program is a skills assessment-based curriculum. Competencies describe the abilities expected of a dental hygiene graduate upon entry into the dental hygiene profession. Competencies combine skills, understanding, and professional values and are performed independently in realistic settings.

Prerequisites

Students must demonstrate Algebra I competency before taking courses in the major. Algebra I competency may be verified with a passing score on the College’s placement test or by completing the appropriate class. Students must also have a “C” or better in high school biology and chemistry both with a lab. There may be additional requirements that are required depending on the major chosen.

Accreditation

The Dental Hygiene Program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation serves the public by establishing, maintaining and applying standards that ensure the quality and continuous improvement of dental and dental-related education and reflect the evolving practice of dentistry. Learn more about CODA policies and guidelines, including how to file a complaint.