Dental Hygienist - Associate Degree
As a graduate of the Dental Hygienist program, you can choose to practice as a registered dental hygienist in any of the following settings: private practice, long-term care facility, public school system, or public health department – on a full-time or part-time basis. Dental hygienists perform dental cleanings, apply preventative agents, expose radiographs, perform local anesthesia and teach patients oral care. The Dental Hygienist program is accredited by the American Dental Association-Commission on Dental Accreditation.
Delivery
Explore Locations
Program Costs & Financial Aid
Tuition: $11,596, Books: $1,021, Supplies: $2,750
This program is fully eligible for financial aid.
Estimates based on in-state residency. Please visit the following URL to learn more about tuition and fees for this program. /admissions-and-aid/paying-for-college/tuition-and-fees?ProgramCode=105081
Requirements for Program Entry
- For instructions on how to get started, download the application checklist for this program.
Program Outcomes
- Model dental hygiene professional code of ethics.
- Counsel clients/patients to reduce health risks.
- Provide community oral health services in a variety of settings.
- Manage infection and hazard control.
- Assess data on all aspects of patient/client health using methods consistent with dental hygienist scope of practice and legal principles.
- Formulate a comprehensive dental hygiene care plan in collaboration with the client and other health professionals.
- Provide preventive and therapeutic services that promote oral health according to the needs of the patient/client.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented client/patient dental hygiene care plan.
Accreditation
The Dental Hygienist program is accredited by the American Dental Association - Commission on Dental Accreditation 211 East Chicago Avenue Chicago, IL 60611-2678 (312) 440-2500
Curriculum
Students following the study plan below will complete the Dental Hygiene associate degree in the number of semesters shown.
Pre-First Semester
Full Semester
Summer Before First Semester
First Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Full Semester
Second Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Full Semester
Summer Before Third Semester
Third Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Full Semester
Fourth Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Full Semester
- Curriculum Note: Students must earn a "C" or higher in all 10-508-XXX courses. A student who withdraws or receives a grade lower than a "C" in a program course may apply for re-entry into the program. Consideration for re-entry will be at the discretion of the re-entry team.
- Students must earn a "B" or higher in General Anatomy & Physiology, Intro to Biochemistry, and Microbiology. A student who withdraws or receives a grade lower than a "B" in these courses may apply for re-entry into the program. Consideration for re-entry will be at the discretion of the re-entry team.
- The credit for 10-890-101, College 101 is an Institutional Requirement for graduation. Consequently, it is not part of the program credit requirements, but must be passed with a "C" or better.
Course Descriptions
Overview of the human anatomy/physiology using a body-systems approach, emphasizing the interrelationships between form/function at the gross and microscopic levels. (Prerequisite: C or better in Lab-based Chemistry OR 2 semesters lab-based high school chemistry w/C or better; AND Next Gen Rdg score greater/= to 263; OR ACT Rdg score greater/= to 17; OR prep courses-contact academic advisor at 920-498-5444)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringHistory, morphology, physiology, nutritional growth requirements, metabolism, methods of identification. Focus on disease-causing microorganisms, appropriate prevention, treatment, control mechanisms. Specific/non-specific host defense mechanisms, applications of immunology examined. (Prerequisite: 10-806-177, General Anatomy & Physiology OR 10-806-114, General Biology with a "C" or better. Health programs may require a higher grade; refer to your plan for details)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringStudents gain skills that lead to success in college, employment, and life. Students should take this course in their first semester. (Pre-requisite: None.)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringPrepares dental auxiliary students to respond proactively to dental emergencies, control infection, prevent disease, adhere to OSHA Standards, and safely manage hazardous materials. Students also take patient vital signs and collect patient medical/dental histories. (Prerequisite: Accepted into the Dental Hygiene or Dental Assistant or Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary Program)
Course Typically Offered: Summer FallCovers organic and biological chemistry necessary for application within Nursing and other Allied Health careers. Emphasis is placed on recognizing the structure, physical properties and chemical reactions of organic molecules, body fluids and acids. Discussion of biological functions and their relationship to enzymes, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and DNA. (Prereq: Gen Chemistry w/C or better OR 2 semesters lab-based high school chemistry w/C or better)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringPrepares Dental Hygienist students to apply detailed knowledge about oral anatomy to planning, implementation, assessment, and evaluation of patient care. Students identify distinguishing characteristics of normal and abnormal dental, head, and neck anatomy and its relationship to tooth development, eruption and health. (Prerequisites: 10-806-177, General Anatomy & Physiology, 10-508-101, Dental Health Safety)
Course Typically Offered: FallLearners develop knowledge/skills in planning, organizing, writing, editing. Students will also analyze audience/purpose, use elements of research, format documents using standard guidelines, and develop critical reading skills. (Prerequisite: High school GPA greater/equal to 2.6; OR ACT Reading score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 18; OR Next Gen Reading score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 260; OR "preparatory course(s)", contact academic advisor at 920-498-5444)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringThis course focuses on the characteristics and contributing factors of dental decay. Dental Hygiene students help patients minimize caries risk by developing treatment plans, communicating methods to patients, and evaluating treatment results. (Prerequisites: 10-806-186, Intro to Biochemistry; 10-806-197, Microbiology)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringPrepares dental auxiliary students to operate x-ray units and expose bitewing, periapical, extra oral, and occlusal radiographs. Emphasis is placed on protection against x-ray hazards. Students also process, mount, and evaluate radiographs for diagnostic value. In this course students demonstrate competency on a manikin. In addition, students expose bitewing radiographs on a peer, role-play patient. (Prerequisite: 10-508-101, Dent Health Safety; Corequisite: 10-508-102, Oral Anat & Hist)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringIntroduces Dental Hygiene students to the basic technical/clinical skills required of practicing Dental Hygienists including use of basic dental equipment, examination of patients, and procedures within the dental unit. Under the direct supervision of an instructor, students integrate hands-on skills with entry-level critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The course also reinforces the application of Dental Health Safety skills. (Prerequisites: 10-806-186, Intro to Biochemistry; 10-508-101, Dental Health Safety; Corequisite: 10-508-102, DH-Oral Anatomy, Embry & Histology)
Course Typically Offered: FallThis course prepares student dental hygienists to assess the periodontal health of patients, plan prevention and treatment of periodontal disease, and to evaluate the effectiveness of periodontal treatment plans. Emphasis is placed on the recognition of the signs and causes of periodontal disease and on selection of treatments modalities that minimize risk and restore periodontal health. (Prerequisites: 10-806-197, Microbiology; 10-806-186, Intro to Biochemistry; 10-508-102, Oral Anatomy, Embryology & Histology; 10-508-103, Dental Radiography; Corequisites: 10-508-111, General & Oral Pathology; 10-508-106, Dental Hygiene Process 2)
Course Typically Offered: SpringThis course focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English score greater/equal to 16; OR preparatory course-contact an academic advisor at 920-498-5444)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringHelps student dental hygienists develop and apply high professional and ethical standards. Students apply the laws that govern the practice of dental hygiene to their work with patients, other members of a dental team and the community. Emphasis is placed on maintaining confidentiality and obtaining informed consent. Students enhance their ability to present a professional appearance. (Co-requisite: 10-508-105 Dental Hygiene Process 1)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringThis course prepares the student dental hygienist to determine when to consult, treat or refer clients with various disease, infection or physiological conditions. Students learn to recognize the signs, causes, and implications of common pathological conditions including inflammatory responses, immune disorders, genetic disorders, developmental disorders of tissues and cysts, oral tissue trauma, and neoplasm of the oral cavity. (Prerequisites: 10-508-102, Oral Anatomy, Embryology & Histology; 10-508-103, Dental Radiography; Corequisites: 10-508-106, Dental Hygiene Process 2; 10-508-108, Periodontology)
Course Typically Offered: SpringThis clinical course builds on and expands the technical/clinical skills student dental hygienists began developing in Dental Hygiene Process I. Under the direct supervision of an instructor, students apply patient care assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation skills to provide comprehensive care for perio case type 0, I, and II patients. (Prerequisite: 10-508-103, Dental Radiography; 10-508-105, DH-Dental Hygiene Process 1; 10-508-109, Cariology)
Course Typically Offered: SpringPrepares student dental hygienists to select safe and effective patient premedication, local anesthetic, chemo therapeutic and anti-microbial agents within the scope of dental hygiene practice. Students will also learn to recognize potential pharmacological contraindications for specific patients and to take measures to avoid negative impact or alert other members of the dental team to possible negative impact. (Prerequisites:10-806-186, Intro to Biochemistry; 10-806-197, Microbiology; 10-508-106, Dental Hygiene Process 2)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringPrepares student dental hygienists to counsel patients about diet and its impact on oral health. Students learn to distinguish between balanced and unbalanced diets and to construct diets that meet the needs of patients with compromised dental/oral health. Students also learn to counsel patients about the effect of eating disorders on dental health. (Prerequisite: 10-806-186, Intro to Biochemistry; 10-508-105 Dental Hygiene Process 1)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringPrepares dental auxiliary students to handle and prepare dental materials such as liners, bases, cements, amalgam, resin restorative materials, gypsum products, and impression materials. They also learn to take alginate impressions on manikins and clean removable appliances. (Prerequisites: 10-508-101, Dental Health Safety; 31-508-304, Dental & General Anatomy OR 10-508-102, Oral Anatomy, Embry, Histology)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringThis course prepares the student dental hygienist to work within the scope of dental hygiene practice to manage pain for dental patients. Students learn to prevent and manage common emergencies related to administration of local anesthesia, prepare the armamentarium, and administer local anesthesia. The course also addresses the recommendation of alternative pain control measures. (Prerequisites: 10-508-102, Oral Anatomy, Embryology & Histology; 10-508-114, Dental Pharmacology; Corequisite: 10-508-112, Dental Hygiene Process 3)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringThis science of psychology course is a survey of multiple aspects of behavior and mental processes. It provides an overview of topics such as research methods, theoretical perspectives, learning, cognition, memory, motivation, emotions, personality, abnormal psychology, physiological factors, social influences, and development.. (Prerequisite: Cumulative GPA of 2.6 or greater OR satisfactory reading and writing assessment scores OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing 1 with "B" or better OR Corequisite: 10-831-102, English Comp Prep).
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringThis clinical course builds on and expands the technical/clinical skills student dental hygienists developed in Dental Hygiene Process 2. In consultation with the instructor, students apply independent problem-solving skills in the course of providing comprehensive care case type 0, I, II, and III patients. This course also introduces root detoxification using hand and ultra-sonic instruments, laser bacterial reduction, selection of dental implant prophylaxis treatment options, and administration of chemotherapeutic agents. Students also create care plans in order to accommodate patients with special needs. (Prerequisites: 10-508-106, Dental Hygiene Process 2; 10-508-108, Periodontology; 10-508-109, Cariology; 10-508-110, Nutrition & Dental Health)
Course Typically Offered: FallThis course prepares the Dental Hygienist student to play a proactive role in improving the dental health of community members of all ages. Students perform and interpret dental health research to determine community dental health needs, they also participate in the development, implementation and evaluation of a community dental health program. (Corequisite: 10-508-117, Dental Hygiene Process 4)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringThis course introduces the study of diversity from a local to a global perspective using a holistic, interdisciplinary approach that encourages exploration and prepares students to work in a diverse environment. The course introduces basic diversity concepts, examines the impact of bias and power differentials among groups, explores the use of culturally responsive communication strategies, and compares forces that shape diversity in an international context. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 15; OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing with a B or better.)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringThe nature and variety of groups; inequality, race and ethnicity; family, population, social integration, and change; collective behavior; politics, economics, religion, education, and the effects of technology. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 15; OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing with a B or better)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringThis clinical course builds on and expands the technical/clinical skills student dental hygienists developed in Dental Hygiene Process III. With feedback from the instructor, students manage all aspects of cases in the course of providing comprehensive care for perio case type 0 I, II, and III patients. Emphasizes maximization of clinical efficiency and effectiveness. Prepares student dental hygienists to demonstrate their clinical skills in a formal examination situation. (Prerequisite: 10-508-112, Dental Hygiene Process 3; 10-508-118, Dental Anxiety and Pain Management)
Course Typically Offered: Spring