Dental hygienists are licensed preventive oral health professionals who provide educational, clinical and therapeutic services in dentistry. Dental hygienists perform procedures such as oral prophylaxis, application of preventive agents, and exposure of dental radiographs, patient education and nutritional counseling. Career opportunities for hygienists are available in a variety of settings, including private dental practices, community dental health clinics, public schools, clinical and basic science research laboratories, state and federal health facilities and management positions. Licensure by national and state examination is required.

 

Our program prepares students to practice as a professional dental hygienist following successful completion of two semesters of pre-professional prerequisites and 57 credit hours of professional study. Completion of the prerequisites and the full Dental Hygiene program curriculum with a grade of C or better results in an AAS degree. After receiving the AAS degree and a grade of B or better in the capstone course, students are eligible to take the licensure exam to become registered dental hygienists.

The full-time program requires students to be able to attend school Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m, with the possibility of an evening class. Students are also required to attend classes in the summer between their first and second years of instruction. Students will complete the program in two (2) years.