Dental Hygiene AAS

Associate of Applied Science

Health Professions

The Dental Hygiene program prepares students for entry into the dental hygiene profession as licensed clinicians (Registered Dental Hygienist-RDH). Dental Hygienists provide preventive, therapeutic, restorative, and procedures to control oral disease and promote optimal oral health. The Dental Hygiene program includes instruction in dental anatomy, microbiology, and pathology; dental hygiene theory and techniques; dental materials; radiology; patient education and counseling; and office management and professional standards. Clinical education experiences are integrated throughout the curriculum and offer students the opportunity to gain competency through practice each semester. Upon completion of this program, graduates will be eligible to take the National Dental Hygiene Board Examination (NBDHE), and the regional and/or state clinical and local anesthesia examinations. Applicants are encouraged to contact the State Board of Dentistry in the states in which they wish to practice for individual licensing requirements. Dental Hygiene is a competitive entry program. Students are admitted to the program every other year. The prerequisite course requirements are open to all students. The AAS degree may be obtained in a 24-month course of study following acceptance to the program. A minimum grade point average of B or 3.0 is required in all DENT courses, which includes BIOL-207 and PHAR-150.