Dental Hygiene - A.A.S. Degree (Career)
Pending Candidacy for Accreditation Status
APPLICATION CODE 280
For curriculum information, contact the Health Sciences Division—Room HS-236—443-518-1560.
The dental hygiene curriculum is a two-year program that leads to an associate of applied science degree in dental hygiene. This area of study prepares the student to become a licensed primary health care provider and a member of the dental team responsible for the preventive aspects of oral health. Emphasis in this area of study will prepare students to participate in roles that include clinician, educator, researcher, administrator, and public health advocate. Students may also continue their education to receive a baccalaureate or master’s degree in dental hygiene. Students will learn through college-based lectures, laboratory assignments, research, and the treatment of patients in a clinical setting. Graduates of the dental hygiene area of study must take and pass two exams before they can receive a license to practice dental hygiene: the Dental Hygiene National Board Exam, Northeast Regional Board (NERB), and the Maryland State Jurisprudence Exam on dental laws.
General Education Core
Composition
Humanities, Arts and Literature
| SPCH-105 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 credits |
Social Sciences
Science
| BIOL-106 | Basic Anatomy and Physiology | 4 credits |
| BIOL-107 | Fundamentals of Microbiology | 4 credits |
| CHEM-103 | Fundamentals of General Chemistry | 4 credits |
Science Core courses must be completed within five (5) years prior to admission to the first dental hygiene course.
Mathematics
Interdisciplinary
Required Courses Related to Major
Required Courses
| DHYG-100 | Dental Hygiene Theory and Clinic I | 4 credits |
| DHYG-102 | Histology and Embryology | 2 credits |
| DHYG-104 | General and Oral Pathology | 3 credits |
| DHYG-106 | Oral Anatomy and Tooth Morphology | 3 credits |
| DHYG-111 | Dental Radiology | 3 credits |
| DHYG-150 | Dental Hygiene Theory and Clinic II | 5 credits |
| DHYG-200 | Dental Hygiene Theory and Clinic III | 4 credits |
| DHYG-207 | Dental Public Health | 3 credits |
| DHYG-208 | Dental Materials | 3 credits |
| DHYG-209 | Periodontics | 2 credits |
| DHYG-210 | Pharmacology and Pain Management | 2 credits |
| DHYG-250 | Dental Hygiene Theory and Clinic IV | 4 credits |
| DHYG-257 | Dental Hygiene Ethics and Jurisprudence | 1 credit |
A grade of “C” or higher is required in dental hygiene, mathematics, and science courses.
Admission requirements also include a minimum overall HCC GPA of 2.25.
DHYG-100, DHYG-150, DHYG-200, DHYG-250: Students will be expected to participate in clinical sessions during the semester in addition to class time. A health form and CPR certification will be required prior to attending the first dental hygiene course.
Total Credit Hours: 70