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Dental Hygiene - A.A.S. Degree (Career)

In Initial Accreditation Stage

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 required exams for licensure to practice dental hygiene.

General Education Core

English Composition

Course NumberTitleCredits
ENGL-121College Composition

3

Arts & Humanities

Course NumberTitleCredits
SPCH-105Fundamentals of Public Speaking

3

Social & Behavioral Sciences

Course NumberTitleCredits
PSYC-101General Psychology

3
SOCI-101Introduction to Sociology

3

Biological & Physical Sciences

Course NumberTitleCredits
BIOL-107Fundamentals of Microbiology

4
CHEM-103Fundamentals of General Chemistry

4

Mathematics

Course NumberTitleCredits
MATH-138Statistics

4

Core Electives

Course NumberTitleCredits
NUTR-211Nutrition

3

Required Courses Related to Major

Course NumberTitleCredits
BIOL-106Basic Anatomy and Physiology

4
DHYG-100Dental Hygiene Theory and Clinic I

4
DHYG-102Histology and Embryology

2
DHYG-104General and Oral Pathology

3
DHYG-106Oral Anatomy and Tooth Morphology

3
DHYG-111Dental Radiology

3
DHYG-150Dental Hygiene Theory and Clinic II

5
DHYG-200Dental Hygiene Theory and Clinic III

4
DHYG-207Dental Public Health

3
DHYG-208Dental Materials

3
DHYG-209Periodontics

2
DHYG-210Pharmacology and Pain Management

2
DHYG-250Dental Hygiene Theory and Clinic IV

4
DHYG-257Dental Hygiene Ethics and Jurisprudence

1

A graduate should be able to

  1. 1. Utilize the dental hygiene process of care (assessment, planning, implementation of instrumentation, and evaluation) to treat a variety of patients using knowledge of instrumentation and radiology.
  2. 2. Utilize legal and ethical principles to effectively treat a variety of patients without discrimination.
  3. 3. Treat a variety of patients effectively utilizing safe dental practices and infection control practices.

Total Credit Hours: 70
Science Core courses must be completed within five (5) years prior to admission to the first dental hygiene course.

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.