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
Arts & Humanities
SPCH-105 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
Social & Behavioral Sciences
Biological & Physical Sciences
BIOL-107 | Fundamentals of Microbiology | 4 |
CHEM-103 | Fundamentals of General Chemistry | 4 |
Mathematics
Core Electives
Required Courses Related to Major
A graduate should be able to
- 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. Utilize legal and ethical principles to effectively treat a variety of patients without discrimination.
- 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.