Dental Hygiene, AAS (AAS.DENTH)

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Associate in Applied Science in Dental Hygiene

81 Credit Hours

The dental hygienist is a licensed primary health care professional, oral health educator, and clinician who, as co-therapist with the dentist, provides preventive, educational, and therapeutic services supporting total health for the control of oral diseases and the promotion of oral health. Dental hygiene positions are available in general and specialty dental practices, community health centers, hospitals, federal programs, armed services, and dental product promotion. Graduates are eligible to sit for the Dental Hygiene National Board Exam and individual state board examinations for licensure.

Accreditation

Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association
211 East Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611-2678

Related Certificates

The Health Sciences Preparation Certificate (CAS.HEALSP) (CAS.HEALSP.DHG Pathway) can be used to fulfill some of the requirements of this associate degree. Some courses may be required prior to admission to this program. Your faculty advisor or success coach can help to tailor your plan.

Part A - General Education Requirements

REQ Communication: ENG 101 - English Composition I Credit: 3
REQ Math/Science (Choose One):
MAT 110 - College Algebra Credit: 3 or
MAT 120 - Probability and Statistics Credit: 3
REQ Social Science: PSY 201 - General Psychology Credit: 3
REQ Humanities: Select from
Humanities
Credit: 3
REQ Other (Choose One):
SPC 205 - Public Speaking Credit: 3 or
SPC 209 - Interpersonal Communication Credit: 3

Total: 15

Part B - Major Requirements

AHS 113 - Head and Neck Anatomy Credit: 1
BIO 210 - Anatomy and Physiology I Credit: 4
BIO 211 - Anatomy and Physiology II Credit: 4
BIO 225 - Microbiology Credit: 4
CHM 105 - General Organic and Biochemistry Credit: 4
DHG 115 - Medical and Dental Emergencies Credit: 2
DHG 121 - Dental Radiography Credit: 3
DHG 125 - Tooth Morphology and Histology Credit: 2
DHG 140 - General and Oral Pathology Credit: 2
DHG 141 - Periodontology Credit: 2
DHG 143 - Dental Pharmacology Credit: 2
DHG 154 - Pre-Clinical Dental Hygiene Credit: 4
DHG 165 - Clinical Dental Hygiene I Credit: 5
DHG 175 - Clinical Dental Hygiene II Credit: 5
DHG 230 - Public Health Dentistry Credit: 3
DHG 231 - Dental Health Education Credit: 1
DHG 239 - Dental Assisting for DHGs Credit: 2
DHG 241 - Integrated Dental Hygiene I Credit: 1
DHG 243 - Nutrition and Dental Health Credit: 2
DHG 255 - Clinical Dental Hygiene III Credit: 5
DHG 265 - Clinical Dental Hygiene IV Credit: 5
SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology Credit: 3

Total: 66

Admission and Program Requirements

General admissions and program specific procedures are required for Health Science programs, such as mandated orientation session and health record requirements. View the specific requirements by visiting the Health Sciences division page.

Applicants will be admitted to this program on a first-qualified, first-admitted basis. Applicants are considered to be qualified for admission to the next available class when they meet all college and program requirements. View the starting semesters page for more information.

For more information, review the program information and information sessions page. Visit the course programs and progression page for program completion and course progression information.

Course Sequence

Review the Dental Hygiene, AAS - Course Sequence for a recommended sequence of courses. Please contact your advisor for guidance. A recommended course sequence is a structured plan to help students complete degree requirements efficiently.