Dental Hygiene - A.A.S. Degree (Career)
APPLICATION CODE 280
For curriculum information, contact the Division of Health, Science, and Technology—Room SET-430.
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. As licensing requirements vary from state to state, it is necessary for students who wish to practice outside of the state of Maryland to contact each licensing authority in each state for its specific application requirements and procedures.The dental hygiene program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation [and has been granted the accreditation status of "approval without reporting requirements"]. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. The Commission's web address is: http://www.ada.org/en/coda.
Summer Term
Suggested Semester 1
Suggested Semester 2
Suggested Semester 3
| DHYG 104 | General and Oral Pathology | 3 |
| DHYG 200 | Dental Hygiene Theory and Clinic III | 4 |
| DHYG 210 | Pharmacology and Pain Management | 2 |
| SOCI 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| COMM 101 | Introduction to Human Communication | 3 |
| | OR | |
| COMM 105 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| | OR | |
| COMM 110 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
Suggested Semester 4
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” (75%) 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.
DHYG 207: Students will participate in a minimum of 12 hours of service-learning for this course.
DHYG 250: Students will participate in 8-12 hours of enrichment site experiences for this course.
A graduate should be able to
- 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.
- Utilize legal and ethical principles to effectively treat a variety of patients without discrimination.
- Treat a variety of patients effectively utilizing safe dental practices and infection control practices.