Program Overview
The Dental Hygiene Program offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree which prepares graduates to practice entry level dental hygiene. Dental hygienists provide preventive and therapeutic health care services including oral health assessment & education, pit & fissure sealants, fluoride treatments, oral prophylaxis, chemotherapeutics and advanced periodontal therapy; in addition to public dental health services.
Upon administrative approval, second-year SLCC dental hygiene students are eligible to take examinations required for licensure in all fifty states, including the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and state or regional clinical examinations, such as the CDCA-WREB-CITA exam.
Career Opportunities
Dental hygienists may secure employment in a variety of settings, including private dental offices and clinics, schools, nursing homes, hospitals, public health facilities and other government agencies. Due to the unique nature of the profession, dental hygienists enjoy a flexible work schedule ideal for balancing career and lifestyle needs.
What You Will Learn
- Initiate and participate in community oral health programs.
- Successfully complete the National Board Dental Examinations and regional/state dental hygiene licensure board examinations.
- Utilize the Dental Hygiene Process of Care (assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation) to positively affect the oral health status and behavior of individuals and groups.
- Communicate effectively with patients, peers & faculty in both verbal and written forms.
- Utilize critical thinking skills in problem solving and decision-making.
Estimated Cost
- Course fees: $2,500
- Books: $1,250
- Dental Hygiene Instrument Kit: $6,500
- Clinic attire (scrubs, embroidery, shoes): $250
- Student American Dental Hygienists' Association (SADHA): $230
- Board and licensing exams:
- National Board Dental Hygiene Exam: $700
- Local Anesthesia Written Exam: $125
- Local Anesthesia Practical Exam: $370
- Clinical Board Exam: $1,150
Career Outlook
Some careers shown require further education beyond this program.
Additional Information
Specialized Accreditation
The SLCC Dental Hygiene Program is accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), 211 E. Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611.
Licensure Information
We have made a good-faith effort to collect state licensure requirements for the SLCC programs of study that lead to professional licensure. You can view additional information about state licensure requirements on our Professional Licensure webpage.
GENERAL ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
Be admitted to SLCC as a matriculated student. See https://www.slcc.edu/apply/index.aspx.
High School Graduate or equivalent.