Dental Hygienist
(10-508-1)
Associate Degree-Two Years
Course Information
Graduate Information
Program Requirements
60 Second Program Video
Program Information Video
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Program Description
The Dental Hygienist program is a good option if you are seeking a career in the health field, have good organizational skills, enjoy working with people, and are detail-oriented.
During your educational program, you will work as a member of a dental health team, focusing on the assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, implementation, evaluation, and documentation of dental disease as well as prevention of dental disease:
• Perform oral inspections
• Remove deposits and stains from teeth
• Expose and process dental x-rays
• Counsel patients in preventative dental care
The program prepares you to take the national, regional, and state practical exams that are required for you to be licensed. Graduates of the program are held to high standards. They must
• Meet the dental health needs of diverse populations.
• Customize and proceed with emergency care protocol based on recognizing symptoms of medical/dental emergencies.
• Use the most current infection control guidelines and safety precautions in all laboratory and clinical settings.
• Apply principles of dental practice management as a member of a dental health team.
• Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior in all roles as a dental hygienist.
Graduates are working in public and private dental practices, hospitals, community dental health facilities, and in research. Job prospects are expected to remain excellent. You have opportunities!
This program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.
Program Admission Requirements
• COMPASS pre-entry assessment
85 on Reading
30 on Algebra
• Wisconsin criminal background check (requires a processing fee)
• Two semesters of high school work or one semester of postsecondary work in algebra, biology, and chemistry with grades of "C" or better. (This course work should be current. If it has been more than five years since you completed the courses, you may benefit from opportunities to refresh your learning. A counselor can help you make plans.)
• Proof you have completed a CPR course, a pre-entrance health history, physical examination, and a dental examination must be on file three weeks before you enter the core courses of the Dental Hygienist program. The Admissions Office will notify you at the appropriate time.
• Student hygienists must purchase professional liability insurance and furnish uniforms, instruments, and textbooks.
Helpful Academic Background
• Strong science aptitude
• Oral and written communication skills
• Strong reading and problem-solving skills
• Computer knowledge
• Outgoing personality
Messages
This program is intense. To ensure your own success, complete as many of the general education courses as possible before beginning the core courses.
The courses in the program are listed in sequential order. You must complete the first-year courses before you may enter the second year of the program.
For free help in preparing for the COMPASS, contact any of CVTC's Academic Service Centers.
For more information about this program, contact the program counselor at 800-547-2882 or 715-833-6200.
For general admissions information, contact the Admissions Office at 800-547-2882 or 715-833-6200.
For financial aid information, contact the Financial Aid Office at 800-547-2882 or 715-833-6200.