Dental Hygienist
(10-508-1)
Associate Degree-Two Years
Course Information
Graduate Information
Program Requirements
60 Second Program Video
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Program Description
Student dental hygienists focus on the assessment, control, and prevention of dental disease. They learn to do an oral inspection and remove both hard and soft deposits and stains from teeth. They are trained to expose and process dental x-rays and counsel patients in preventive dental care. They work as a member of a dental health team. Graduates find employment in public and private dental practices, overseas, hospitals, research, and community dental health facilities. Students are prepared to take national and regional practical examinations required for licensure. Students are also prepared to take licensure examinations for the state(s) of their choice.
The graduate of the Dental Hygienist program will:
• meet the dental health needs of diverse populations.
• customize and proceed with emergency care protocol based on recognizing symptoms of medical/dental emergencies.
• utilize 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.
Accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.
Note: Courses to be taken in the program are listed in sequential order. First-year courses must be successfully completed before entering the second year of the program.
Program Admission Requirements
• Wisconsin criminal background check and processing fee
• COMPASS pre-entry assessment
• Two semesters of high school work or one semester of postsecondary work in algebra, biology, and chemistry with grades of C or better. (It is recommended that this course work be current. If it has been more than five years, students may wish to take classes at CVTC to refresh their competencies.)
• CPR, a pre-entrance health history, physical examination, and a dental examination must be on file three weeks prior to entering 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.
For detailed requirements, click on the Admission Requirements link toward the top of this page or call one of our Enrollment Assistants at 1-800-547-2882.
Helpful Academic Background
• Strong science aptitude
• Oral and written communication skills
• Detail-oriented with good organizational skills
• Strong reading and problem-solving skills
• Computer knowledge is required to complete some program assignments
• Outgoing and enjoy working with people
Messages
For more information about this program, contact the program counselor at 1-800-547-2882 or 715-833-6346.
For general admissions information, contact the Admissions Office at 1-800-547-2882 or 715-833-6246.
Due to the heavy credit load and intensity of this program, it is necessary for students to complete as many of the general education courses as possible PRIOR to beginning the core courses in order to be successful.