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This information is provided as a federal requirement in an effort to help students make informed educational decisions. Specifically, Gainful Employment aims to provide information related to future potential debt burden in comparison to the expected earnings in a chosen program or field.
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Dental Hygienist

Associate Degree - Two Years

Program/Certificate Code: 10-508-1

This program is eligible for Financial Aid.

Accreditation

​This program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.  

Careers

  • Dental Hygienist
  • Dental Sales and Marketing
  • Dental Assistant/Hygiene Assistant
  • Dental Receptionist
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.

Courses
  • Course Number
  • Course Title
  • Credits
  • Available Sections
Minimum Program Credits Required - 70
Admissions Requirements

Admission Overview

The admissions process has been broken down into phases. Some programs only have one phase, while others have multiple phases.

Phase One: General Admission

  • If you have an international degree/diploma you must take the TOEFL® exam and receive a minimum score of 61 on the internet-based test, or 500 on the paper-based test. If you want to be included in a study group to prepare for the TOEFL exam contact Lynette Neibauer at 715-858-1892 or lneibauer@cvtc.edu.
  • Submit a Background Information Disclosure form, the Wisconsin Criminal History Single Name Record Request form, and a $20.00 background processing fee. View admission forms.

Entrance Assessment

A Bachelor's Degree or higher may be used as a substitution for an Entrance Exam (transcript required).

COMPASS Reading: 85 (required for admission)
COMPASS Writing: 60 (only used for course placement)
COMPASS Pre-Algebra: 45 (only used for course placement)
COMPASS Algebra: 35 (required for admission)
ACT Reading: 22
ACT English: 18 (only used for course placement)
ACT Math: 19

Phase Two

Students whose COMPASS® scores do not meet the minimum levels must re-test until they meet the required minimums.

Submit proof through a transcript that you have received a grade of C or better in the course(s) below.

  • Algebra
  • Biology
  • Chemistry

Phase Three: Core Course Eligibility

Once you have successfully completed Phase One and Two you will either be accepted into your program, or placed on a waiting list if your program is full.

Applicants in the process of satisfying COMPASS® minimums and completing academic prerequisites coursework must submit a Core Course Eligibility Form (CCE Form) to the Admissions Office after all coursework is completed and grades have been processed.

Additional Requirements

Students must attend a required orientation session prior to entering the core courses. An invitation will be mailed to you.

A pre-entrance health history and physical examination must be on file three weeks prior to entering the core courses of this program. The Admissions Office will notify you at the appropriate time with a specified deadline.

Obtain and maintain current CPR certification by the American Heart Association (Healthcare Provider level) or the American Red Cross (Professional Rescuer level). Proof must be verified with a current CPR card. Class rosters, letters from instructors or employers, and on-line course certification are not acceptable. Your instructor will ask for a copy of your card on the first day of your clinical courses.

International Students

See our International Students website for more information.

Estimated Costs

2012-2013 Tuition & Fees

View a breakdown of additional fees, on our Tuition & Fees page.

  • $116.90 per credit (resident)
  • $175.35 (out-of-state resident)

Estimated Term Costs

1st Term
$533
2nd Term
$2,756
Summer Term
$2,449
3rd Term
$2,290
4th Term
$2,235

Books

The figure below is an estimate of what you will pay for books throughout the duration of your program if you purchase your books through the CVTC bookstore. For more details visit www.efollet.com

Estimated Book Fees: $1,315

Additional Fees

Additional fees vary by program and may include tool boxes, shop/lab coats, safety glasses, parts room deposit, shirts, etc.

$1,602

Total Program Cost

The figure below is an estimate based on current tuition and fee rates and is intended for planning purposes only.

$13,180