Dental Hygiene, AAS
A45260
Official Program Description registered with the N.C. Community College System:
The Dental Hygiene curriculum provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to access, plan, implement, and evaluate dental hygiene care for the individual and the community.
Students will learn to prepare the operatory, take patient histories, note abnormalities, plan care, teach oral hygiene, clean teeth, take x-rays, apply preventive agents, complete necessary chart entries, and perform other procedures related to dental hygiene care.
Graduates of this program may be eligible to take national and state/regional examinations for licensure which are required to practice dental hygiene. Employment opportunities include dental offices, clinics, schools, public health agencies, industry, and professional education.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Dental Hygiene program, a graduate should be able to:
- Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate comprehensive dental hygiene care for individuals with differing levels of periodontal health.
- Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate appropriate dental health prevention and/or educational services to diverse community groups.
- Demonstrate professionalism with patients, faculty, peers, community organizations and dental associations.
Degree Awarded
The Associate in Applied Science Degree-Dental Hygiene is awarded by the College upon completion of this program.
Graduates are eligible to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), which is administered by the American Dental Association, Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (ADA, JCNDE); and the Clinical Exam, which is administered by the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX). A passing grade on both examinations is required in order to apply to the State Board of Dental Examiners (NCSBDE) for licensure and become a Registered Dental Hygienist in North Carolina.
Gainful Employment Information
- Does Program Lead to Licensure/Certification? Yes
- Is Licensure/Certification Required for Employment? Yes
- Name of Licensure/Certification - RDH (Registered Dental Hygienist)
- Name of Licensure/Certification Agency - NCSBDE (licensing)/JCNDE (written)/ADEX clinical board
Projected Program Cost
Books $2,223.82
Equipment/Tools $2,325.00
Supplies/Other $1,423.00
Tuition & Fees $5,811.00
Test Fees $2,125.00
Total Program Cost $13,907.82
Program Accreditation
The Dental Hygiene program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.
Note
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all curriculum courses in order to progress in the program. Information about the progression and readmission policy is outlined in the Dental Hygiene Admission Policies and Procedures packet available in the Office of Admissions and Records.
For More Information
The Dental Hygiene program is in the Allied Health and Public Services Division. For more information, call (919) 739-6773 or visit us at our website at www.waynecc.edu.
Admissions
Individuals desiring a career in Dental Hygiene should, if possible, take biology, microbiology, mathematics, and chemistry courses prior to entering the program. College Student Success, English, social psychology communications, and humanities may also be taken ahead of acceptance in the DEN courses.
First (Fall) Semester
| ACA 111 | College Student Success |
1
| 1 |
| CHM 130 | General, Organic, & Biochemistry |
3
| 3 |
| CHM 130A | General, Organic, & Biochemistry Lab |
2
| 1 |
| DEN 110 | Orofacial Anatomy |
4
| 3 |
| DEN 111 | Infection/Hazard Control |
2
| 2 |
| DEN 112 | Dental Radiography |
5
| 3 |
| DEN 120 | Dental Hygiene Preclinic Lecture |
2
| 2 |
| DEN 121 | Dental Hygiene Preclinical Lab |
6
| 2 |
| DEN 125 | Dental Office Emergencies |
2
| 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | | 18 |
Second (Spring) Semester
| BIO 163 | Basic Anatomy & Physiology |
6
| 5 |
| DEN 123 | Nutrition/Dental Health |
2
| 2 |
| DEN 124 | Periodontology |
2
| 2 |
| DEN 130 | Dental Hygiene Theory I |
2
| 2 |
| DEN 131 | Dental Hygiene Clinic I |
9
| 3 |
| DEN 223 | Dental Pharmacology |
2
| 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | | 16 |
Third (Summer) Semester
| DEN 140 | Dental Hygiene Theory II |
3
| 2 |
| DEN 141 | Dental Hygiene Clinic II |
6
| 2 |
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry |
3
| 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | | 7 |
Fourth (Fall) Semester
| BIO 175 | General Microbiology |
4
| 3 |
| COM 231 | Public Speaking |
3
| 3 |
| DEN 220 | Dental Hygiene Theory III |
2
| 2 |
| DEN 221 | Dental Hygiene Clinic III |
12
| 4 |
| DEN 222 | General & Oral Pathology |
2
| 2 |
| DEN 224 | Materials and Procedures |
4
| 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | | 16 |
Fifth (Spring) Semester
| DEN 230 | Dental Hygiene Theory IV |
1
| 1 |
| DEN 231 | Dental Hygiene Clinic IV |
12
| 4 |
| DEN 232 | Community Dental Health |
5
| 3 |
| DEN 233 | Professional Development |
2
| 2 |
| SOC 240 | Social Psychology |
3
| 3 |
| | Humanities/Fine Arts Elective |
3
| 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | | 16 |
Total Credit Hours: 73
Electives
Humanities/Fine Arts Electives
Choose one course from the Humanities/Fine Arts list of Optional General Education Courses for AAS Programs.
The following courses will NOT count for this program:
ENG 131, ENG 231, ENG 232, ENG 241, ENG 242, ENG 261, ENG 262