Dental Hygiene, A.A.S. (A45260)

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The Dental Hygiene curriculum provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to assess, 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.

Required Courses

BIO 168 - Anatomy & Physiology I Credit: 4 *
BIO 169 - Anatomy & Physiology II Credit: 4 *
BIO 175 - General Microbiology Credit: 3 *
CHM 130 - General, Organic, & Biochemistry Credit: 3
CIS 113 - Computer Basics Credit: 1 *
DEN 110 - Orofacial Anatomy Credit: 3
DEN 111 - Infection/Hazard Control Credit: 2
DEN 112 - Dental Radiography Credit: 3
DEN 120 - Dental Hygiene Pre-clinic Lecture Credit: 2
DEN 121 - Dental Hygiene Pre-clinic Lab Credit: 2
DEN 123 - Nutrition/Dental Health Credit: 2
DEN 124 - Peridontology Credit: 2
DEN 125 - Dental Office Emergencies Credit: 1
DEN 130 - Dental Hygiene Theory I Credit: 2
DEN 131 - Dental Hygiene Clinic I Credit: 3
DEN 140 - Dental Hygiene Theory II Credit: 1
DEN 141 - Dental Hygiene Clinic II Credit: 2
DEN 220 - Dental Hygiene Theory III Credit: 2
DEN 221 - Dental Hygiene Clinic III Credit: 4
DEN 223 - Dental Pharmacology Credit: 2
DEN 224 - Materials and Procedures Credit: 2
DEN 230 - Dental Hygiene Theory IV Credit: 1
DEN 231 - Dental Hygiene Clinic IV Credit: 4
DEN 232 - Community Dental Health Credit: 3
DEN 233 - Professional Development Credit: 2
DEN 222 - Dental and Oral Pathology Credit: 2
ENG 111 - Writing & Inquiry Credit: 3 *
ENG 114 - Prof Research & Reporting Credit: 3 *
SOC 240 - Social Psychology Credit: 3

Humanities/Fine Arts Elective*

Select 3 SHC from the following courses: ENG 231 , ENG 232 , or any of the following prefixes: ART, DRA, HUM, MUS, PHI, or REL.

Total Semester Hours Credit 76

*The courses marked with an asterisk may be completed at ECC. All other courses must be completed at Halifax Community College. Upon successful completion of the course requirements, an Associate in Applied Science degree in Dental Hygeine will be awarded by Halifax Community College.