Dental Hygiene, A.A.S.

Offered at Main Campus

The Dental Hygiene program is a 24-month (eight term) program that prepares the student to be an oral health professional. The curriculum is comprised of Dental Hygiene and general education courses as required by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. The Dental Hygiene program contains didactic, laboratory and clinical experiences.

The program in Dental Hygiene is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. The Commission’s web address is: http://www.ada.org/prof/ed/programs/search_index.asp.

Graduates will become employed in private dentist’s offices, public health agencies, community health offices, hospitals and schools. Upon successful completion, students are awarded Associate of Applied Science degrees in Dental Hygiene. Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the National Board Dental Hygiene (NBDHE) and clinical board exam CRDTS.

To apply, complete an IHCC application and submit high school transcripts or High School Equivalency Diploma scores and take one of the following:  ACT, SAT or ACCUPLACER test. Testing may be scheduled by calling the IHCC Testing Center at (641) 683-5142 or (800) 726-2585, ext. 5142.  Students must be a trained dental assistant and DANB certified prior to applying for the Dental Hygiene program. Please apply for our Dental Assisting program first if you do not meet these qualifications.  Criminal background, drug screening, and dependent adult and child abuse record checks are required prior to beginning the program. This program will begin in the Fall term of each year.

Note:  Indian Hills Community College would like to inform all students that may enter the dental hygiene program, that they will have exposure to infectious diseases.  However, infection control procedures are mandated to prevent the contamination and spread of diseases.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Systematically collect, analyze and record data on the general, oral and psychological health status of a variety of clients using methods consistent with medicolegal principles.
2. Use critical decision making skills to reach conclusions about the client’s dental hygiene needs based on all available assessment data.
3. Collaborate with the client, and/or other health professions to formulate a comprehensive dental hygiene care plan that is client centered and based on current scientific evidence.
4. Provide care to all clients using an individualized approach that is humane, empathetic, and caring.
5. Provide screening, referral, and educational services that allow clients to access the resources of the health care system.
6. Provide community oral health services in a variety of settings.
7. Provide specialized treatment that includes preventive and therapeutic services designed to achieve and maintain oral health.
8. Evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented clinical, preventive, and educational services and modify as needed.
9. Evaluate and utilize methods to ensure the health and safety of the client and dental hygienist in the delivery of dental hygiene services.
10. Respect the goals, values, beliefs, and preferences of the patient while promoting optimal oral and general health.
11. Respect the goals, values, beliefs and preferences of the patient while promoting optimal oral and general health.
12. Assume responsibility for dental hygiene actions and care based on accepted scientific theories and research as well as the accepted standard of care.

Program Total: 86 Credits