Dental Hygiene Degree

Degree conferred: Associate in Applied Science -80 Credits
Program contact: Dental Hygiene Program office, (815) 921-3235

Program overview
 

Graduates of this program have acquired skills to provide care that supports optimal oral health, including educational, clinical and therapeutic services. Skills are mastered through classroom, laboratory and clinical experiences to provide well-rounded career preparation.

Work and employment
 

A career in dental hygiene offers opportunities in multiple settings. Registered Dental Hygienists are part of a dental health team. Dental hygienists work in private and corporate dental offices, where they provide treatment and services that help to prevent oral disease such as dental caries and periodontal disease and educate the client about maintenance of optimal oral health. They also work in hospitals, nursing homes, extended care facilities, schools, correctional facilities, health maintenance organizations and higher education institutions where they serve as faculty members.

Professional Credential and Program Accreditation
 

Graduates are eligible to take two board exams that lead to state licensure. The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) under the auspices of the American Dental Association (ADA).
 

Admission to the Program
 

Admission is selective and competitive. All required documents must be submitted to the Dental Hygiene Program office on or before February 15th to be reviewed for admission for the fall semester. The Dental Hygiene Program holds information sessions that cover prerequisites and other important admission information. Attendance of a session is required to receive an application packet for the program. For details on scheduling to attend an information session, call the Dental Hygiene Program office at (815) 921-3235.

Prerequisite Courses

The following courses or equivalencies must be completed before
starting this program.

1. Mathematics requirement: Minimum Math requirement of MTH 092–Beginning Algebra Part II with minimum grade of C or higher.

2. Biology requirement: BIO 281/282–Human Anatomy and Physiology I/II, or equivalent, with minimum grade of C or higher. Completion of BIO 282 within 5 years.

3. Chemistry requirement: CHM 110/210–General, Organic and Biochemistry I/II, or CHM 120-General Chemistry I, or equivalent Chemistry course with lab.

4. Communications requirement: ENG 101–Composition I, or equivalent.

One 3-credit elective in Humanities and Fine Arts is also required.

Cooperative community colleges are: Blackhawk Technical College, Elgin Community College, Kishwaukee College, Highland Community College, Illinois Valley Community College, McHenry County College and Sauk Valley Community College.