DENTAL HYGIENE

A.A.S. DEGREE

Description
The two-year program in Dental Hygiene prepares graduates for careers in preventive dentistry.
Working under the supervision of a dentist, the dental hygienist provides patient care through clinical service and dental health counseling. Graduates of the program find employment in private dental offices, hospitals, clinics, and community health agencies.

The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60611; phone (312)440-4653, and is registered with the State Education Department.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS: CPR certification (CPR for health professionals, including adult, child and infant - no on-line courses), Admission to this program is conditional upon meeting medical requirements, clearance of existing problem(s), and ability to meet technical standards (physical demands) of the program.

The program includes courses in liberal arts, basic dental science and clinical experience. All students will complete off-campus clinical assignments as part of their clinical experience.

A minimum grade of C is necessary in all required Dental Studies courses for continued matriculation in the program. No student may progress to the next Dental Studies course level without successful completion of all courses in the previous level. A student who has been previously enrolled in Dental Studies and earned a grade below C or a W in the course will not be eligible for admission/re-admission to Dental Studies, unless there are documented extenuating circumstances that warrant consideration. A student who believes that there is an extenuating circumstance should speak with an advisor in the Admissions Office or the Advisement Center. Re-admission of students after an unsuccessful attempt requires permission of the department and is always on a space available basis. Such an appeal may be made only one time. Dental Studies is a high-demand, competitive program; therefore, re-admission to the Dental Studies program is rare. Any student who is re-admitted to the Dental Studies program and fails to achieve a grade of C or higher a second time is ineligible to continue in the Dental Studies program. Admission/re-admission is always on a space available basis. Students must follow the sequence of courses semester by semester as presented. A student who fails to achieve the C in the fourth semester DEN courses will be ineligible for graduation. Successful completion of the program permits admission to licensure examinations. Students must also take a clinical exam in the region in which they plan to practice. MCC Dental Hygiene students take the National Board examination after graduation. Dental hygienists must be licensed in order to practice. Prior to clinical experience, students must have a physical examination. Students are required to recruit patients in order to meet clinical requirements.
(Housed in the Health Professions Department)


Program Learning Outcomes
1) Apply a professional code of ethics in all endeavors using the highest professional knowledge and ethical principles within the context of the New York State Dental Hygiene Practice Act
2) Collect analyze and record data on the general oral and health status of patients using methods consistent with medical and legal principles
3) Use decision-making skills to determine the patient’s needs related to his/her oral health and overall health based on all available data.
4) Provide individualized care (and will be prepared to manage medical emergencies) that include accepted infection control procedures and appropriate education preventive therapeutic and referral services to assist the patient in achieving and maintaining optimal oral health.
5) Evaluate the effectiveness of educational preventive therapeutic and referral services and modify those services if necessary to assist the client in achieving and maintaining optimal health
6) Assess plan implement and evaluate community-based oral health programs to a diverse population including health promotion and disease prevention activities.
7) Analyze scientific literature and use an evidence-based approach to patient care
8) Support the profession of dental hygiene through participation and affiliation with professional and community organizations


Requirements for Program Entrance
High school Algebra or MTH 098 at MCC with a grade of C or better. Biology and Chemistry with a grade of C or better.

Competitive Admission — Please contact the Admissions Office regarding current admission criteria and/or geographic limitations.




Distribution Requirements Credit Hours
FIRST SEMESTER*: 16 Credit Hours

BIO 134 Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology I #
3
DEN 110 Dental Health Education
1
DEN 111 Dental Radiography I
2
DEN 112 Oral Anatomy and Physiology I
2
DEN 113 Barrier Precautions and Infection Control Measures
1
DEN 114 Dental Hygiene I
2
DEN 115 Clinical Dental Hygiene I
2
ENG 101 College Composition OR
ENG 200 Advanced Composition
3
Total
16
SECOND SEMESTER*: 18 Credit Hours

BIO 135 Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology II #
3
BIO 202 Microbiology
4
DEN 121 Dental Radiography II**
2
DEN 122 Oral Anatomy and Physiology II
2
DEN 123 Oral Pathology I
1
DEN 124 Dental Hygiene II
1
DEN 125 Clinical Dental Hygiene II**
4
DEN 129 Periodontics I
1
Total
18
THIRD SEMESTER*: 19 Credit Hours

BIO 217 Nutrition
3
DEN 211 Dental Materials
2
DEN 212 Community Dentistry I 1
DEN 213 Oral Pathology II
1
DEN 214 Dental Hygiene III
2
DEN 215 Clinical Dental Hygiene III**
4
DEN 216 Dental Therapeutics I
1
DEN 217 Dental Specialties
1
DEN 219 Periodontics II
1
SPC 141 Interpersonal Communication OR
SPC 144 Communication and Crisis
3
Total
19
FOURTH SEMESTER*: 15 Credit Hours

DEN 222 Community Dentistry II
1
DEN 224 Dental Hygiene IV
1
DEN 225 Clinical Dental Hygiene IV**
4
DEN 226 Dental Therapeutics II
1
DEN 228 Dental Office Management/Business Practice
1
DEN 229 Periodontics III
1
PSY 101 Introductory Psychology
3
SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology
3
Total
15
TOTAL CREDITS
68

* Completion of all previous semester dental hygiene courses with a grade of C or better, and passing grades in biology are required for advancement to the next semester. Students may complete BIO courses prior to the sequence listed in the catalog. Students must complete BIO and DEN courses following the semester sequence.
** Enrollment in DEN 121, DEN 125, DEN 215 and DEN 225 is conditional upon satisfactory completion of the medical requirements and clearance from any existing health problem(s). Students are required to recruit patients to meet course requirements.
# BIO 144 and BIO 145 may be taken in place of BIO 134 and BIO 135.
updated 3-23-2020