Dental Hygiene

Program Description

The dental hygiene program prepares students for employment in a variety of clinical settings. Clinical skills in scaling and polishing teeth, exposing and processing X-rays, applying topical anesthetics and fluorides, performing oral examinations, and nutritional counseling are taught. In addition to theory and laboratory classes, the college provides an on-campus clinic where dental hygiene services are offered to the public under the supervision of licensed dentists and dental hygienists. Graduates are eligible to take national and regional examinations which are required to become a Registered Dental Hygienist (R.D.H.).

The dental hygiene program is accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation, 211 East Chicago Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60611-2678. It is the only two-year dental hygiene program in Nebraska.

Student Learning Outcomes

Dental Hygiene graduates are prepared to:

• Apply the ethical issues of dental hygiene practice.
• Acquire and synthesize information in a critical, scientific, and effective manner.
• Participate in health promotion and disease prevention activities for diverse population.
• Systematically collect, analyze and accurately record base-line data on the general and oral health status of patients and provide evidence based treatment.

 Notes:

• During all clinical experiences, CPR certification, including healthcare provider cardiopulmonary resuscitation with AED must be current.
• The Hepatitis B immunization series is required for admittance into the program.
• Applicants should be aware of additional costs for uniforms, instruments and supplies, travel to various clinical sites, board examinations, student-in-practicum insurance, background check and drug test.
• Students are required to complete a background check and drug testing (at student’s expense). Admission to the program is contingent on the results of the check.
• Required to earn a C or above for all courses needed for graduation including general education courses.

Admissions Information

Admission to the dental hygiene program is selective. The following college courses or their equivalents are prerequisite requirements for entrance into the dental hygiene program. Courses taken at other colleges must meet CCC’s transfer requirements.

• BIOS 2250 - Human Anatomy & Physiology I  4 credit(s)
  AND
• BIOS 2260 - Human Anatomy & Physiology II  4 credit(s)
• BIOS 2460 Microbiology  4 credit(s)
• ENGL 1010 - English Composition I  3 credit(s)
• PSYC 1810 - Introduction to Psychology  3 credit(s)
• SOCI 1010 - Introduction to Sociology  3 credit(s)

Additionally, applicants are required to have a high school diploma or equivalent with at least a “C” plus average; present acceptable scores on the ACT, ACCUPLACER or NWEA MAP scores; provide proof of 40 hours of observation in a dental office; and have completed high school or college algebra, chemistry, and biology. For more detailed information on the admission procedure and process, please contact the program director.

Programs

Associate of Applied Science

• •  Dental Hygiene AAS Degree