Program of Study: Dental Hygiene

Academic Division: Biological & Health Sciences

First step

Attend a dental hygiene info session.
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Associate in Applied Science Degree in Dental Hygiene (Plan 21DH)

Dental hygienists are licensed professionals who are a vital part of a dental health team. Dental hygienists provide oral health assessment, disease prevention, and health promotion. They serve individuals and families within the community. The purpose of the dental hygiene program at the College of Lake County is to prepare students to develop the competencies that are needed to present extensive, preventive oral health care services to the community.

To complete an A.A.S., students must meet the general requirements and electives from the requirements. All course prerequisites must be met.

Program Accreditation

The Dental Hygiene program has been granted accreditation status by the American Dental Association. For more information call Sue Nierstheimer at (847) 543-2638 or Kim Aichele at (847) 543-2197.

Screening Deadline

The screening deadline is the first Wednesday in February.

Entrance Exam.

Update regarding required entrance test. The HOBET entrance test will NOT be used for health program applications after February 2010. The Dental Hygiene program will use the NLN Pre-Admission RN Exam for applicants to the Dental Hygiene program effective with the February 2011 deadline. Therefore:

1. If you intend to apply for the spring 2010 screening, take the HOBET test before the Dental Hygiene program's February 2010 screening deadline.

2. If you do NOT intend to apply for the spring 2010 screening, do NOT take the HOBET test as it will not be accepted in the 2011 screening process. Effective 2011, you must take the NLN Pre-Admission RN Exam to apply for the Dental Hygiene program.

Courses:

Students who have completed the following courses (or an equivalent) must have obtained a grade of "C" or better.

The following course is a prerequisite:

BIO 244 Anatomy and Physiology I

These courses are program requirements and may be taken prior to acceptance into the program:

BIO 245 Anatomy and Physiology II
must be completed before the first fall semester of the program
BIO 125 Introduction to Microbiology
Must be completed before the first spring semester of the program. If this course is taken during the first fall semester of the program, it must be taken as an evening class.
ENG 121 English Composition
Must be completed before the first fall semester in the program.

Note: A student must maintain at least a grade of "C" in each Dental Hygiene course to continue in and graduate from the program. All course prerequisites must be met.

Starting with the class entering the program in 2010, all applicants who are accepted into the program will be required to successfully complete a criminal background check and a drug and alcohol urine analysis test.

Dental Hygienist Job Board

Visit the Job Board on the CDS web site at www.cds.org. Dental hygiene students are encouraged to use this new tool that can provide a beneficial link to potential position opportunities with CDS member dentists.