Dental Hygiene
Strengthen teeth and gums. Inspire smiles.
Gain in-demand, career-ready skills when you study dental hygiene at CLC. These skills allow you to adapt to the ever-changing oral care needs of society.
As a licensed professional, you can make a significant impact on the lives of dental patients by providing education and helping to prevent oral diseases such as gingivitis and dental cavities. Strengthening teeth and gums inspires healthy smiles and healthy smiles are confident smiles!
Why study Dental Hygiene with us?
The Dental Hygiene program at CLC is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
Hands-on learning begins in the first month of the program. All of the classroom lectures lead to clinical/hands-on application. You will gain job-ready skills working with state-of-the-art equipment at the Dental Hygiene Clinic.
All our clinical instructors also work in a private practice setting and bring real-world knowledge to the patient treatment experience. You'll also learn how to be a good member of the dental team while learning core components of operating a clinic.
Your instructors know you by name—not number. They dedicate their careers to helping you learn and you receive the personal attention and feedback possible only in small class sizes.
100% (2023) pass rate: National Board Dental Hygiene Examination
CLC students have a consistent 100% pass rate on the national licensure exam for dental hygienists. Local dental offices continue to recruit our program graduates.
CLC Dental Hygiene Clinic: Real-world experience
In the CLC Dental Hygiene Clinic, you gain hands-on experience. Provide students and community members with dental cleanings and X-rays under the supervision of Registered Dental Hygienists and Dentists. Attend an Information Session to learn more about scheduling a tour of the clinic at the Lakeshore campus.
Highlights
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CODA-Accredited
Recognized by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). -
Program Length: 3 Years
Full-time students can complete in 3 years. -
WIOA Program
Eligible for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)-awarded vouchers. -
Financial Aid/Scholarships Available
Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college. -
Career Degree
Earn an associate degree in 2 years and gain in-demand technical and job-ready skills.
Career Degrees
For students who want to start or shift to a new career or advance in their current career.
You can earn an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree at CLC in 2 years*. Gain job-ready skills from experienced instructors and earn work-based experience from apprenticeships and internships. Some of the courses you’ll take earn college credit, which can transfer to a 4-year college or university toward a bachelor’s degree.
*Assumes full-time enrollment.
Dental Hygiene career degree specifics
For students who want to start or shift to a new career: you can earn an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree at CLC in 7 semesters. Gain job-ready skills from experienced instructors and prepare for board exams leading to licensure as a Registered Dental Hygienist in Illinois. This degree can transfer to 4-year colleges or universities for those seeking an advanced degree.
Need help?
Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) is your "go-to person" ready to help you get started at CLC.
Your CCN guides you through the admission process, helps you choose your academic program, enroll in classes and connect you with resources.
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Career Degree
Dental Hygiene
Associate in Applied Science- Cost
- $20,782*
*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.
Courses in the program
We offer a wide range of courses in Clinical Dental Hygiene, Head & Neck Anatomy, Dental Radiology, Nutrition & Biochemistry—and so much more!
Meet our instructors
Experience the benefit of small class sizes and personalized instruction from your CLC instructors.
Take the next step...
Be debt-free at CLC
CLC has some of the lowest tuition around. Financial aid and scholarships are available—even for working adults.
Explore careers
Discover majors and career paths to complement and extend your intuitive interests and abilities.
Request info
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