Dental Hygiene

Associate in Applied Science
Career Degree
Cost
$20,782*

Create happy & healthy smiles

Become an expert on oral care

As a Dental Hygienist you are a vital member of the dental team as you provide preventive oral care. Never has there been such a high demand for Registered Dental Hygienists (RDH) and the College of Lake County is here to help you prepare for a rewarding career!

What can you do with an A.A.S. in Dental Hygiene?

The Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree prepares you for licensure as an R.D.H. A licensed Hygienist works in private practice dental offices or dental clinics. Licensed professionals may also work for industry-related companies or in public health. An A.A.S. is a transferable degree for those wishing to pursue further education to become a dentist.

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

  • CODA-Accredited

    Recognized by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
  • Program Length: 3 Years

    Full-time students can complete in 3 years.
  • WIOA Program

  • 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 Outlook

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.

Talk to a CCN

Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more inclusive list of course options, see the college catalog.

Icon Key

  • Credit for prior learning available
  • Dual credit options available
  • Global citizenship
  • Online/Virtual options available
  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CLC 120 2
    BIO 111 4
    BIO 123 4
    CHM 120 4
    • Course Code CLC 120
      Course Title
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code BIO 111
      Course Title
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code BIO 123
      Course Title
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code CHM 120
      Course Title
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    ENG 121 3
    BIO 246 4
    • Course Code ENG 121
      Course Title
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code BIO 246
      Course Title
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    DHY 111 2
    DHY 113 2
    DHY 115 2
    DHY 117 2
    DHY 131 2
    DHY 171 1
    SOC 121 3
    • Course Code DHY 111
      Course Title
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code DHY 113
      Course Title
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code DHY 115
      Course Title
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code DHY 117
      Course Title
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code DHY 131
      Course Title
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code DHY 171
      Course Title
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code SOC 121
      Course Title
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    DHY 112 2
    DHY 114 2
    DHY 116 3
    DHY 119 2
    DHY 174 2
    DHY 175 2
    • Course Code DHY 112
      Course Title
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code DHY 114
      Course Title
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code DHY 116
      Course Title
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code DHY 119
      Course Title
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code DHY 174
      Course Title
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code DHY 175
      Course Title
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    DHY 132 1
    DHY 134 2
    DHY 176 2
    DHY 179 2
    • Course Code DHY 132
      Course Title
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code DHY 134
      Course Title
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code DHY 176
      Course Title
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code DHY 179
      Course Title
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    DHY 211 2
    DHY 213 4
    DHY 271 2
    DHY 232 2
    PSY 121 3
    • Course Code DHY 211
      Course Title
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code DHY 213
      Course Title
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code DHY 271
      Course Title
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code DHY 232
      Course Title
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code PSY 121
      Course Title
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    DHY 212 2
    DHY 214 4
    DHY 216 1
    DHY 272 0.5
    HUM 127 3
    CMM 128 3
    • Course Code DHY 212
      Course Title
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code DHY 214
      Course Title
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code DHY 216
      Course Title
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code DHY 272
      Course Title
      Credits 0.5
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HUM 127
      Course Title
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code CMM 128
      Course Title
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

Total Credit Hours

81.5

*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.




Female student taking notes in class

Dental Hygiene at CLC

Get the bigger picture

This degree is just one possible way to study Dental Hygiene. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.

View the Dental Hygiene program overview

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