Dental Hygiene A.A.S. - Career Degree - College of Lake County

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.

Attend information session

We want to get you started in this program! First, make sure you have met the admission requirements:
1. Apply to CLC.
2. Meet the prerequisites:
Screening Deadline: First Wednesday in February
Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) will guide you through the admission process.
Learn more about this limited-enrollment program.

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

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 Outlook

Administer oral hygiene care to patients. Assess patient oral hygiene problems or needs and maintain health records. Advise patients on oral health maintenance and disease prevention. May provide advanced care such as providing fluoride treatment or administering topical anesthesia.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $59,785
  
  Median
  
  $86,971
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $102,273
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $28.73
  
  Median
  
  $41.81
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $49.16
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Associate Degree
  
  75.18%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  12.08%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  12.74%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

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complete the admission process
choose an academic program
enroll in first-semester classes
get access to helpful resources

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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.

View program in catalog

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Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
CLC 120	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.	2
BIO 111	BIO 111 Human Form and Function Class Description This course is intended to provide students with a preliminary introduction to human anatomy and physiology. It is designed to prepare students requiring only a technical level of familiarity with human anatomy, providing the background required for fields such as Surgical Technology and Emergency Medical Technology -- Paramedic.	4
BIO 123	BIO 123 Principles of Biology Class Description This course introduces basic biological principles of life processes held in common by all organisms. Topics covered include the chemical and physical basis of life, cell structure and function, concepts of heredity, population genetics, and evolution. Note: Though this course will provide a general understanding of the basics of cellular biology qualifying it as general education course it will also provide a foundation for those students potentially entering an allied health program (dental hygiene, nursing, medical images, etc.).	4
CHM 120	CHM 120 Chemical Concepts Class Description A survey course that includes the fundamentals of chemical composition, chemical calculations, solutions, states of matter, the periodic table, acids, bases and pH, radioactivity and nuclear processes, and a brief overview of organic and biochemistry. NOTE: Recommended for non-science majors.	4

Course Highlights
Course Code	CLC 120
Course Title	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	BIO 111
Course Title	BIO 111 Human Form and Function Class Description This course is intended to provide students with a preliminary introduction to human anatomy and physiology. It is designed to prepare students requiring only a technical level of familiarity with human anatomy, providing the background required for fields such as Surgical Technology and Emergency Medical Technology -- Paramedic.
Credits	4

Course Highlights
Course Code	BIO 123
Course Title	BIO 123 Principles of Biology Class Description This course introduces basic biological principles of life processes held in common by all organisms. Topics covered include the chemical and physical basis of life, cell structure and function, concepts of heredity, population genetics, and evolution. Note: Though this course will provide a general understanding of the basics of cellular biology qualifying it as general education course it will also provide a foundation for those students potentially entering an allied health program (dental hygiene, nursing, medical images, etc.).
Credits	4

Course Highlights
Course Code	CHM 120
Course Title	CHM 120 Chemical Concepts Class Description A survey course that includes the fundamentals of chemical composition, chemical calculations, solutions, states of matter, the periodic table, acids, bases and pH, radioactivity and nuclear processes, and a brief overview of organic and biochemistry. NOTE: Recommended for non-science majors.
Credits	4

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
ENG 121	ENG 121 English Composition I Class Description This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.	3
BIO 246	BIO 246 Microbiology Class Description This course examines microorganisms with an emphasis on the bacterial groups. Morphology, principal activities and properties of bacteria, yeasts, molds, viruses, selected algae, and protozoan will be discussed. The role of microorganisms in natural systems, infection, immunity, foods, and industry will be covered. Laboratory techniques in handling, culturing, and identifying microorganisms will be emphasized.	4

Course Highlights
Course Code	ENG 121
Course Title	ENG 121 English Composition I Class Description This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	BIO 246
Course Title	BIO 246 Microbiology Class Description This course examines microorganisms with an emphasis on the bacterial groups. Morphology, principal activities and properties of bacteria, yeasts, molds, viruses, selected algae, and protozoan will be discussed. The role of microorganisms in natural systems, infection, immunity, foods, and industry will be covered. Laboratory techniques in handling, culturing, and identifying microorganisms will be emphasized.
Credits	4

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
DHY 111	DHY 111 Preclinic Theory and Practice of Dental Hygiene Class Description This course provides students with an introduction to the knowledge and skills to control and prevent dental disease. Principles of disease transmission, infection control, patient assessment, treatment planning and fundamental instrumentation will be presented.	2
DHY 113	DHY 113 Pre-Clinical Dental Hygiene Class Description This course provides clinical practice in fundamental dental hygiene and instrumentation skills on manikin (typodont) models and student partners.	2
DHY 115	DHY 115 Head and Neck Anatomy Class Description This course includes detailed study of the anatomy of the head and neck with special emphasis on the human skeletal, muscular, glandular, circulatory, nervous and epithelial structures of the head and neck.	2
DHY 117	DHY 117 Dental Anatomy Class Description This course introduces the students to terminology relating to anatomic structures of the oral cavity. Special emphasis is placed on the teeth and root morphology of both primary and permanent teeth and occlusal classification.	2
DHY 131	DHY 131 Oral Histology and Embryology Class Description This course provides students with an introduction to the microscopic characteristics of the tissues of the oral cavity. Human histology and orofacial embryology will be introduced.	2
DHY 171	DHY 171 Preventive Dental Hygiene Class Description This course provides students with a foundation of knowledge in the activities of preventive dental hygiene. Topics include dental plaque biofilm and calculus control, etiology and progression of dental disease, tooth brushing and flossing techniques, dental hygiene aids, and care of appliances.	1
SOC 121	SOC 121 Introduction to Sociology Class Description This course introduces the basic concepts and perspectives for understanding sociology. The course examines how society influences and shapes human behavior. Topics of analysis include, but are not limited to, the development of sociology, theoretical perspectives and research methodologies, culture, social institutions, social change, and social inequality on the basis of class, gender, race and ethnicity, and sexuality.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	DHY 111
Course Title	DHY 111 Preclinic Theory and Practice of Dental Hygiene Class Description This course provides students with an introduction to the knowledge and skills to control and prevent dental disease. Principles of disease transmission, infection control, patient assessment, treatment planning and fundamental instrumentation will be presented.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	DHY 113
Course Title	DHY 113 Pre-Clinical Dental Hygiene Class Description This course provides clinical practice in fundamental dental hygiene and instrumentation skills on manikin (typodont) models and student partners.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	DHY 115
Course Title	DHY 115 Head and Neck Anatomy Class Description This course includes detailed study of the anatomy of the head and neck with special emphasis on the human skeletal, muscular, glandular, circulatory, nervous and epithelial structures of the head and neck.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	DHY 117
Course Title	DHY 117 Dental Anatomy Class Description This course introduces the students to terminology relating to anatomic structures of the oral cavity. Special emphasis is placed on the teeth and root morphology of both primary and permanent teeth and occlusal classification.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	DHY 131
Course Title	DHY 131 Oral Histology and Embryology Class Description This course provides students with an introduction to the microscopic characteristics of the tissues of the oral cavity. Human histology and orofacial embryology will be introduced.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	DHY 171
Course Title	DHY 171 Preventive Dental Hygiene Class Description This course provides students with a foundation of knowledge in the activities of preventive dental hygiene. Topics include dental plaque biofilm and calculus control, etiology and progression of dental disease, tooth brushing and flossing techniques, dental hygiene aids, and care of appliances.
Credits	1

Course Highlights
Course Code	SOC 121
Course Title	SOC 121 Introduction to Sociology Class Description This course introduces the basic concepts and perspectives for understanding sociology. The course examines how society influences and shapes human behavior. Topics of analysis include, but are not limited to, the development of sociology, theoretical perspectives and research methodologies, culture, social institutions, social change, and social inequality on the basis of class, gender, race and ethnicity, and sexuality.
Credits	3

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
DHY 112	DHY 112 Theory and Practice of Dental Hygiene I Class Description This course is a continuation of DHY 111. The principles and procedures will be systematically presented through lectures, reading assignments and case-based activities. Emphasis will be placed on infectious diseases, patient assessment and treatment planning through case studies, instrument sharpening, ultrasonic scaling, fluoride supplements, advanced instrumentation and medical emergencies.	2
DHY 114	DHY 114 Clinical Dental Hygiene I Class Description This course is a transition from the pre-clinic setting to beginning dental hygiene patient care. It is an orientation to clinic policies, procedures, and protocols as well as an opportunity to apply pre-clinical skills to patient care.	2
DHY 116	DHY 116 Dental Radiology Class Description Provides fundamental knowledge relating to theory, safety, exposure, and interpretation of dental radiographic images. The laboratory portion of the course includes intraoral digital radiography, digital panoramic radiography, and interpretation of dental images.	3
DHY 119	DHY 119 Nutrition and Biochemistry Class Description The course provides the students with a foundation of the fundamental principles of oral biochemistry, and biochemistry. Emphasis will be placed on nutrition and the effects of nutrition on the oral cavity and supporting structures of the teeth, and assessment of patient's nutritional needs.	2
DHY 174	DHY 174 Periodontics Class Description This course will provide fundamental knowledge for nonsurgical periodontal and maintenance therapies related to periodontal diseases and conditions. Fundamental concepts relating to risk factors, immunity, and etiology of periodontal diseases will be included. General surgical concepts, treatment planning, and best practices for clinical assessment will be emphasized.	2
DHY 175	DHY 175 Dental Pharmacology and Anesthetic Class Description This course is an introduction to the study of drugs, including their pharmacologic effects, adverse reactions, indications, and contraindications as they relate to the patient's medical history and dental hygiene treatment.	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	DHY 112
Course Title	DHY 112 Theory and Practice of Dental Hygiene I Class Description This course is a continuation of DHY 111. The principles and procedures will be systematically presented through lectures, reading assignments and case-based activities. Emphasis will be placed on infectious diseases, patient assessment and treatment planning through case studies, instrument sharpening, ultrasonic scaling, fluoride supplements, advanced instrumentation and medical emergencies.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	DHY 114
Course Title	DHY 114 Clinical Dental Hygiene I Class Description This course is a transition from the pre-clinic setting to beginning dental hygiene patient care. It is an orientation to clinic policies, procedures, and protocols as well as an opportunity to apply pre-clinical skills to patient care.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	DHY 116
Course Title	DHY 116 Dental Radiology Class Description Provides fundamental knowledge relating to theory, safety, exposure, and interpretation of dental radiographic images. The laboratory portion of the course includes intraoral digital radiography, digital panoramic radiography, and interpretation of dental images.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	DHY 119
Course Title	DHY 119 Nutrition and Biochemistry Class Description The course provides the students with a foundation of the fundamental principles of oral biochemistry, and biochemistry. Emphasis will be placed on nutrition and the effects of nutrition on the oral cavity and supporting structures of the teeth, and assessment of patient's nutritional needs.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	DHY 174
Course Title	DHY 174 Periodontics Class Description This course will provide fundamental knowledge for nonsurgical periodontal and maintenance therapies related to periodontal diseases and conditions. Fundamental concepts relating to risk factors, immunity, and etiology of periodontal diseases will be included. General surgical concepts, treatment planning, and best practices for clinical assessment will be emphasized.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	DHY 175
Course Title	DHY 175 Dental Pharmacology and Anesthetic Class Description This course is an introduction to the study of drugs, including their pharmacologic effects, adverse reactions, indications, and contraindications as they relate to the patient's medical history and dental hygiene treatment.
Credits	2

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
DHY 132	DHY 132 Theory and Practice of Dental Hygiene II Class Description This course is a continuation of DHY 112. The fundamental theories necessary to perform oral prophylaxis treatment will be the focus. The principles and procedures will be systematically presented through lectures, reading assignments and case-based activities.	1
DHY 134	DHY 134 Pain Management Class Description The course focuses on the safe and effective practice of local anesthesia in dentistry. Emphasis is on avoiding the complications that may result from hazards or errors in technique.	2
DHY 176	DHY 176 Dental Material and Expanded Function Class Description This course provides fundamental information about the use and manipulation of materials used in dentistry. Emphasis is placed on materials and functions utilized by the dental hygienist.	2
DHY 179	DHY 179 Clinical Dental Hygiene II Class Description This course is a continuation of Clinical Dental Hygiene I. Analysis of assessment findings is emphasized in order to plan and implement individualized comprehensive dental hygiene patient care.	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	DHY 132
Course Title	DHY 132 Theory and Practice of Dental Hygiene II Class Description This course is a continuation of DHY 112. The fundamental theories necessary to perform oral prophylaxis treatment will be the focus. The principles and procedures will be systematically presented through lectures, reading assignments and case-based activities.
Credits	1

Course Highlights
Course Code	DHY 134
Course Title	DHY 134 Pain Management Class Description The course focuses on the safe and effective practice of local anesthesia in dentistry. Emphasis is on avoiding the complications that may result from hazards or errors in technique.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	DHY 176
Course Title	DHY 176 Dental Material and Expanded Function Class Description This course provides fundamental information about the use and manipulation of materials used in dentistry. Emphasis is placed on materials and functions utilized by the dental hygienist.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	DHY 179
Course Title	DHY 179 Clinical Dental Hygiene II Class Description This course is a continuation of Clinical Dental Hygiene I. Analysis of assessment findings is emphasized in order to plan and implement individualized comprehensive dental hygiene patient care.
Credits	2

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
DHY 211	DHY 211 Theory and Practice of Dental Hygiene III Class Description This course is a continuation of DHY 179. Emphasis is placed on medically compromised and special needs patients.	2
DHY 213	DHY 213 Clinical Dental Hygiene III Class Description This course is a continuation of Clinical Dental Hygiene II. Problem solving, critical thinking, and self-evaluation are emphasized as well as timely dental hygiene patient care.	4
DHY 271	DHY 271 Community Dentistry I Class Description This course provides fundamental knowledge of concepts relating to oral public health. Course content is designed to highlight the role of the Dental Hygienist in public health.	2
DHY 232	DHY 232 General and Oral Pathology Class Description This course focuses on the fundamentals of the general and oral pathological processes. Emphasis is placed on the diseases and disease processes of the periodontal tissues and oral structures. Clinical manifestations of disease will be correlated with dental hygiene practice.	2
PSY 121	PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology Class Description This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	DHY 211
Course Title	DHY 211 Theory and Practice of Dental Hygiene III Class Description This course is a continuation of DHY 179. Emphasis is placed on medically compromised and special needs patients.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	DHY 213
Course Title	DHY 213 Clinical Dental Hygiene III Class Description This course is a continuation of Clinical Dental Hygiene II. Problem solving, critical thinking, and self-evaluation are emphasized as well as timely dental hygiene patient care.
Credits	4

Course Highlights
Course Code	DHY 271
Course Title	DHY 271 Community Dentistry I Class Description This course provides fundamental knowledge of concepts relating to oral public health. Course content is designed to highlight the role of the Dental Hygienist in public health.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	DHY 232
Course Title	DHY 232 General and Oral Pathology Class Description This course focuses on the fundamentals of the general and oral pathological processes. Emphasis is placed on the diseases and disease processes of the periodontal tissues and oral structures. Clinical manifestations of disease will be correlated with dental hygiene practice.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	PSY 121
Course Title	PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology Class Description This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.
Credits	3

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
DHY 212	DHY 212 Theory and Practice of Dental Hygiene IV Class Description This course is a continuation of DHY 211. Emphasis is placed on professional relationships and the various roles dental hygienists encounter in the various dental specialties and personal preparation for dental hygiene practice. Includes practice management.	2
DHY 214	DHY 214 Clinical Dental Hygiene IV Class Description This course is a continuation of Clinical Dental Hygiene III with advanced clinical treatment techniques and emphasis on the dental hygiene diagnosis and non-surgical periodontal therapy.	4
DHY 216	DHY 216 Ethics and Jurisprudence Class Description This course focuses on the ethical and legal obligations of the dental professionals to the community and public they serve.	1
DHY 272	DHY 272 Community Dentistry II Class Description This course focuses on assessment, dental hygiene diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation of community outreach programs and the delivery of dental care to society. Inter collaboration among healthcare providers will be included.	0.5
HUM 127	HUM 127 Critical Thinking Class Description Students will learn sound reasoning skills (i.e. informal logic) to improve the quality of their education, work, and life. These skills include recognizing, evaluating, and analyzing arguments; obtaining and interpreting data; arguing one’s positions with clarity and precision; problem-solving; and decision-making. Students will learn these skills through examples taken from different academic and professional areas, including the arts, politics, religion, science, business, and law.	3
CMM 128	CMM 128 Interviewing Practices Class Description Techniques and skills to improve fluency, accuracy, and persuasiveness in one-to-one communication. Covers all types of interviewing and process of dyadic communication.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	DHY 212
Course Title	DHY 212 Theory and Practice of Dental Hygiene IV Class Description This course is a continuation of DHY 211. Emphasis is placed on professional relationships and the various roles dental hygienists encounter in the various dental specialties and personal preparation for dental hygiene practice. Includes practice management.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	DHY 214
Course Title	DHY 214 Clinical Dental Hygiene IV Class Description This course is a continuation of Clinical Dental Hygiene III with advanced clinical treatment techniques and emphasis on the dental hygiene diagnosis and non-surgical periodontal therapy.
Credits	4

Course Highlights
Course Code	DHY 216
Course Title	DHY 216 Ethics and Jurisprudence Class Description This course focuses on the ethical and legal obligations of the dental professionals to the community and public they serve.
Credits	1

Course Highlights
Course Code	DHY 272
Course Title	DHY 272 Community Dentistry II Class Description This course focuses on assessment, dental hygiene diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation of community outreach programs and the delivery of dental care to society. Inter collaboration among healthcare providers will be included.
Credits	0.5

Course Highlights
Course Code	HUM 127
Course Title	HUM 127 Critical Thinking Class Description Students will learn sound reasoning skills (i.e. informal logic) to improve the quality of their education, work, and life. These skills include recognizing, evaluating, and analyzing arguments; obtaining and interpreting data; arguing one’s positions with clarity and precision; problem-solving; and decision-making. Students will learn these skills through examples taken from different academic and professional areas, including the arts, politics, religion, science, business, and law.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	CMM 128
Course Title	CMM 128 Interviewing Practices Class Description Techniques and skills to improve fluency, accuracy, and persuasiveness in one-to-one communication. Covers all types of interviewing and process of dyadic communication.
Credits	3

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.

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

Frequently asked questions

You learn to be a highly capable dental hygienist. You develop a strong ethic, a professional demeanor and skills you need to comfort and reassure nervous patients. You also learn how to provide high-quality preventive dental care and oral health education. You will learn the necessary skills to become an ethical healthcare provider. You will do more than just, “clean teeth”! Dental Hygienists are clinicians, researchers, educators and lifelong learners who have the potential to make significant impact on the lives of their patients.

Specific skills include how to:
- take and read dental X-rays
- provide dental cleanings and periodontal scaling
- administer local anesthetic and fluoride
- fabricate whitening trays
Your instructors are dental professionals who also work in the private practice setting. Their real-world experience helps you understand complex topics and build self-confidence about your work. Faculty members serve as role models who teach you clinical concepts as well as the importance of professionalism and ethical patient care.
Some general education and prerequisite courses are offered online. The majority of the dental hygiene courses are in-person. Dental Hygiene program classes are Monday through Friday during daytime hours. All dental hygiene courses are taught at the Lakeshore campus.
This program prepares you to take the Illinois professional licensure exam. When you pass the exam, you can work as a dental hygienist in the state of Illinois.
You may be able to work elsewhere with this degree.
View professional licensure disclosures
The estimated cost of this program appears at the top of this web page, under the program title.
The cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours. It includes in-district tuition and fees, such as for books and materials. It does not factor in financial aid (grants, loans, scholarships) that you may receive.
View current tuition and fees
Some courses in this program are subject to variable tuition and course fees because they provide specialized experiences, instruction or technology/equipment.
View courses with variable tuition and fees
Many opportunities exist at CLC to get financial assistance. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

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Dental Hygiene

Create happy & healthy smiles

Become an expert on oral care

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

100% (2023) pass rate: National Board Dental Hygiene Examination

CLC Dental Hygiene Clinic: Real-world experience

Admissions: More Needed

Highlights

CODA-Accredited

Program Length: 3 Years

WIOA Program

Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Career Degree

Career Outlook

Dental Hygienists

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Need help?

Recommended Pathway

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Semester 1 14 Credits

Semester 2 7 Credits

Semester 3 14 Credits

Semester 4 13 Credits

Semester 5 7 Credits

Semester 6 13 Credits

Semester 7 13.5 Credits