Dental Hygiene (A.A.S.)
- Provide comprehensive dental hygiene services which meet community needs and support professional standards.
- Demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills in order to continually assess and improve one's knowledge, practice, and ethical judgement.
- Develop a community awareness toward providing service and education to diverse populations.
- Express a commitment to lifelong learning and continued professional development.
- Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, utilizing the most current research tools.
- Demonstrate the ability to integrate general education foundations, biomedical, dental and dental hygiene sciences to all aspects of professional practice.
- Acknowledge ethical, legal, personal and professional responsibilities and apply these principles to dental hygiene practice.
- Incorporate technological skills in order to enhance one's own learning and the delivery of dental hygiene services.
- Meet the minimum eligibility requirements for state, national and regional dental hygiene board examinations and licensing agencies.
- All applicants must submit a final high school transcript or G.E.D. scores including one year of Chemistry with a laboratory component having earned a grade of "C" or better. Equivalent course taken at a post-secondary institution would be an acceptable substitute. Chemistry with laboratory course must be successfully completed within 10 years prior to enrolling in Dental Hygiene courses.
- In addition, one of the following credentials must be submitted.
- ACT score composite of 18 or above, or
- SAT score of a minimum of 800 total, or
- SAT I or SAT Reasoning combined with math and verbal/critical reading score of 920 total, or
- College transcript including 14 semester hours consisting of two 4 credit lab science courses and two 3 credit courses which may be from the general education component of the Dental Hygiene curriculum. Grades for the 4 courses must each be a "C" or better and result in a GPA of at least 2.5. The 14 credits will be used for evaluation purposes and are only transferable if successfully completed within the past 10 years. All science courses must be successfully completed within 10 years prior to enrolling in Dental Hygiene courses.
- All applicants must take College placement tests in English, Mathematics, and Reading and must place above the developmental level prior to enrolling in Dental Hygiene courses.
- One class is admitted each academic year, Fall semester. Preference will be given to Montgomery, Chester, and Bucks County residents with priority given to Montgomery County residents. Additional criteria for acceptance are completion of non-Dental Hygiene courses, date of program application and date of completion of minimum Program requirements. Due to class size limitations, the College does not guarantee continuous enrollment between non-Dental Hygiene and Dental Hygiene courses.
- Students must have the intellectual, conceptual and critical thinking abilities to assess, analyze, reason and synthesize data in order to draw sound conclusions and make clinical decisions. Students must be able to problem solve as well as obtain, interpret and document information.
- Students must have effective oral and written communication skills in order to accurately transmit information appropriate to the ability of patients, colleagues, and other healthcare workers. Students must be able to read and write clearly in English.
- Students must have gross and fine motor skills sufficient to lift and operate equipment and provide safe and effective dental hygiene care.
- Students must have interpersonal skills such that they are capable of interacting with individuals, families and groups from a variety of social, economic and ethnic backgrounds.
- Students must have the physical mobility necessary to move from place to place in small spaces as well as full range of motion, manual and finger dexterity.
- Students must have physical endurance that enables them to stay on task for a prolonged period while sitting, standing or moving.
- Students must have the visual and perceptual abilities sufficient for observation of patients, oral conditions and assessment. Students must have the ability to discriminate between subtle changes in oral conditions clinically and radiographically. Students must possess a high degree of hand-eye coordination.
- Students’ auditory ability and other sensory skills must be sufficient to monitor and assess the health needs and diagnose the oral conditions of patients as well as maintain patient safety.
- Students’ tactile sensitivity must be sufficient for the use of detection, light pressure and control when using small instruments in the oral cavity.
- Students must demonstrate professional attitudes and behaviors. Students must be able to use reasonable judgment under stressful conditions that impact patient care. Students must be able to work independently as a member of a team to maintain the highest standards in relation to quality care. Students must be able to present a professional appearance, maintain personal health and be emotionally stable.
- Students must be able to demonstrate general skills, including time management, patient management, ability to multitask, prioritize, comprehend as well as follow instructions and comply with a variety of clinical and professional rules and regulations related to safe clinical practice.
- Demonstrate proof of computer literacy prior to enrolling in Dental Hygiene courses. Successful completion of one of the following will fulfill this requirement: demonstrate computer proficiency obtained through life experiences, demonstrate computer skills obtained at another academic institution including high school or acquired through on the job training, or complete a computer science course such as CIS 100.
- Purchase all required textbooks, manuals, instruments, uniforms, lab coats, and liability insurance. A copy of each student's liability insurance policy must be kept on file by the program.
- Assume all responsibility for transportation to and from extramural dental site assignments.
- Obtain and maintain current CPR certification in American Red Cross Adult CPR/AED and Infant and Child CPR or American Heart Association Heartsaver AED with Pediatric CPR. A copy of each student's CPR certification must be kept on file by the program.
- Have a physical examination, which includes urine drug screening and required immunizations, within six months of entering the Program, verify immunity to Hepatitis B and rubella as well as provide record of a current tetanus shot. This information must be verified by a physician and documented on the AHP physical examination form. Once a student in the Program, a physical examination is required on an annual basis.
Purpose
The Dental Hygiene program is designed to prepare graduates to become licensed dental hygienists capable of employment in private dental offices and alternative career settings. Students receive extensive clinical experience in the campus' dental hygiene facility and observe at community-based dental sites. The dental hygiene program is accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Accreditation. The Associates in Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.) offered through the Dental Hygiene Program by Montgomery County Community College satisfies the educational requirement for eligibility for state licensure. Graduates are provided with diverse experiences to prepare for various employment settings and to pursue baccalaureate education. Articulation agreements have been established with baccalaureate degree completion programs to maximize transfer of credits and simplify the admissions process.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Dental Hygiene Program is to develop ethical and competent dental hygiene practitioners capable of integrating the varied roles of the dental hygiene profession. The program will strive to provide high quality, affordable and accessible educational opportunities to meet the educational needs of its students, while serving the community.
Philosophy
The Dental Hygiene Program was developed in 1972 to meet the expressed needs of the dental community and public. The philosophy and mission of the College are key factors, which make MCCC an ideal educational setting for an Associate of Applied Science Degree Curriculum in Dental Hygiene.
It is the philosophy of the Dental Hygiene program that dental hygiene students be educated to their fullest potential; such education includes integrated curriculum courses in General Education, Basic Sciences, Dental and Dental Hygiene sciences. Clinical proficiency must be interrelated with the didactic course material to maximize the delivery of individualized care to diverse populations.
The Program is based on the philosophy that learning is a cooperative venture including concern for other human beings, mutual respect between faculty and students and a joint activity which is positive and productive. For this philosophy to endure, students and faculty must pledge a willingness to trust each other and participate actively in the learning process. It is our sincere desire to create an attitude on the part of the graduate to express a commitment to lifelong learning and continued professional development as well as service to the community.
Program Goals
The Dental Hygiene Program at MCCC is designed to provide each student with experiences that facilitate the development of a competent dental hygiene practitioner. Graduates have the capability of seeking employment in traditional and non- traditional dental hygiene settings interrelating the roles of administrator/manager, change agent, clinician, client advocate, educator/oral health promoter, and researcher. Upon successful completion of the program, each graduate will be able to:
Special Admission Guidelines
Students who wish to be considered for admission to the Program must complete a College Application, indicating Dental Hygiene as the major (DH.GS), and present credentials as outlined in the following guidelines.
All students must complete the Dental Hygiene Program within four academic years of the date of initial enrollment in the program. Eligibility for re-admission to the program is based upon space availability as well as meeting minimal specified requirements.
Essential Functions
In addition to the academic admission requirements for students entering the Dental Hygiene Program, the following Essential Functions are also expected of all students with or without accommodations:
Students must be able to fulfill these essential functions of the job without endangering patients or other healthcare workers. Students with disabilities may be eligible for accommodations. Prior to the start of the Program, students may contact the Director of Services for Disabilities in College Hall131 at 215-641-6575 for more information. At the West Campus, contact the Coordinator of Disability Services in the Student Success Center at 610-718-1853.
Advanced Standing
Applicants who have successfully completed (grade "C" or better) course(s) in an ADA CODA accredited dental assisting or dental hygiene program may qualify for course transfers or challenge examinations. Upon request, information is available from the Dental Hygiene Program Director.
Program Requirements
Dental Hygiene students are required to:
Note: Individuals who self-disclose the presence of a blood-borne infectious disease will be shown the same consideration as non-infected individuals and will be offered reasonable accomodations. All information regarding the health status of an individual is considered confidential and protected by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1994.
Students in the Dental Hygiene Program may be exposed to blood-borne pathogens. Students are provided with a thorough knowledge and understanding of infectious diseases, the mechanism of disease transmission, the OSHA blood-borne standards, and CDC guidelines for infection control.
Curriculum
First Semester
| ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| BIO 140 | Microbiology and Immunology | 4 |
| BIO 131 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| DHG 100 | Preventative Oral Health Services I | 4 |
| DHG 101 | Intro to Preventive Oral Health Services | 1 |
| DHG 111 | Dental Anatomy | 2 |
| DHG 113 | Dental Histology and Embryology | 2 |
Second Semester
| DHG 151 | Preventative Oral Health Serv | 3 |
| DHG 152 | Preventative Oral Health Serv | 2 |
| DHG 155 | Radiology | 2 |
| DHG 157 | Oral Pathology | 2 |
| DHG 161 | Periodontics I | 2 |
| ENG 102 | English Composition II | 3 |
| BIO 132 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
Third Semester
| DHG 221 | Preventative Oral Health Serv | 4 |
| DHG 222 | Preventative Oral Health Serv | 2 |
| DHG 261 | Periodontics II | 2 |
| DHG 224 | Materials in Dentistry | 1 |
| DHG 225 | Pharmacology | 2 |
| DHG 227 | Medical Emergencies in the Dental Office | 1 |
| PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
Fourth Semester
| SPC 110 | Introduction to Speech Communication | 3 |
| SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| PEH 206 | Basic Nutrition | 3 |
| DHG 251 | Preventative Oral Health Serv | 4 |
| DHG 252 | Preventative Oral Health Serv | 1 |
| DHG 253 | Community Dentistry | 2 |
| DHG 262 | Periodontics III | 1 |
TOTAL SEMESTER HOURS CREDIT: 70
All Dental Hygiene Courses (DHG) and Science Department Courses (BIO) require a grade of “C” or better as prerequisite for courses at the next level. Courses must be taken in the prescribed sequence.
Current certification in CPR, Hepatitis-B immunity, and liability insurance are required.
Transportation is the responsibility of the student for all instruction which occurs at community based dental sites.
The program in dental hygiene is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of “approval without reporting requirements”. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States department of Education. The commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-2718 or 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611
Dental Bachelors of Science Degree |
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Options for Dental Bachelors of Science Degree completion via Distance Education at MCCC, offered by Pennsylvania College of Technology. |
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| (Both files in .pdf format - Download Adobe Acrobat Reader) | |
Revised: 4/2006
