The Commission on Dental Accreditation regularly solicits third party comments relative to the accreditation status of the Dental Hygiene Program at Montgomery County Community College. Comments may be submitted by interested parties such as faculty, students, program administrators, commission consultants, specialty and dental related organizations, patients and/or consumers. The deadline for receipt of third party comments is 60 days prior to the accreditation site visit which will occur October 8 and 9, 2013. Comments must pertain only to the standards for dental hygiene program or policies and procedures used in the Commission’s accreditation process. A copy of the accreditation standards and/or Commission’s policy on third party comments may be obtained by contacting the Commission on Dental Accreditation, 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611 or by calling 1.800.621.8099, extension 4653.
The MCCC Dental Hygiene Program is an A.A.S. educational program that prepares dental hygiene students to perform contemporary dental hygiene procedures in a variety of dental hygiene practice settings and/or to pursue an advanced degree. The Dental Hygiene faculty is composed of highly qualified, experienced educators who are dedicated to providing dental hygiene students with a quality, comprehensive, student-centered education that enables students to realize their professional goals. The challenging curriculum incorporates a variety of didactic, laboratory and clinical educational experiences and environments, both on campus and in the community. In addition to providing students with a quality education, the Program is committed to service to the community and providing quality patient care for the public.
Dental Hygiene Profession
Dental hygienists are licensed preventive oral health care professionals who specialize in providing preventive, educational and treatment services to assist both individuals and groups in achieving optimum oral health. Dental hygienists enjoy a flexible career and have the opportunity to work with people of all ages from a variety of cultural, ethnic and racial backgrounds. In order to become a licensed dental hygienist, dental hygiene students must graduate from an ADA accredited dental hygiene program and pass the National Dental Hygiene Board Examination and regional clinical examination. Once these examinations have been successfully completed, the graduate may apply for licensure in any state.
Career Opportunities
Licensed dental hygienists have the exciting opportunity to serve the community in a variety of settings including, but not limited to, private dental practices, specialty practices, clinics, public health agencies, hospital settings, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, home health services, military service, government agencies and corporate health facilities. With an advanced degree, dental hygienists also work in other non-traditional work settings, including school systems, corporate sales, as educators in dental and dental hygiene programs and participate in health research and management.
Primary Responsibilities
Dental hygienists are highly valued and integral members of the oral health team. Their primary responsibilities in regards to direct patient care most commonly include assessment of medical and dental histories, screening for oral cancer, examination of the teeth and gums, charting of oral conditions, exposing, processing and interpreting dental radiographs (x-rays), preventive periodontal therapy, applying preventive agents to reduce/eliminate decay such as fluoride therapies and sealants, and providing individualized patient education.
Career Outlook
The outlook for dental hygienists is excellent due to a strong demand and need for preventive oral health care by a growing and aging population. According to the most recent Occupational Outlook Handbook by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental hygiene is one of the fastest growing occupations. Employment demand both locally and nationally during the past decade has been high. This trend is expected to continue through 2020. The Dental Hygiene Program maintains a list of job opportunities and provides students with assistance in career decisions.
Clinic
Since 1973, the Montgomery County Community College Dental Hygiene Clinic has been providing the public with comprehensive preventive dental hygiene services. Services are provided at the Central Campus' dental hygiene facility utilizing modern equipment and the latest technological advances.
All treatment procedures are supervised by licensed dentists and dental hygiene faculty. The Dental Hygiene Clinic operates September through May, by appointment.
