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Dental Hygiene A.A.S.

Program Overview

Award Type

Associate in Applied Science A.A.S.

Catalog Description

Dental Hygienists are licensed professionals who provide oral health assessment, disease prevention, and health promotion. Licensure is granted upon completion of an Associate in Applied Science degree, National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) , and clinical examination administered by the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX). The Dental Hygiene Program at the College of Lake County prepares students to meet competencies as outlined by The Commission on Dental Accreditation. The number of students admitted to the Dental Hygiene Program is limited. Therefore, a screening process is used to select the best qualified from those who request consideration. Preference will be given to residents of Community College District 532 (including other community college districts with which CLC has a Joint Educational Agreement). Attendance at a Program Information Session is required as part of the application process. Sessions are scheduled for the first Wednesday of every month (except January, June, and August). Click here for more information. Attendance is good for two years.

Program Outcomes

Once the program has been completed, students should be able to:

Program Outcome

Review medical histories.

Program Outcome

Perform and monitor vital signs.

Program Outcome

Provide oral health screenings.

Program Outcome

Collect assessment data and develop an individualized care plan.

Program Outcome

Expose and interpret dental radiographic images.

Program Outcome

Provide dietary analysis and nutrional counseling.

Program Outcome

Provide smoking cessation strategies.

Program Outcome

Demonstrate effective patient and interprofessional communication .

Program Outcome

Perform oral debridement (scaling, root debridement, coronal polishing).

Program Outcome

Administer the appropriate pain control measures, including local anesthetic.

Program Outcome

Apply caries preventive agents such as topical fluoride and dental sealants.

Program Outcome

Assess, Plan, Implement, Evaluate, and Document oral health programs for a variety of populations groups.