Dental Hygiene (DEH.S.AAS)
- Division: Health Sciences
- Department: Dental Health Sciences
Working as part of a dental team, dental hygienists treat patients needing non-surgical periodontal therapy and radiographs, apply preventive agents, provide intra- and extra-oral exams and oral hygiene instructions. Registered dental hygienists work in private dental offices, public health settings, and in higher education.
The Dental Hygiene program is designed to be completed in five (5) semesters on a full-time basis when the student begins the technical portion of the program. The degree program consists of open enrollment courses (general education and division specific) and program specific courses with limited enrollment. The open enrollment courses may be taken prior to entry into the limited enrollment courses. To qualify for entry to limited enrollment courses, please see the Applicant Information packet located on the webpage.
In order to be invited into the Dental Hygiene Program all students must have a GPA of 2.7 with an overall TEAS score of 60 and a score on the sciences portion of the test of 50. You have three opportunities to successfully take the TEAS. For any students applying under the Accelerated Admission for Academic Achievement (AAAA) you must have a GPA of 3.0 with an overall TEAS score of 65 and a science score of 55. A student may take the TEAS test two times for consideration. In addition, you must earn an "A" or "B" in all required biology and chemistry courses.
Note: For students under age 18 there may be restrictions on participating in certain Health Sciences programs. Any student under age 18 must contact the program director/department chair to discuss whether he or she may enroll.
Career options may vary according to state practice act restrictions. Dental hygienists have a variety of career opportunities in a wide range of employment settings, including private practice, hospitals, HMO’s, community health programs, long-term care facilities, school systems, dental product research, marketing and sales, military bases, universities and research centers.Program Accreditation
The program in Dental Hygiene at Sinclair Community College 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 (800) 621-8099 or (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611-2678.