Program Overview

Dental Hygienists educate patients about the importance of proper dental care and the maintenance of good oral health. Working under the general supervision of a licensed dentist, hygienists remove stains and deposits from teeth, take x-rays, apply preventive agents to teeth, provide patient education and prepare tests for interpretation and evaluation by the dentist. 

BCCCs Associate Applied Science Degree Dental Hygiene Program is designed to prepare beginning graduates for careers as Registered Dental Hygienist in a variety of health care settings. The Dental Hygiene Program provides an exceptional opportunity for students interested in immediate entry into the field of dental hygiene and who also have the goal of furthering their education and professional advancement.

Students in the Dental Hygiene Degree Program gain patient care experience at the on-site Dental Hygiene Clinic on BCCC’s Liberty Campus as well as with external health care agencies.

Graduates of the Program are eligible to take the National Board Examination, Commission on Dental Competency and Assessment for the title Registered Dental Hygienist. The Dental Hygiene Program is accredited through the ADA Commission on Dental Accreditation.

Through articulation with several area colleges and universities, students in the Dental Hygiene Program may continue their studies to pursue the Bachelor's and/or Master's degree.

Students in the Dental Hygiene Degree Program learn how to:

• Identify anatomical abnormalities of bone, soft tissue and teeth
• Identify systemic conditions
• Explain radiology techniques/errors
• Analyze comprehensive treatment options
• Identify the appropriate treatment options required for the clinical condition or situation
• Perform safe, effective and ethical entry-level dental hygiene services
• Provide specialized treatment to achieve and maintain oral health goals formulated in collaboration with the patient/client
• Apply scientific research methods and the basic principles of evidence-based research to support evidence-based treatment modalities for oral health and overall health

Graduates of the Dental Hygiene Program are fully qualified to work as dental hygienists in a variety of settings that include:

• Hospital and industrial clinics
• Military bases
• Public schools
• Dental auxiliary schools
• Public health facilities

Flexible scheduling is a major feature of the profession with most dental hygienists working part time.

Learn more about national and state employment trends and wage data on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website www.bls.gov under overview of BLS wage data by area and occupation.