Academic Program Model

Dental Hygiene (AAS.DH)

Dental Hygiene prepares the student with specialized skills necessary for employment as a dental hygienist. Emphasis is on patient treatment such as removal of calculus, stain and deposits from the teeth, prevention of oral disease, and on the hygienist's role as a dental health educator. The hygienist's services are sought by dentists, schools, prisons, hospitals, departments of health, and industry. The Dental Hygiene program is fully accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation.

Applicants seeking admission into the Dental Hygiene program for the fall semester must have a completed dental hygiene application file in the department by January 31, or the preceding business day if January 31 falls on the weekend. Applicants will be informed in writing within six weeks of the deadline on the status of their candidacy. A student information packet may be obtained from the Dental Hygiene office or online, using an objective formula approved by the Dental Hygiene department. This formula includes achievement in prerequisite and co-requisite courses, number of completed credit hours; ACT/SAT test scores; dental assisting experience; and grade point average.

Admission Process
1. Have satisfactorily graduated from a recognized high school with a grade average of "C" or better, or have a GED.
2. High school students who successfully complete Partnership for College and Career Success curriculum should consult with the Director of Dental Hygiene regarding enrollment requirements and procedures.
3. Have successfully completed college level Anatomy & Physiology I, Microbiology and Chemistry with a "C" or better within the last seven years. Concepts of Chemistry (CHM 111), Anatomy & Physiology I (BIO 225) and Microbiology (BIO 235) are recommended at Lake Land College.
4. Have completed ACT/SAT tests and had scores sent to Lake Land College. (ACT/SAT test scores are valid for four years)
5. Have completed college Intent to Enroll and have high school and college transcripts sent to Lake Land College Admissions & Records.
6. Have completed Lake Land College placement test, if no ACT/SAT scores.
7. Have completed Dental Hygiene Intent packet sent to the Dental Hygiene Office.
8. Completed applications will be evaluated by the Dental Hygiene Admissions Committee. Notification of acceptance will be provided to those individuals meeting the entrance criteria on a space available basis. Acceptance to the college does not ensure acceptance into the Dental Hygiene program.
9. All courses required for the Dental Hygiene program must be completed with a "C" or better and completed within the last seven years.

Acceptance Criteria
1. After acceptance into the program, a comprehensive physical examination is required.
2. After acceptance, a current Healthcare Provider CPR card is required.
3. After acceptance, submit a passport photo.
4. After acceptance, Hepatitis B immunizations are strongly recommended for all entering students.
5. After acceptance, the student must achieve grades of "C" or better in all courses to remain enrolled.
6. After acceptance, the student must submit to a background check (approximate cost $55.00) and drug screening (approximately $35.00) per program policy.
7. After acceptance, the student must submit to random drug testing periodically throughout tenure in the program per program policy.
8. The Anatomy and Physiology I & II course curriculum must include the study of a cadaver including head and neck anatomy. A 2-credit cadaver course (ADN 061) is offered should A&P courses taken at other colleges not include human cadaver.
9. A complete listing of Dental Hygiene Essential Functions can be found in the Dental Hygiene policy manual and application packet.

Cost
In addition to tuition, lab fees, and service fees, students are expected to buy their uniforms (approximately $200), dental hygiene kits and magnification loupes (approximately $3,200), and pay for other incidental expenses. Special books and miscellaneous items average about $300 per semester. Licensing examinations and learning experiences off campus will be at the expense of the student.

Program requirements may change over time. Specific degree/ graduation requirements are determined by a degree audit.

Extra Resources

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