The Associate Degree in the Dental Hygiene program is an intensive, two-year academic program that includes classroom skills, laboratory, and clinical experience in various dental health agencies. The student may apply to take the Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS) clinical examination and National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) in their final spring semester once approved by the Director of Dental Hygiene. Upon successful completion of these exams, the graduate may apply for their dental hygiene license. The student is awarded an Associate in Applied Science degree upon completion of the program; however, completion of the Dental Hygiene program does not guarantee dental hygiene licensure. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) may refuse to issue a license if a candidate has a criminal history. Please consult with the director of the Dental Hygiene Program to avoid license application hindrances.
Dental Hygiene prepares the student with specialized skills necessary for employment as a dental hygienist. Emphasis is placed on the performance of dental hygiene treatments, such as removal of calculus, stain and deposits from the teeth, prevention of oral disease, and the hygienist's role as a dental health educator. The hygienist's services are sought by dentists, schools, prisons, hospitals, health departments, and other industries. 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 to the department by March 1, or the preceding business day if March 1 falls on the weekend. Applicants will be informed mid-April on the status of their candidacy. A student information packet may be obtained online. Students are selected using an objective formula approved by the Dental Hygiene department. This formula includes but is not limited to achievement in prerequisite courses, dental or dental assisting experience, grade point average, and prior enrollment at Lake Land College.
Admission Process 1. Have successfully completed college level Anatomy & Physiology I (BIO 225), Microbiology (BIO 235) and Chemistry (CHM 111) with a "C" (or a course deemed to be an equivalent) or better within the last five years. 2. Have completed college Intent to Enroll, placement test measure(s), and have official high school and college transcripts sent to Lake Land College Admissions & Records. 3. Have completed Dental Hygiene Intent packet sent to the Dental Hygiene Office. 4. 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. 5. All courses required for the Dental Hygiene program must be completed with a "C" or better and completed within the last five years.
Program Admitance Requirements 1. After acceptance into the program, a comprehensive physical examination is required. 2. After acceptance, a current Healthcare Provider CPR card is required throughout the tenure of the program. 3. After acceptance, certain Healthcare immunizations are strongly recommended for all entering students. 4. After acceptance, the student must achieve grades of "C" or better in all courses to remain enrolled. 5. After acceptance, the student must submit to a background check and to drug testing (approximate cost $140) per program policy. 6. A complete listing of Dental Hygiene Essential Functions can be found in the Student Handbook/Procedure Manual and Dental Hygiene application packet/information 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 $3,400), 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.
This course is designed to increase the student's knowledge of the early embryonic development of the face and oral cavity and the process of tooth development. Included is the study of the microscopic structure of the tissues of the dentition and its supporting structures. (Repeatable 1 Time)
This course is designed to acquaint the beginning dental hygiene student with the duties and responsibilities in the clinical aspect of the profession and the role the hygienist plays in today's health.
This course is designed to include the principles and biological effects of radiation in addition to safety measures used in dental radiology. Basic dental imaging principles and techniques will be stressed for dental hygiene interpretation.
This course is a continuation of Dental Hygiene I, advanced instrumentation and evaluation of the patient's oral health are given greater attention. An introduction to emergencies in the dental office and a continuation of preventive dentistry and patient education are included.
This course is a continuation of the development of clinical skills. Emphasis will be placed on prevention through patient education. The student will provide treatment for live patients.
This course gives a brief insight into general principles of pathology with heavy emphasis on specifics of oral pathology. Terminology will be taught in addition to description of oral diseases, lesions and their treatment and immunologic factors.
This course focuses on the clinical aspects of the different forms of periodontal disease, and philosophy of treatment, the role of the dental hygienist in patient education for the prevention of periodontal problems, and the chairside management of these pathological conditions.
Study of structure and function of head and neck. General anatomy of the skull, related muscles, vascular and nerve supply and lymphatics of the region considered. Focus on muscles of mastication and their relationship to the temporomandibular joint; facial and trigeminal nerves and their relationships to dental injections.
This course requires the student to perform under supervision, a specific number of oral prophylaxis on a variety of patients. Some advanced skills will be introduced and experience is gained in sterilization and reception responsibilities.
This course provides for continuing advancement in further assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementing, evaluating, and documenting for individuals with special needs.
This course is designed to improve the clinical skills of the dental hygiene student. This includes adapting to a variety of clinical procedures, care planning, and interventions. Focus is on total assessment of individual patient needs. (Repeatable 1 Time)
This course is designed to provide the dental hygiene student with the skills to manage patient discomfort. This includes topical anesthesia, local anesthesia, and nitrous oxide analgesia during dental hygiene services. This course complies with the Illinois Dental Practice Act. (Repeatable 1 Time)
This course provides a study of the principles and methods in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating community dental health programs. Topics include epidemiology, research methodology, biostatistics, preventative dental care, dental health education, program planning, financing and utilization of dental services.
Students will study the writing process by reading essays illustrating a variety of rhetorical strategies, analyzing texts, and writing, revising, and editing short essays. Course is for students who have assessed into developmental English, receiving supplemental instruction for course completion.
Students will study the writing process by reading essays that illustrate a variety of rhetorical strategies, analyzing writing tasks and texts, and writing, revising, and editing short essays.
Study of human interaction focusing on social influences shaping personality, structure and dynamics of human society. Topics include: sociological perspective, culture, society, social interaction; social change in global perspective; socialization; families; social class; and social stratification; race and ethnicity; and deviance.
Focuses on the fundamental principles and methods of selection, analyzing, organizing, developing and communicating information, evidence, and points of view to audiences.
This course is designed to apply the dental hygiene process of care (assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation) learned in DHY 096 to the clients of the extended care facilities and to the students of the schools receiving the dental health presentations during dental health month.
This course is designed to give insight into the applications of dental hygiene practice. The development of professionalism, the Illinois Dental Practice Act, ethical principles, jurisprudence, and the organization of the American Dental Hygienists Association are topics that will be discussed.
This course provides continued advancement of clinical skills. Students will apply evidence-based knowledge and understanding of the basic and clinical science to: recognize oral conditions, prevent oral disease, and provide effectively clinical and instructional procedures per patient. This course continues to focus on practicing safe and efficient clinical routines for the application of standard precautions for infection control.
This course examines the various issues that are faced by dental hygienists when making the transition from school to the workplace. It will focus on the different aspects of obtaining a license and seeking employment including creating employment documents, interviewing, and mentorship opportunities.