Dental Hygiene (AAS.DH)

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 healthcare agencies. The student may apply to take the Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS) clinical examination and National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) for Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) in their final spring semester once approved by the Director of Dental Hygiene. Upon successful completion of these exams, the graduate may apply for the RDH 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 RDH licensure. The 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 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 mid-March 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 achievement in prerequisite, number of completed credit hours; dental assisting experience; and grade point average. This formula includes achievement in prerequisite courses, number of completed credit hours, dental or dental assisting experience, grade point average, and prior enrollment at Lake Land College.

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 (BIO 225), Microbiology (BIO 235) and Chemistry (CHM 111) with a "C" or better within the last five years.
4. Have completed tests and had scores sent to Lake Land College.
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.
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 five 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 throughout the tenure of the program.
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) per program policy.
7. After acceptance, the student must submit to drug testing in accordance with the Dental Hygiene Program drug policy throughout tenure in the program.
8. A complete listing of Dental Hygiene Essential Functions can be found in the Student Handbook/Procedure Manual and Dental Hygiene 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 $3,400), 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.

Extra Resources

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Lake Land Partnerships
FIRST YEAR
First Semester
Hours
BIO-226
Human Anatomy and Physiology II

BIO-226
Human Anatomy and Physiology II

Continuation of BIO225, Human A & P I. Emphasis on human anatomy and physiology through the regional approach using human cadavers.

Course Outline
4.0
DHY-066
Dental Histology & Embryology

DHY-066
Dental Histology & Embryology

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)

Course Outline
2.0
DHY-067
Dental Anatomy

DHY-067
Dental Anatomy

This course is designed to provide a thorough knowledge of the head, neck, teeth, and related structures. (Repeatable 1 Time)

Course Outline
2.0
DHY-068
Dental Hygiene I

DHY-068
Dental Hygiene I

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.

Course Outline
3.0
DHY-069
Pre-Clinic Hyg I

DHY-069
Pre-Clinic Hyg I

An introduction to the duties and basic skills the dental hygienist uses in daily clinical practice.

Course Outline
3.0

Semester Totals

14.0
Second Semester
DHY-045
Radiology

DHY-045
Radiology

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.

Course Outline
4.0
DHY-071
Dental Hygiene II

DHY-071
Dental Hygiene II

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.

Course Outline
3.0
DHY-072
Preclinical Hygiene II

DHY-072
Preclinical Hygiene II

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.

Course Outline
2.5
DHY-080
Pathology

DHY-080
Pathology

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.

Course Outline
3.0

Semester Totals

12.5
Summer Term
DHY-081
Periodontology

DHY-081
Periodontology

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.

Course Outline
3.0
DHY-082
Dietary Analysis for the DH/Seminar I

DHY-082
Dietary Analysis for the DH/Seminar I

This 1 1/2 credit hour course further introduces the dental hygiene student to clinical responsibilities required in providing patient treatment and nutrition.

Course Outline
1.5
DHY-083
Clinic I

DHY-083
Clinic I

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.

Course Outline
3.0

Semester Totals

7.5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester
Hours
PSY-279
Human Dev/Life Span

PSY-279
Human Dev/Life Span

Study of theories, research methods and findings in physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development from conception through death.

Course Outline
3.0
DHY-084
Dietary Analysis for the DH/Seminar II

DHY-084
Dietary Analysis for the DH/Seminar II

This course broadens the dental hygiene student's clinical skills focusing on individual patient needs and assessment and dietary analysis. (Repeatable 1 Time)

Course Outline
1.5
DHY-087
Special Needs

DHY-087
Special Needs

This course provides for continuing advancement in further assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementing, evaluating, and documenting for individuals with special needs.

Course Outline
2.0
DHY-088
Clinic II

DHY-088
Clinic II

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)

Course Outline
4.0
DHY-089
Lab Proced/Dent Hyg

DHY-089
Lab Proced/Dent Hyg

This course is a comprehensive study of the science of dental materials and their application in dental hygiene.

Course Outline
3.0
DHY-091
Pain Management for Dental Hygienist

DHY-091
Pain Management for Dental Hygienist

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)

Course Outline
2.0
DHY-096
Community Dental Health

DHY-096
Community Dental Health

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.

Course Outline
1.5

Semester Totals

17.0
Second Semester
ENG-119
Composition I Pathway

ENG-119
Composition I Pathway

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.

Course Outline
OR
ENG-120
Composition I

ENG-120
Composition I

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.

Course Outline
3.0
SOC-280
Introduction to Sociology

SOC-280
Introduction to Sociology

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.

Course Outline
3.0
COM-111
Intro to Speech Communication

COM-111
Intro to Speech Communication

Focuses on the fundamental principles and methods of selection, analyzing, organizing, developing and communicating information, evidence, and points of view to audiences.

Course Outline
3.0
DHY-086
Pharmacology

DHY-086
Pharmacology

This course focuses on the study of drugs affecting the practice of dentistry.

Course Outline
2.0
DHY-092
Dent Public Health

DHY-092
Dent Public Health

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.

Course Outline
1.0
DHY-093
Ethics and Jurisprudence

DHY-093
Ethics and Jurisprudence

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, employment and the organization of the American Dental Hygienists' Association are topics that will be be introduced and discussed.

Course Outline
3.0
DHY-094
Clinic III

DHY-094
Clinic III

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.   

Course Outline
4.0
DHY-095
Dietary Analysis for the DH/Seminar III

DHY-095
Dietary Analysis for the DH/Seminar III

The purpose of this course is to expand the dental hygiene student's knowledge base and skills in preparation for clinical practice as an entry level registered dental hygienist with a focus on nutrition and dietary analysis/counseling.

Course Outline
1.5

Semester Totals

20.5

Total Program Hours

71.5
Suggested Electives
DHY-041
Dental Terminology

DHY-041
Dental Terminology



.5
DHY-043
Dental Hygiene Board Review

DHY-043
Dental Hygiene Board Review

Generalized review of dental hygiene curriculum that helps to prepare the student to take the National Dental Hygiene Board Examination.

Course Outline
.5