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.