Dental Hygiene

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Associate in Applied Science in Dental Hygiene

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Dental Hygiene, prepares students to practice entry-level dental hygiene. Dental hygiene students will provide preventive and therapeutic services, and will develop a commitment to the community through extramural opportunities serving diverse populations. The program is a blend of academic and clinical coursework that requires attention to detail and motivation to complete tasks on a timeline. Graduates are employed in private dental offices, hospitals, schools, and clinics within their community.

The Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association (211 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago, Ill. 60611-2678 (312) 440-4653) grants accreditation to the Phoenix College, Rio Salado, and Mesa programs. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. Graduates are eligible for board examinations and licensure in all fifty states.

Applicants who are accepted and enroll in a MCCCD Dental Hygiene program will be exposed to blood-borne and infectious diseases. The Program strictly adheres to established policies and procedures regarding infection control as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Dental Association, The Organization for Safety and Asepsis Procedures, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Admission Criteria: A high school diploma or GED equivalency is required.
Ability to fully participate in classroom, laboratory, or clinical setting program activities.
Submit current CPR card for Health Care Provider and maintain current status throughout the program.
Complete and submit the required proof of immunity and health declaration form signed by a licensed health care provider. Submit to a drug screening and demonstrate negative results.
Submit current fingerprinting clearance card.
Completion of program prerequisites.
Formal application and admission to the program is required.

Program Prerequisites:
All General Education requirements are met by program prerequisites as indicated. Students should consult with an advisor in selecting courses to meet the General Education areas. 		34.5-38.5

OPTION 1:
34.5
Option 1 is available for students who have completed an Associate in Applied Science degree or higher degree in a health science discipline from a regionally accredited institution of higher education recognized by Maricopa County Community College District.
BIO162 Microbiology Concepts for Allied Health 2
CHM138* Chemistry for Allied Health 3
CHM138LL* Chemistry for Allied Health Lab 1
HCC109 CPR for the Health Care Provider (0.5) OR
Current CPR certification at the health care provider professional rescuer level 		0.5

OPTION 2:

34.5
HCC courses are to be waived for the student who has 6 months documented experience as a dental assistant or in other related dental patient care activities. Prospective students with health care licensure are also exempt from the HCC courses for the Dental Hygiene program.
BIO162 Microbiology Concepts for Allied Health 2
CHM138* Chemistry for Allied Health 3
CHM138LL* Chemistry for Allied Health Lab 1
HCC109 CPR for the Health Care Provider (0.5) OR
Current CPR certification at the health care provider professional rescuer level 		0.5

OPTION 3:
38.5
BIO162 Microbiology Concepts for Allied Health 2
CHM138* Chemistry for Allied Health 3
CHM138LL* Chemistry for Allied Health Lab 1
HCC109 CPR for the Health Care Provider (0.5) OR
Current CPR certification at the health care provider professional rescuer level 		0.5
HCC130 Fundamentals in Health Care Delivery (3) OR  
HCC130AA Health Care Today (0.5) AND  
HCC130AB Workplace Behaviors in Health Care (0.5) AND  
HCC130AC Personal Wellness and Safety (0.5) AND  
HCC130AD Communication and Teamwork in Health Care Organizations (0.5) AND  
HCC130AE Legal Issues in Health Care (0.5) AND  
HCC130AF Decision Making in the Health Care Setting (0.5) 3
HCC145AA* Medical Terminology for Health Care Workers I 1

General Education Requirements: 28
General Education Core: 15
First-Year Composition 6
Any approved general education course in the First-Year Composition area.
Oral Communication 3
Any approved general education course in the Oral Communication area.  
Critical Reading 3
CRE101* Critical & Evaluative Reading I (3) OR
Equivalent as indicated by assessment.		  
Mathematics 3
MAT102* Mathematical Concepts/Applications (3) OR
Equivalent course OR
Satisfactory completion of a higher level MAT course		  
General Education Distribution: 13
Humanities and Fine Arts 3
Any approved general education course in the Humanities and Fine Arts area.  
Natural Sciences 4
BIO160 Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology  
Social and Behavioral Sciences 6
PSY101 Introduction to Psychology (3) AND  
SOC101 Introduction to Sociology (3)  

Required Courses: 58
DHE110* Pharmacology 3
DHE112* Oral Pathology 3
DAE/DHE114* Emergency Medicine 2
DHE119* Head and Neck Anatomy 3
DHE120* Pre-Clinical Dental Hygiene 6
DAE/DHE122* Dental Anatomy, Embryology and Histology 2
DAE/DHE124* Dental Radiography 2
DHE125* Dental Radiography Laboratory 1
DHE127* Prevention of Dental Disease 3
DHE132* Dental Hygiene Theory I 3
DHE133* Dental Hygiene Clinic I 3
DAE/DHE203* Dental Materials 2
DAE/DHE204* Dental Materials Laboratory 1
DHE212* Dental Hygiene Theory II 2
DHE213* Dental Hygiene Clinic II 5
DHE219* Practice Management 2
DHE225* Periodontics 3
DHE227* Dental Anesthesia 2
DHE229* Community Oral Health 3
DHE232* Dental Hygiene Theory III 2
DHE233* Dental Hygiene Clinic III 5
NOTE: *Indicates course has a prerequisite and/or corequisite.
Students must earn a grade of "C" or better for all courses that will be applied toward the degree.
Minimum GPA: 2.00

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