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.

** Individuals interested in applying to the Dental Hygiene program are strongly encouraged to contact a Rio Salado College enrollment specialist at 480.517.8540. Admissions criteria, prerequisites and core courses are subject to change without notice.

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
The credit hour ranges are subject to change depending on the students’ educational experiences. Students must select one of the following two options. 		40-44.5
Note: Biology courses (BIO156 and BIO181) and HCC course (HCC109) may be waived by the Program Director for the student who has one year of high school biology and the current CPR certification at the health care provider or professional rescuer level.
BIO156 OR
BIO181
 		 Introductory Biology for Allied Health (4) OR
General Biology (Majors) (4) OR
One year of high school biology		 4
BIO202* Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4
BIO205* Microbiology 4
CHM138* Chemistry for Allied Health 3
CHM138LL* Chemistry for Allied Health Laboratory 1
HCC109 CPR for the Health Care Provider (0.5) OR
Current CPR certification at the health care provider professional rescuer level		 0.5

General Education Requirements: 28
General Education Core: 15
First-Year Composition  
Any approved general education courses in the First-Year Composition area.*
6
Oral Communication  
Any approved general education course in the Oral Communication area.
3
Critical Reading  
CRE101* Critical & Evaluative Reading I (3) OR
Equivalent as indicated by assessment.		 3
Mathematics  
MAT102* Mathematical Concepts/Applications (3) OR
Equivalent course OR
Satisfactory completion of a higher level MAT course		 3
General Education Distribution: 13
Humanities and Fine Arts  
Any approved general education course in the Humanities and Fine Arts area.
3
Natural Sciences  
BIO201 Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4
Social and Behavioral Sciences  
PSY101 Introduction to Psychology (3) AND 3
SOC101 Introduction to Sociology (3) 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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