Dental Programs
Welcome to the Dental Programs department at Rio Salado College. Whether you are currently working in dentistry as a dental assistant or dental hygienist or just beginning to plan your future, we have programs and continuing education courses to fit your needs. Our courses span from "just the basics" to those that prep dental assistants and dental hygienists for certification exams. We offer an Associate in Applied Science program in Dental Hygiene, an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) course, and several noncredit continuing education courses. Many of our courses and programs are offered in an online or hybrid format, while dental hygiene is held in-person in Tempe, Arizona.
Background Checks
NOTICE: for all current and future healthcare students: For all allied health and nursing students who seek to begin Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) healthcare programs on or after September 1, 2011, new background check standards are in effect.
Additionally, students who have been admitted to an MCCCD healthcare program or who are currently enrolled in one as of September 1, 2011 are required to sign an MCCCD Criminal Background Check Disclosure Acknowledgement form. These changes are necessary because six of 11 of MCCCD's largest clinical experience hospital partners have established stringent background check standards that preclude MCCCD from assigning students to those sites who cannot meet those standards.
For MCCCD students to be able to continue to complete clinical experiences at local hospitals, students must meet these new standards.
Certificate and Degree Programs
Continuing Education Non-Credit Courses
Allied Health Policies Documentation
Background Check Information
Some courses and programs may require additional fees charged apart from the tuition. Please visit our Tuition and Fees page for a current listing of additional course fees.
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Licensing Disclosures
The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Dental Hygiene degree is designed to meet the academic requirements for a Licensed Dental Hygienist in Arizona. The program is only offered and available to students located in Arizona. Rio Salado College has not determined whether the program meets or does not meet the academic requirements for licensing in other states.