Dental Hygiene (AAS.DH)

Associate Degree in Applied Science

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 February 1, or the preceding business day if February 1 falls on the weekend. Applicants will be informed in writing within six weeks of the deadline on the status of their candidacy. A student information packet may be obtained from program director office.

The following admission criteria and procedures are in accordance with Illinois law: In those years when there are more qualified applicants than spaces available in the program, admission is competitive and selective, using an objective formula approved by the Dental Hygiene department. This formula includes achievement in prerequisite and co-requisite courses, number of completed credit hours; ACT scores; dental assisting experience; and grade point average. The program equips students with the means to learn and apply the following core competencies required for registered Dental Hygienists.

Core Competencies
C.1
• Apply a professional code of ethics in all endeavors
• Clinic Policy Manual: ethical conduct,
confidentiality agreement
• Preclinic I, II
• Clinic I, II, III
• Dental Hygiene IV – ethics and jurisprudence
C.2
• Adhere to state and federal laws, recommendations,
and regulations in the provision of dental hygiene care
• Clinic Policy Manual: receipt, confidentiality
agreement, ethical conduct
• Dental Hygiene IV – ethics and jurisprudence
C.3
• Provide dental hygiene care to promote patient/client
health and wellness using critical thinking and problem
solving in the provision of evidence-based practice
• Clinic II – case study
• Dental Hygiene II – dental hygiene diagnosis
and care plan
• Clinic I, II – data collection and care plan competencies
• Dental Hygiene IV
C.4
• Use evidence-based decision making to evaluate
and incorporate emerging treatment modalities
• Clinic II and Policy Manual: self-evaluation
of case study
• Dental Hygiene III – journal abstracts
C.5
• Assume responsibility for dental hygiene actions
scientific theories and research as well as the accepted
standard of care
• DHY 081 – Perio case type
• Dental Hygiene III – journal abstracts
• Clinic I, II, III
C.6
• Continuously perform self-assessment for life-long
learning and professional growth
• Dental Hygiene III – self-assessment of community
• Dental Health Projects
• Dental Hygiene IV – portfolios
• Clinic III – Mock Board Assessment
• Preclinic II – self assessment of patient education video
C.7
• Promote the profession through service activities
and affiliations with professional organizations
• SADHA membership – voluntary
• WIC screening – enrichment opportunity
• WIC sealant programs, restorative clinics,
enrichment opportunities
C.8
• Provide quality assurance mechanisms for health services
• Clinic I, II, III – chart audits
• Preclinic I, II – skill process evaluations
• Clinic I, II, III – skill competency evaluations
C.9
• Communicate effectively with individuals and groups
both verbally and in writing
• Dental Hygiene III – special needs, flip chart
• Clinic II – adult learning and communication unit
• Dental Hygiene III, IV – nursing home, school and
special needs exams/presentations; community
• Dental Health Projects
• Clinic I, II, III – Children First Rotations – Sarah Bush Lincoln Mobile
Dental Unit
C.10
• Provide accurate, consistent, and complete documentation
for assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation,
and evaluation of dental hygiene services
• Clinic I, II, III: Quality Assurance audits
Technical
Programs
*Please note prerequisites or course requisites listed pg. 97
in the Course Descriptions section of this catalog.
C.11
• Provide care to all clients using an individualized
approach that is humane, empathetic, and caring
• Patient Bill of Rights
• Preclinic II: treatment of patients
• Clinic I, II, III: treatment of patients
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
Tech-Prep curriculum should consult with the director
regarding enrollment requirements and procedures.
3. Have successfully completed college chemistry with
a “C” or better. Concepts of Chemistry CHM 111 is
recommended.
4. Have completed ACT test and had scores sent to Lake
Land College. (ACT test scores are valid for four years)
5. Have completed college intent to enroll and have high
school and college transcripts sent to Lake Land College
Office of Admissions and Records.
6. Have completed Lake Land College battery of entrance
exams, if no ACT scores.
7. Have completed student information form sent to
program director.
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 .
Acceptance Criteria
1. After acceptance into the program, a comprehensive
physical examination is required.
2. After acceptance, a current CPR card is required.
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 random
drug testing periodically throughout tenure in the program
(approximately $35.00 per test) per program policy.
8. The Anatomy and Physiology I & II course curriculum
must include the study of a cadaver including head and
neck anatomy. A 2-credit cadaver course (ADN 061) is
offered should A&P courses taken at other colleges not
include human cadaver.

Cost
In addition to tuition, lab fees, and service fees, students are
expected to buy their uniforms (approximately $200), dental
hygiene kits (approximately $2,000), and pay for other incidental
expenses. Special books and miscellaneous items average
about $200 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 the student's degree audit.

For more information contact:
Deborah Kirts- Director of Dental Hygiene
217-234-5202
dkirts@lakeland.cc.il.us