Dental Hygiene

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Associate in Science

Accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association/Lowell Campus - Day, Starts Fall Semester Only

Program Description:

The Dental Hygiene Associate in Science degree program is designed to prepare competent dental hygiene professionals, capable of providing quality dental hygiene care in a variety of settings within a changing health care system, and a culturally diverse society. Students gain the skills and knowledge required to take the National Dental Hygiene Board and Northeast Regional Board examinations, and learn to practice in a manner consistent with the highest standards set forth by the ADA/CODA, ADHA, OSHA, CDC and Massachusetts General Laws pertinent to health care provider settings, including the State Dental Practice Act. Service-Learning is infused throughout the Dental Hygiene coursework, including the clinical courses.

Career and Transfer Outlook:

Dental hygienists work in a wide variety of settings: private dental practices, HMOs, public health service agencies, research institutions, sales companies, educational institutions and the insurance industry.

The present career outlook for clinical private practice is positive. Careers outside of clinical practice generally require an advanced degree. Transfer to baccalaureate programs is possible.

Program Outcomes:

Graduates of the Dental Hygiene program are prepared to:

Promote the values of oral and general health with respect for diversity;
Assess, plan, implement and evaluate community oral health programs in a variety of settings;
Provide and document dental hygiene care to diverse populations based on the scientific literature and according to accepted standards of care;
Collect and analyze assessment data;
Utilize comprehensive assessment data and problem-solving strategies in determining a dental hygiene diagnosis;
Collaborate with the patient/client to establish realistic goals and treatment strategies which facilitate optimal oral health;
Provide treatment that includes preventive and therapeutic services directed by the care plan;
Evaluate the extent to which treatment goals were achieved;
Apply self-assessment skills to prepare for life-long learning;
Represent and support the profession through service activities and affiliations with professional organizations;
Apply ethical, legal and regulatory concepts to the provision and/or support of oral health care services;
Communicate and interact effectively with patients, colleagues and other professionals.

Requirements After Admission to Dental Hygiene

Submit the Student Health Record form, provided by Middlesex Community College, to the Health Service Office. Required documentation of health status includes a completed physical examination, proof of immunization against measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus-diphtheria and Hepatitis B (three-dose vaccine series). Documentation of immune titer for varicella is also required.
Earn certification in CPR at the Health Care Provider level which is valid for the entire academic year and renewed annually.
Students are expected to attend registration & orientation programs in the summer before classes begin.
Students are required to purchase dental instruments, supplies, uniforms and professional books.
In order for a student to be eligible to participate in an academic, community or clinical program that involves potential unsupervised contact with children, the disabled, or the elderly, the student will be required to undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check and/or a Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) check. See Admission for details.
Students are responsible for providing patients for their clinical experiences.
Students must demonstrate a satisfactory level of performance in clinical settings in order to remain in the program
To obtain licensure after graduation, students must take and pass national, regional and state licensure examinations, which require additional fees.

Standard/Technical Skills Notice:

To view a list of standard and/or technical skills required for performing duties in various health career fields, visit the Middlesex Community College Health Division website (www.middlesex.mass.edu) or the Student Information Centers. These skills are not conditions for admission to MCC programs, but do indicate abilities and characteristics necessary for successful completion of college Health programs, and to perform the duties of the career upon graduation.

Admission to Dental Hygiene

Required Course Prerequisites

Completion of college-level Anatomy & Physiology I & II (BIO 231 and BIO 232) with a grade of B or higher (83% or higher) within the last five years.
Completion of college Chemistry (CHE 131) with a grade of B or higher (83% or higher) within the last five years.

Required Testing

Current scores on the college placement test of ENG 101, MAT 080 and a reading score of 75. Testing must be completed before admission and within one year of the application deadline.

Required Documents

A signed Admission Requirements Certification Form
A completed Middlesex Community College Application
A completed Supplemental Application which includes a Personal and Observation Experience Essay
Official college transcripts (required from all colleges attended, except Middlesex Community College)
Three Health Recommendation Forms. Recommendations should be requested from individuals who can evaluate the applicant’s performance in a work or classroom setting. At least one recommendation should be from a faculty member.

Admission Notes

Middlesex Community College currently accepts 42 students a year into the Dental Hygiene Program. Admission to the program is competitive.
The Admission Committee will review applications in their entirety. In addition to the admission requirements listed above, successful applicants will have documented success in science courses. Academic history will also be considered and students are required to have a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA.
Non-Massachusetts residents will be admitted on a space-available basis only. We were unable to admit any out-of-state residents in the fall of 2007. All Dental Hygiene classes are held during the day at Middlesex Community College’s Lowell campus. Some evening clinics may be held in the spring semester.

Deadline

The deadline for completed applications, including all requirements, is December 7. (In some cases, students may be conditionally admitted pending successful completion of Anatomy & Physiology II with a grade of B or higher.)

Helpful Hints:

Students are able and encouraged to complete non-Dental Hygiene coursework prior to admission, especially science courses. A meeting with a Dental Hygiene faculty advisor may be arranged to discuss options for completing this coursework. The Dental Hygiene program is a full-time program. Students should consider limiting working hours so as not to interfere with successful completion of course objectives and program competencies.

Required Courses

Total Credits: 75

Special Requirements for Dental Hygiene: Students must receive a C or better in all courses within the area of specialization and required science courses to remain in the program. Students are eligible to take the National Board Examination following the completion of the program. Additional coursework may be required based on college placement testing. Students are urged to meet with their academic advisor for proper course sequencing. Science courses being applied to this program must have been completed within five years of entering the program.

Students enrolled in the Dental Hygiene program must demonstrate a satisfactory level of performance in clinical settings in order to remain in the program. See Academic Information for additional information