Program Overview

The professional track program is two years in length with a limited number of openings available each year. Prior to acceptance into the professional track, required prerequisite college courses must be completed. The program begins each fall semester with a cohort of students and upon successful completion of the 79 credit hour program, an Associate of Applied Science Dental Hygiene degree is granted from the college. The curriculum is taught using small group instruction with experienced and dedicated faculty providing hands-on training with state of the art equipment, including dental hygiene clinical experience in our on-campus patient care clinic.

Commission on Dental Accreditation, American Dental Association

The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611.

Originally accredited on: December 11, 1970; Last site visit: July 27-28, 2017. An accreditation status of approval without reporting requirements means: an accreditation classification granted to an educational program indicating that the program achieves or exceeds the basic requirements for accreditation.

National and Regional Board Examinations
Graduates from this program are eligible to take the National Dental Hygiene Board (NDHBE) examination and the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA) examination. These exams are required by states for licensing to practice as a dental hygienist. Additionally, students may sit for two optional regional exams on local anesthesia and nitrous oxide sedation.

The Dental Hygiene program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of "approval without reporting requirements".