Dental Hygiene
The Dental Hygiene Associate of Science degree program at Wayne County Community College District is a prominent career for individuals interested in working as an essential part of the dental healthcare team. The dental hygienist learns specialized clinical skills by providing direct patient care and may be responsible for the community distribution of information related to preventing oral diseases and maintaining oral health. The demand for dental services will continue to grow due to the success of preventive dentistry in reducing the incidence of oral diseases. Dentists must employ more dental hygienists to meet the increased demand for dental services.
The Dental Hygiene program is designed to prepare students to become competent oral health clinicians and educators. Admission to the program is limited and competitive. Upon completing this program, students can take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and The Commission on Dental Competency Assessments, Western Regional Examining Board and Council of Interstate Testing Agencies, Inc. Examination. The Michigan Board of Dentistry may deny dental hygiene licensure to an applicant convicted of a criminal offense.
What Do Dental Hygienists Do?
Dental Hygienists are licensed oral health care professionals who perform and deliver oral health care services as regulated under state dental practice acts. They are responsible for providing treatment to prevent dental caries and periodontal disease and helping patients maintain good oral health.
Where Do They Work?
The majority of Dental Hygienists work in private dental practices. However, many are expanding their work setting to include administration, education, consulting, sales, and public health managers.
What’s the Job Outlook for Dental Hygienists?
Dental Hygienists are licensed oral health care professionals who perform and deliver preventative oral health care services. They assess patients for signs of disease, such as dental caries, gingivitis, and periodontal disease, and provide treatment to help patients maintain good oral health and prevent dental disease.
The employment of dental hygienists is projected to grow by 7 percent from 2022 to 2032.
What’s Required to Complete the Dental Hygiene Program?
An associate’s degree in the Dental Hygiene Program from WCCCD requires 83 credits to complete. You must have prerequisites fulfilled prior to starting classes (see the recommended course sequence).
As a dental hygiene student at WCCCD, you will take science and dental courses for your program.
Some students plan to transfer to a four-year college or university after earning their degree. If that’s your goal, you might choose specific courses. Talk with your advisor about a personalized plan that meets your goals.
What Will I Learn as a Dental Hygiene Student?
A dental hygiene student learns specialized clinical skills to provide direct patient care. Students also gain responsibilities such as distributing information related to the prevention of oral diseases and the maintenance of oral health in the community. Courses in this program cover various topics, such as pharmacology, periodontology, and medical ethics.
Recommended course sequencing
Prerequisite Courses Total: 51 Credits
- ENG 119 - English I 3 Credit(s)
- ENG 120 - English II 3 Credit(s)
- BIO 155 - Introductory Biology 4 Credit(s)
- BIO 240 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4 Credit(s)
- BIO 250 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4 Credit(s)
- BIO 295 - Microbiology 4 Credit(s)
- CHM 105 - Introduction to Chemistry 4 Credit(s)
- CHM 155 - Survey of Organic and Biochemistry 4 Credit(s)
- DEN 100 - Professional Development 3 Credit(s)
- PHL 201 - Introduction to Philosophy 3 Credit(s)
- SPH 101 - Fundamentals of Speech 3 Credit(s)
- PSY 101 - Introductory Psychology 3 Credit(s)
- SOC 100 - Introduction to Sociology 3 Credit(s)
- PS 101 - American Government 3 Credit(s)
- HUM - Humanities Elective 3 Credit(s)
Semester 1 Total: 14 Credits
- DHY 101 - Fundamentals of Dental Hygiene 3 Credit(s)
- DHY 110 - Oral Anatomy and Physiology 3 Credit(s)
- DHY 120 - Clinical Techniques 3 Credit(s)
- DEN 112 - Medical and Dental Emergencies 2 Credit(s)
- DT 130 - Fundamentals of Nutrition 3 Credit(s)
Semester 2 Total: 15 Credits
- DHY 111 - Histology and Oral Embryology 3 Credit(s)
- DHY 129 - Clinical Dental Hygiene I - Lecture 2 Credit(s)
- DHY 130 - Clinical Dental Hygiene I - Lab 3 Credit(s)
- DHY 221 - Dental Biomaterials 3 Credit(s)
- DEN 200 - Dental Radiology Theory 2 Credit(s)
- DEN 201 - Dental Radiology Lab 2 Credit(s)
Semester 3 Total: 11 Credits
- DHY 131 - Clinical Dental Hygiene II - Lecture 2 Credit(s)
- DHY 132 - Clinical Dental Hygiene II - Lab 3 Credit(s)
- DHY 211 - Pharmacology 3 Credit(s)
- DHY 213 - Periodontology 2 Credit(s)
- DHY 227 - Radiology II 1 Credit(s)
Semester 4 Total: 16 Credits
- DHY 121 - Oral Pathology 3 Credit(s)
- DHY 209 - Clinical Dental Hygiene III - Lecture 2 Credit(s)
- DHY 210 - Clinical Dental Hygiene III - Lab 5 Credit(s)
- DHY 214 - Local Anesthesia and Pain Management 3 Credit(s)
- DHY 223 - Dental Health Education 3 Credit(s)
Semester 5 Total: 14 Credits
- DHY 231 - Community Dentistry 4 Credit(s)
- DHY 219 - Clinical Dental Hygiene IV - Lecture 2 Credit(s)
- DHY 220 - Clinical Dental Hygiene IV - Lab 5 Credit(s)
- DHY 225 - Management of Special Patients 3 Credit(s)
Semester 6 Total: 13 Credits
- DHY 226 - Advanced Periodontology 1 Credit(s)
- DHY 229 - Clinical Dental Hygiene V - Lecture 2 Credit(s)
- DHY 230 - Clinical Dental Hygiene V - Lab 5 Credit(s)
- DHY 233 - Dental Hygiene Seminar 2 Credit(s)
- ALH 230 - Medical Ethics 3 Credit(s)
Where is WCCCD’s Dental Hygiene Program Offered?
The Dental Hygiene Program is offered at our Northwest Campus. The Northwest campus also offers classes for a certificate in dental assisting and several other certificates and degree programs. As a WCCCD student, you can take prerequisite courses, use facilities, and get involved at any of our six locations.
It is the policy of WCCCD that no person, based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, marital status, disability, or political affiliation or belief, shall be discriminated against, excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination in employment or in any program or activity for which it is responsible or for which it receives financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education.
