Dental Hygiene, AAS

Required Course(s)

Total Credits Required to Complete this AAS Degree - 73

Fixed Costs

Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$143.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs

Approximate total for the program: $19,264*

* Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.

The Dental Hygiene program utilizes a background check service, www.certifiedbackground.com, to conduct criminal
background/abuse checks and to track immunizations, health records and CPR certification for each student after their
acceptance into the program. Students are responsible for the cost of this service (approximately $58).

What Kind of Work Will You Do?

• Collect data, organize information, and develop patient care plan for dental hygiene services.
• Counsel patients in areas of prevention and treatment of dental diseases.
• Provide direct patient services such as removal of stains and deposits from teeth, radiographs, fluoride, sealants and local anesthetic administration under the supervision of a dentist.
• Keep accurate patient records.
• Design and implement dental health education programs in community settings.
• Provide oral health education and preventive care in public healthcare settings.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?

• Participate in continuing education activities to promote lifelong learning.
• Use empathy and understanding when relating to people with varied socioeconomic backgrounds and health status.
• Make decisions and work cooperatively with members of the dental team and allied health community.
• Demonstrate leadership skills through student organizations and professional association activities.
• Communicate effectively with persons of diverse backgrounds in a variety of treatment settings.
• Ability to be a self-starter and initiate and complete tasks under general supervision.
• Basic computer skills.

What Else Should I Consider about this Program or Career Choice?

• Centers for Disease Control and the Healthcare Infection Control Advisory Committee’s Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care settings-2003 is applied in all aspects of delivery of care and is available upon request.
• Medical/Dental examinations and immunizations are required.
• Take general education and basic science courses prior to program entry.
• Be aware that program costs are higher in the first and last terms.
• Students should not work more than 16 hours per week, as homework and required activities are demanding.
• Plan ahead to avoid conflicts between personal responsibilities and program demands. A support system is essential.
• Current CPR certification is required prior to program entry and must be maintained for the remainder of the program. (American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers program or Red Cross for Professional Rescuer.)
• Baccalaureate degree completion in dental hygiene is available at four-year colleges that offer dental hygiene completion and accept DMACC transfer credit.
• Applicants for licensure are asked if they have ever been charged, convicted, found guilty of, or entered a plea of guilty or no contest to a felony or misdemeanor crime. A prior criminal history, activity or record can be grounds for license or registration denial. Also, habitual use of drugs or intoxicants, or habitual intoxication or addiction to drugs can also be grounds for license or registration denial.
• Average Starting Salary $48,542 based on 36-hour week (2010-2011 Placement Report).

Nondiscrimination Policy

Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in or allow discrimination covered by law. This includes harassment based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy and marital status), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability and genetic information. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law. Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Campus Provost’s office, the Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. For information about the ADA, the Section 504/ADA Coordinator can be contacted at 515-964-6857. For Title IX questions and concerns contact 515-964-6850.