Associate in Applied Science in Dental Hygiene

Division of Nursing & Allied Health – Curriculum Code: 2108

A Joint Admissions Program with the University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ

Will Earn Upon Program Completion: Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree

(Also see General Science A.S. Degree Program)

Why major in Dental Hygiene?

The associate’s degree program, offered jointly by Essex County College and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, prepares an individual for a career as a registered dental hygienist. Dental hygienists perform services that detect, prevent, and treat diseases of the mouth under the supervision of a dentist. The program is accredited by the American Dental Association/Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Graduates are qualified to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and the North Eastern Regional Board examinations to secure a license to practice. Dental hygienists can obtain employment in private dental offices, community and school health education programs, hospital dental clinics, and private industrial employee clinics.

If I major in Dental Hygiene, can I transfer to an upper-division college or university?

Although the major is job-oriented, most courses will transfer in the Bachelor of Science in Health Science degree program with the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and Thomas Edison State College (TESC).

Are there any requirements I must satisfy before I start taking courses in my major?

Admission into the professional component of the program is selective. The application deadline is May 1 for enrollment in the following spring semester. Each student must meet with a program advisor prior to submission of an application. The following are the minimum requirements for admission:

• Be at college level in reading, English, and mathematics, which may require the completion of developmental courses based on placement test scores.
• Complete a 34-credit pre-professional component of general education courses and basic science courses with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
• Attain a grade of “C” or above in each of the following prerequisite courses: BIO 121, BIO 122, BIO 211, CHM 101, ENG 101, and PSY 101 with a minimum GPA of 2.75 or higher for these courses.

How long will it take for me to complete this degree?

If you do not need developmental course work and have completed the pre-requisite courses for admission, you can complete the professional phase of the program in two academic semesters if you register for an average of 13 credits each semester. It is important to note that some courses may be web-based and, as such, may require students to have a computer and internet access.

Where should I direct specific questions about this program?

Call the Division at (973) 877-1868/3246.

Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

• Perform the following duties: prophylaxis (clean teeth); administer fluoride; provide patient education and nutritional counseling; expose, process, and mount radiographs; examine head, neck, and oral areas for disease; fabricate mouth guards; polish amalgam resorations; work as a member of the dental health care team; and administer local anesthesia;
• Exhibit competency as clinicians through demonstrated performance on the North East Regional Board Dental Hygiene Examination and the National Board Examination and feedback from employers’ surveys;
• Assume responsibility for health promotion and disease prevention for individuals and communities through participation in multiple dental health education projects;
• Perform multiple, advanced-level dental auxiliary functions as defined in the New Jersey State Dental Practice Act program goals;
• Obtain the RDH license;
• Demonstrate professional development through membership in the Student American Dental Hygienists’ Association and through participation in related activities; andDisplay professionalism in the delivery of comprehensive dental health care.

• Prepare individuals for employment as dental hygienists;
• Determine student satisfaction with their educational program; and
• Assess patient satisfaction with treatment service provided by students through data collection via the patient satisfaction survey.

NOTES:
(1) The two General Education Integrated Course Goals, Ethical Reasoning & Action and Information Literacy, are both addressed by the required curriculum described above.
(2) This plan assumes the completion of all required developmental courses in reading, writing, and mathematics as well as other pre- and co-requisites for some of the courses, as listed in the Course Descriptions section.