Dental Hygiene: A.A.S.

Associate in Applied Science

CIP CODE: 5203.00

The Dental Hygiene curriculum is designed to prepare students for contemporary practice of dental hygiene. The curriculum emphasizes the fundamental knowledge necessary for practice in a private dental office or similar clinical setting under the supervision of a dentist.

The dental hygienist performs various preventive services, such as dental prophylaxis, topical fluoride applications, dental sealants, dental radiographs, instruction in plaque control procedures and experience with computerized dental office management systems. Successful completion of this curriculum permits one to take the required written and practical licensure examinations.

Students who wish to pursue a career as a dental hygienist in public health, health management, health education or dental hygiene education are encouraged to transfer to a baccalaureate program after graduation.

According to the 2014 Bureau of Labor statistics, the National Dental Hygiene wage average was $71,970 and the New York State average was $69,120. By the year 2022, the national employment trend is expected to increase by 33%. SUNY Broome graduates meeting state and national licensing requirements are employed within six months of graduation.

In addition to textbooks, students are also expected to purchase numerous clinical supplies and malpractice insurance for clinical practice. Students are also required to complete the Dental Hygiene Department Freshman Orientation Manual requirements prior to admittance in the fall DH courses.

Individuals who self-disclose the presence of a blood-borne infectious disease will be shown the same consideration as non-infected individuals and will be offered reasonable accommodations. All information regarding the health status on an individual is considered confidential, and protected by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1994.

The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, a specialized accreditating body recognized by the Council on Post-Secondary Accreditation and by the United States Department of Education.

Pre-requsite requirements and/or academic preparation for admissions:

Math Level 2: Regents Course 1 and II
                                                    or
                     Applied Math I, II, III
                                                    or
                     Algebra I and Geometry
                                                    or
                     Equivalent (minimum grade 74)
Regents Biology or
Applied Science I and II
or
Equivalent (minimum grade 74)
Chemistry or
Equivalent (minimum grade 74)

Recommended High School subjects: College Preparatory Courses

Program supervised by:
Maureen Mullins Hankin, Chairperson
Office: Decker Health Science Center, Room 217
Telephone: 607 778-5149
E-mail: hankinmr@sunybroome.edu

FIRST YEAR

Fall Semester 16 Credits

Spring Semester 18 Credits

SECOND YEAR

Fall Semester 19.5 Credits

Spring Semester 16.5 Credits

GRADUATION REQUIREMENT: 70 CREDITS

Notes:

DEN 110 Dental Materials and DEN 213 Community Dental Health each count as one “Writing Emphasis” (W) course. A total of two “Writing Emphasis” courses are required for the A.A.S. DH Degree.

Students are required to complete a course in CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation) before entering the dental hygiene program. Students must also be re-certified before entering the third semester. The department strongly recommends that the student have a vaccination against Hepatitis B and an eye exam prior to beginning the program. Students must complete the DEN course sequence three (3) years from the start of the first required professional DEN course.

All required science courses in the Dental Hygiene program must be completed during the program or may be completed prior to starting the program. Science courses completed prior to the program entrance, must be completed no more than five years prior to program entry. Fully online science courses are not eligible to meet the program’s following science requirements:

BIO 131: Anatomy & Physiology I - 4 cr
BIO 132: Anatomy & Physiology II - 4 cr
CLT 208: Pathogenic Microbiology - 3 cr
CLT 209L: Pathogenic Microbiology Laboratory - 1 cr

All courses taken to meet the above science requirements MUST include an on-ground laboratory component.

Each course in the 70 credit curriculum must be passed with a “C” letter grade or better. If student has required program coursework in-process while being admitted into the program (e.g., and require science course, ENG 110/220, PSY 110, or sociology course), that required coursework must be passed with a letter grade of “C” or better in order for the student to commence and DEN designated courses. Failing in-process coursework during the admissions process and prior to the commencement of the semester, may interrupt the student’s ability to begin the program on time and may result in the student begin the dental hygiene program on probation.

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