Dental Hygiene
Associate of Applied Science Degree

Advisor: Kim Woloszyn, Gail Staples, Linda Wing & Dr. Bonnie Lederman

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The Dental Hygienist is a licensed professional member of the healthcare team who integrates the roles of educator, consumer advocate, practitioner, manager and researcher to support total health through the promotion of oral health and wellness. The focus of dental hygiene is on preventing and treating oral disease.

Upon receipt of the Associate of Applied Science Degree, successful completion of the National Dental Hygiene Board Examination is required. The graduate will also need to obtain a license for the state he/she wishes to practice in by successfully completing a regional practical examination (WREB). The dental hygienist must practice in accordance with the requirements of the individual state practice acts and abide by requirements to maintain licensure.

Outcomes - Graduates are prepared to:

• Formulate comprehensive oral hygiene care plans that are patient centered and based on current scientific evidence;
  
  
• Employ professional judgment and critical thinking to identify, assess, analyze, and creatively address situations in a safe and ethical manner;
  
  
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills through verbal and written communication;
  
  
• Demonstrate leadership skills and provide service to the community through health promotion activities and education;
  
  
• Apply the concepts of oral health prevention and promotion to improve overall wellness;
  
  
• Provide safe and competent dental care to individuals of any age;
  
  
• Demonstrate appropriate cultural, legal, ethical and professional values at all times;
  
  
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals; and
  
  
• Practice within the standards established by the profession and identify parameters of accountability.
  
  

Estimated Resident Program Cost:

Tuition and Fees	$8999
Application Fee	$30
Lab Fees $125/semester	$625
Books/Supplies/Instruments	$4000
TOTAL:	$13,654

Students will be required to purchase dental instruments, supplies, uniforms and may also be required to provide transportation to clinical sites and lodging costs depending on the clinical sites selected.

The MSU-Great Falls College of Technology’s Dental Hygiene Program is a limited enrollment program, accepting 14 students each year. Interested students are urged to contact the Admissions Office and the Dental Hygiene Program Advisors for student advising specific to admission requirements and criteria for program acceptance.

Prerequisite Courses

Course	No.	Title	Credits
BIO	213**	Anatomy & Physiology I/Lab	4+
BIO	214*	Anatomy & Physiology II/Lab	4+
BIO	280*	Microbiology & Communicable Diseases	4+
ENGL	121**	Composition I	3+
MATH	130**	Precalculus Algebra OR
MATH	150**	Math for Liberal Arts OR
MATH	161**	Algebra w/ Science Applications	3/4+
CHM	111*	Inorganic Chemistry/Lab OR
CHM	131 & 132*	Gen Chemistry I & II with Labs	4/8+
		SUBTOTAL	22/27

All prerequisite courses and dental hygiene program application must be completed by May 31st of the year prior to applying for enrollment into program.

A grade of “C-” or above must be achieved in all courses to advance in the program and to graduate.

 

Fall Semester 1

Course	No.	Title	Credits
DH	101	Intro to Dental Hyg/Preclinic	2+
DH	102	Intro to Dental Hyg/Preclinic Lab	2+
DH	111	Infect Control & Disease Prevention	2+
DH	118	Oral Anatomy for Hygienists	3+
DH	122	Oral Radiology /Lab	3+
		SUBTOTAL	12

 

Spring Semester 1

Course	No.	Title	Credits
AH	140*	Pharmacology	2+
DH	150	Clinical Dent Hyg Theory I	2+
DH	151	Clinical Dent Hyg Practice I	4+
DH	160	Periodontology I	3+
DH	165	Oral Histology & Embryology	2+
DH	123*	Radiographic Interpretation	1+
DH	240	Local Anesthesia/Nitrous Oxide Theory & Lab	2+
		SUBTOTAL	16

 

Summer Semester

Course	No.	Title	Credits
DH	220	Dental Nutrition Health	3+
DH	201	Periodontology II	2+
DH	210	Clinical Dent Hyg Theory II	2+
DH	211	Clinical Dent Hyg Practice II	4+
		SUBTOTAL	11

 

Fall Semester 2

Course	No.	Title	Credits
COMM	130	Public Speaking OR
COMM	135	Interpersonal Communication	3+
DH	130	Dental Materials	2+
DH	215	General and Oral Pathology	3+
DH	241	Gerontology & Special Needs Patients	2+
DH	250	Clinical Dent Hyg Theory III	1+
DH	251	Clinical Dent Hyg Practice III	5+
		SUBTOTAL	16

Spring Semester 2

Course	No.	Title	Credits
DH	230	Community Dental Health and Education	2+
DH	235	Professional Issues & Ethics in Dental Practice	2+
DH	280	Clinical Dent Hyg Theory IV	1+
DH	281	Clinical Dent Hyg Practice IV	5+
PSY	101	General Psychology OR
PSY	109	Lifespan Development	3+
SOC	111	Introduction to Sociology	3+
		SUBTOTAL	16

Total Program Credits: 93-98~

~ Many students need preliminary math and English courses before enrolling in the program requirements. These courses may increase the total number of program credits. Students should review their math and English placement before planning out their full program schedules.

+ A grade of "C-" or above required for graduation
* Indicates prerequisites needed
** Placement in course(s) is determined by placement assessment