Associate of Applied Science: Dental Hygienist

Student dental hygienists focus on the assessment, control, and prevention of dental disease. They learn to inspect the mouth and remove deposits and stains from teeth. They are trained to expose and process dental x-rays and counsel patients in preventive dental care. They work as members of a dental health team. Graduates find employment in public and private dental practices, overseas, hospitals, research, and community dental health facilities. Students are prepared to take national and regional practical examinations required for licensure. Students are also prepared to take licensure examinations for the state(s) of their choice.

Associate Degree Program Awarded by Northcentral Technical College (NTC) Wausau, Wisconsin

Locations: Wausau, Wisconsin and Colby, Kansas.

Program Description

Colby Community College is in partnership with Northcentral Technical College in Wausau, WI. Northcentral Technical College is accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation. Northcentral Technical College has been authorized by the Kansas Board of Regents to award the AAS Dental Hygienist Degree.

Programs Graduate Goals/Outcomes

The graduate of the Dental Hygiene program will:
1. Meet the dental health needs of individuals and groups.
2. Customize and proceed with emergency care protocol based on recognizing symptoms of medical/dental emergencies.
3. Utilize most current infection control guidelines and safety precautions in all laboratory, clinical, and rotation settings.
4. Apply principles of dental practice management as a member of a dental health team.
5. Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior in all roles as a dental hygienist.

Program Entry

Students apply for admission to this program by contacting the CCC Program Liaison. Application for admission should be made to both Colby Community College and Northcentral Technical College Wausau, Wisconsin.
For a complete guide to program entry including the forms, please visit our Dental Hygiene Program Entry webpage.

Program requirements students MUST meet before entering the program:

• Complete **Anatomy & Physiology and **Microbiology PRIOR to starting the program (Note: You may apply for entrance into the program before completing these classes).
• Take Chemistry (Two semesters of high school work or one semester of postsecondary work in Chemistry with a grade of “C” or better.)
• Take the ACT tests and meet the programs minimum requirements. (Note: ACT scores are not required from applicants with an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree.)

Program Liaison: Bobette Maier (CCC) 785-460-5449

Personal Traits

• Enjoys working with a wide variety of people
• Is detail-oriented with good organizational skills
• Has strong reading and problem-solving skills
• Has computer knowledge to complete some program assignments

Curriculum

*Lecture only.  Originates from NTC

+ NTC requirement = 4 hours; CCC course hours may differ.

Northcentral Technical College Associate of Applied Science: Dental Hygienist

*This program requires selective admission by Wausau and Colby.

The Dental Hygienist Program prepares the graduate to become a member of a dental health team, working under
the supervision of a dentist. Student hygienists study ways to control and prevent dental disease. They learn to inspect the mouth and remove deposits and stains from teeth. They are trained to expose and process dental x-rays and counsel patients in preventive dental care.  Students are prepared to take national written and regional practical examinations required for licensure.