Dental Hygiene
Are you looking for a career in Dental Hygiene?
The Dental Hygiene program is a sequence of courses that repares students for positions in the dental
profession. Learning pportunities develop academic, technical, and professional knowledge and skills
required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. Registered dental hygienists work in a variety
of professional settings. The public is most familiar with dental hygienists in the private dental office,
where they perform numerous critical services designed to detect and prevent diseases of the mouth.
These include oral prophylaxis; examining the head, neck, and oral areas for signs of disease; educating
patients about oral hygiene; taking or developing radiographs; and applying fluoride or sealants. In this
setting, registered dental hygienists play a vital role in protecting the oral health of the American public.
Program graduates receive an Associate of Applied Science degree in Dental Hygiene. WGTC’s Dental Hygiene Program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, 211 East Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60611-2678, 312.440.7494, www.ada.org. This enables graduates to take any regional or state board in the nation.
NOTE: Only one class is accepted into the Dental Hygiene program each year, beginning summer quarter.
The dental hygienist is a licensed health care professional that, as co-therapist with the dentist and dental assistant, provides educational and therapeutic services for the control and prevention of oral diseases. Clinical job functions vary according to State law. Graduates of the dental hygiene program must pass both a National and Regional Board examination to be licensed to practice in the State of Georgia. Regional and/or State exams are also offered in other parts of the country and are taken in the region of the country where the dental hygienist decides to practice.
Most dental hygienists work as part of a dental team in private dental practices. Other employment opportunities exist in Health Management Organizations, hospitals, military bases, and community clinics. Further career choices include working for dental supply companies, dental product or pharmaceutical companies, various government agencies or insurance companies. Many dental hygienists continue their education and complete advanced degrees that will allow them to teach dental hygiene or dental assisting, or become dental practice consultants, researchers, editors, dentists or professional writers.
We
have the faculty,
the resources,
the courses and the support to help you succeed. And, you
may qualify for financial aid assistance.
Associate of Applied Science Degree:
Associate Degree General Education Requirements
If you have questions
about WGTC’s Dental Hygiene Program,