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Dental Hygiene A.A.S.
Program Available at:
- El Centro
Catalog Year 2021-2022 You may use this pathway if you entered Dallas College on or before this date.
Degree Type Associate of Applied Science
GPA Requirement Student must earn a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
TSI Must be Complete
For more information, visit the Dallas College Dental webpage and your academic advisor at the El Centro Campus.
This is an example course sequence for students interested in pursuing the Dental Hygiene Associate of Applied Science Degree. It does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. Following this pathway will help you earn an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Dental Hygiene. Students must earn at least 25% of the credit hours (15 hours) required for graduation through instruction by Dallas College. See catalog for official degree requirements.
The A.A.S. degree program in Dental Hygiene Program is a two-year, 68 credit hour program leading to the Associate of Applied Science Degree. The program prepares graduates to be eligible to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a regional clinical board to apply for licensure by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners to become a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH). The program is accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA): 211 East Chicago Ave., Suite 1900; Chicago, IL 60611; Telephone: 800-621-8099; website: www.ada.org/en/coda. This program has specific admissions requirements and requires a criminal background check and drug testing. The two-year Dental Hygiene program begins each fall semester in August with a maximum capacity of 20 students. Selection for the program happens through a competitive application process. Refer to the program information packet for application filing deadlines. Courses that complete the degree are noted below. You must earn a grade of “75%" or better in each DHYG course to continue in the program.
SEMESTER-BY-SEMESTER MAP FOR FULL-TIME STUDENTS
All plans can be modified to fit the needs of part-time students. This is not an official degree plan. See catalog for official degree requirements.
AAS DEGREE MINIMUM: 68 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS
PREREQUISITES
BIOL 2401 – Anatomy and Physiology I Prior to registration you must earn a grade of “C" or better in BIOL 1406.
BIOL 2402 – Anatomy and Physiology II Prior to registration you must complete BIOL 2401.
BIOL 2420 – Microbiology for Non-Science Majors Prior to registration you must complete BIOL 1406 or BIOL 2401.
CHOOSE ONE:
- CHEM 1411 – General Chemistry I This is a Core course. Must earn a grade of “C" or better.
- CHEM 1405 – Introductory Chemistry I This is a Core course. Must earn a grade of “C" or better. OR
- CHEM 1406 – Introductory Chemistry I (Allied Health emphasis) This is a Core course. Must earn a grade of “C" or better.
PREREQUISITE SEMESTER ACTION ITEMS
- Meet with your advisor to confirm academic and career goals before the end of the semester.
- Meet with a career advisor or coach to research your career options and opportunities for job shadowing.
Total Hours: 16
SEMESTER I (First Year)
DHYG 1301 – Orofacial Anatomy, Histology and Embryology
DHYG 1304 – Dental Radiology
DHYG 1431 – Preclinical Dental Hygiene
DHYG 1227 – Preventive Dental Hygiene Care
SEMESTER 1 ACTION ITEMS
- Meet with your advisor to confirm academic and career goals before the end of the semester.
- Meet with a career advisor or coach to research your career options and opportunities for job shadowing.
- Meet with your advisor to request an official program of study audit and confirm or update your academic/career path and program of study.
Total Hours: 12
SEMESTER II (First Year)
DHYG 1207 – General and Dental Nutrition
DHYG 1235 – Pharmacology for the Dental Hygienist
DHYG 1261 – Clinical – Dental Hygiene/Hygienist
DHYG 2201 – Dental Hygiene Care I
ENGL 1301 – Composition I This is a Core course. Must earn a grade of “C" or better.
SEMESTER 2 ACTION ITEMS
- Check in with your advisor to update grades and goals.
Total Hours: 11
SUMMER (First Year)
DHYG 1219 – Dental Materials
DHYG 1161 – Clinical – Dental Hygiene/Hygienist
Total Hours: 3
SEMESTER I (Second Year)
DHYG 1239 – General and Oral Pathology
DHYG 1311 – Periodontology
DHYG 2231 – Dental Hygiene Care II
DHYG 2362 – Clinical - Dental Hygiene/Hygienist
CHOOSE ONE:
- SPCH 1311 – Introduction to Speech Communication This is a Core course.
- SPCH 1315 – Public Speaking This is a Core course. OR
- SPCH 1321 – Business and Professional Communication This is a Core course.
SEMESTER I (Second Year) ACTION ITEMS
- Check in with your advisor to update grades and goals.
- Meet with a career advisor or coach for assistance in preparing for job search.
Total Hours: 13
SEMESTER II (Second Year)
DHYG 1315 – Community Dentistry
DHYG 2363 – Clinical – Dental Hygiene/Hygienist This course is the capstone experience for this award.
DHYG 2153 – Dental Hygiene Practice
PSYC 2319 – Social Psychology This is a Core course.
HUMA 1315 – Fine Arts Appreciation* This is a Core course.
* There are several options to fulfill this requirement. See your academic advisor for a specific list.
SEMESTER II (Second Year) ACTION ITEMS
- After reviewing your degree plan and program of study, meet with your advisor to apply for the Dental Hygiene A.A.S.
- Sign up for commencement.
- Join the Alumni Network!
Total Hours: 13
PATHWAY TOTAL: 68 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS