GPS Map
Dental Hygiene A.A.S.
Program Available at:
- El Centro
Catalog Year 2023-2024 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 [www.dallascollege.edu/Dental] and your success coach at your 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.
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE 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 success coach to confirm academic and career goals before the end of the semester.
- Meet with your success 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 success coach to confirm academic and career goals before the end of the semester.
- Meet with your success coach research your career options and opportunities for job shadowing.
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Meet with your success coach 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
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Check in with your success coach 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 success coach to update grades and goals.
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Meet with your success 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 success coach for a specific list.
SEMESTER II (Second Year) ACTION ITEMS
- After reviewing your degree plan and program of study, meet with your success coach to apply for the Dental Hygiene A.A.S.
- Sign up for commencement.
- Join the Alumni Network!
Total Hours: 13
DALLAS COLLEGE PATHWAY TOTAL: 68 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS