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If you are an alumni of the RVC Dental Hygiene program, please take a moment to fill out the short survey by clicking the alumni survey link below.
If you are an employer who employs a graduate of our program, please click the "employer survey" link below and complete that short survey. These surveys are extremely valuable for program assessment. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts.
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Degree conferred: Associate in Applied Science – 81 credits
Limited transferability
Program contact: Dental Hygiene program office, (815) 921-3235
Location: RVC Stenstrom Center for Career Education (4151 Samuelson Rd- next to Jefferson H.S.)
Graduates of this program have acquired skills to provide care that supports optimal oral health, including educational, clinical, and therapeutic services. Skills are mastered through classroom, laboratory, and clinical experiences to provide well-rounded career preparation.
A career in dental hygiene offers opportunities in multiple settings. Hygienists are part of a dental health team, working under the direction of a licensed dentist. Dental hygienists can work in private dental offices, where they perform many critical services that detect, prevent, and treat diseases. They also work in hospitals or nursing homes, extended care facilities, schools, correctional facilities, health maintenance organizations, and other settings, including higher education institutions where they serve as faculty members.
Graduates are eligible to take board exams that lead to state licensure. The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) under the auspices of the American Dental Association (ADA).
Admission is selective and competitive. Prerequisite course work in chemistry, biology, and mathematics is required. Application to the program involves advance planning to ensure the right prerequisites are taken. The Dental Hygiene program holds information sessions that cover prerequisites and other important information. Attendance of a session is required to receive an application packet for the program. For details on information sessions, call the Dental Hygiene program office at (815) 921-3235.
Admission to the Dental Hygiene program is by one of two categories, high school graduate or college transfer student. The high school graduate criteria are for applicants who have completed all of the program’s prerequisite courses while in high school and who have not taken any other college course work prior to applying for the program. The college transfer criteria are for applicants who have taken college-level coursework since graduating high school. Applicants are reviewed for admission based on the following criteria:
1. High school graduate criteria:
a. Graduation from a recognized high school with a grade average of 2.5 or better (on a 4.0 scale).
b. ACT requirement: Students requesting application to the program with no previous college credits (less than 15 credit hours) must submit ACT scores. A minimum composite score of 19 on the ACT is required for review of the application.
c. The following college-level prerequisites must be completed no later than the end of the summer semester prior to starting the program in the fall: BIO 281, CHM 120 or CHM 110 and CHM 210, ENG 101 and ENG 103.
2. College transfer student criteria:
a. Post-secondary credit hours: Completion of 15 semester hours of college credit with a college grade point average of 2.5 or better (on a 4.0 scale).
b. Prerequisite course GPA: Completion of eight semester hours of college credit in biology with a grade point average of 2.5 or better (on a 4.0 scale). Approved courses in biology include: Biology 281, Biology 282, and Biology 274 or an equivalent course as approved by Rock Valley College.
3. Chemistry requirement: CHM 120 or CHM 110 and CHM 210 at Rock Valley College, or its equivalent, with at least a minimum grade of “C.”
4. Math requirement: Completion of one year of high school algebra with at least a minimum grade of “C” or completion of Math 092 or as required to meet CHM prerequisite at Rock Valley College, or its equivalent, with at least a minimum grade of “C.”
5. English requirement: English 101 at Rock Valley College, or its equivalent with at least a minimum grade of “C.”
6. Placement scores: Completion of the Rock Valley College placement tests in math, English, and reading with satisfactory scores.
7. Dental Hygiene observation: Observation of a dental hygienist, in a dental office for four hours. Documentation should by on official professional letterhead stationary and mailed directly to the Dental Hygiene Program from the dentist office. In addition, you will also be required to spend 4 consecutive hours observing in the RVC Dental Hygiene Clinic.
8. Dental Hygiene information session: Applicants must attend an information session on the Dental Hygiene program, one hour in length within 18 months of the February 15th deadline for applying for admission. This session is by appointment only and must be completed prior to the application deadline for the term of admission.
Contact the Dental Hygiene program office, (815) 921-3235, to attend an information session or schedule an RVC observation.
Application requirements
Admission to the Dental Hygiene program requires that applicants submit the following:
1. Enrollment Information Form for Rock Valley College.
2. Official application for Allied Health Careers, Dental Hygiene.
3. High school transcripts or GED scores.
4. Official transcripts from colleges attended other than RVC.
5. Official ACT scores. (High school graduate criteria only)
6. Documentation of dental hygiene observation submitted on official letterhead.
All documentation, transcripts, dental hygiene observation, and test scores must be mailed directly to the college from the official agency or college.
The following policies will be followed in reviewing all applicants for admission to the Dental Hygiene program.
1. A completed application and other required documents must be submitted to the Dental Hygiene program office on or before February 15 in order for an applicant to be considered for the next fall term. The Dental Hygiene office will stamp all application materials with the date of receipt. Only completed applications are reviewed for admission. Students are notified of admission within 10 weeks of the admission deadline.
2. The Dental Hygiene Standards Committee reviews all applications where the applicant meets admission requirements. Selection for admission to the Dental Hygiene program is competitive and is based upon the Criteria for Admission to the Dental Hygiene program. Admission criteria are weighted with preference given to the following:
a. ACT score of 21 or above. (High school graduate criteria only)
b. Grade point average of 3.0 or above in biology courses.
c. Grade of “B” or higher in English 101 and CM 110/210.
d. Number of courses completed in the general education requirements for the program including Speech 131, Psychology 170, Sociology 190, and English 103.
3. All courses required for the Dental Hygiene program must be completed with a grade of “AC” or better to be admitted to the program. Course requirements in the sciences will only be accepted for meeting program requirements if completed within five years of the first term of enrollment in the Dental Hygiene program.
4. Cooperative Community Colleges: Qualified applicants who are residents in a district with a cooperative agreement with Rock Valley College are admitted to the program. Admission slots for the cooperating institutions are determined by a review of open dental hygiene positions in the northern Illinois region.
5. Re-application: Applicants reviewed and not admitted to the program for one starting class are responsible for reactivating and updating their application file for subsequent starting classes. Only an applicant who returns a signed Letter of Intent form will be considered for admission in the following year.
6. Advance placement: Students requesting admission as an advance placement will be considered for admission as space is available in the program. Advance placement students are reviewed on the basis of the following criteria:
a. The American Dental Association Commission on Accreditation accredits the previous program attended.
b. The student GA in all dental hygiene courses previously completed is 3.0 or better.
c. Previous enrollment is not more than three years from the date of anticipated enrollment in the Rock Valley College Dental Hygiene program.
d. Course work received in transfer is evaluated as equivalent to Rock Valley College Dental Hygiene courses. Validation of previous didactic and clinical course work may be required.
Students are required to earn at least a minimum grade of “C” in each course in the Dental Hygiene program of study.
Failure to do so will prevent a student from taking later courses in the program or from graduating.
Dental Hygiene Course Requirements: (54 credits)
* DNT 102 Preventive Dental Hygiene (1)
* DNT 104 Dental Anatomy, Histology and Embryology (3)
* DNT 106 Head and Neck Anatomy (3)
* DNT 108 Pre-Clinical Dental Hygiene (4)
* DNT 110 Nutrition and Biochemistry (2)
* DNT 112 Clinical Dental Hygiene I (2)
* DNT 113 Dental Hygiene Theory I (2)
* DNT 114 General and Oral Pathology (3)
* DNT 116 Dental Radiology (3)
* DNT 118 Pharmacology (2)
* DNT 120 Introduction to Periodontal I (2)
* DNT 210 Dental Materials (3)
* DNT 212 Clinical Interim (2)
* DNT 213 Introduction to Dental Hygiene Research (1)
* DNT 214 Periodontal II (2)
* DNT 215 Pain Management in Dental Hygiene Practice (3)
* DNT 216 Clinical Dental Hygiene II (4)
* DNT 217 Dental Hygiene Theory II (1)
* DNT 218 Dental Ethics, Jurisprudence and Practice Management (2)
* DNT 220 Community Dental Health (3)
* DNT 224 Clinical Dental Hygiene III (4)
* DNT 225 Dental Hygiene Theory III (2)
General Education Course Requirements: (27 credits)
* BIO 281 Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4)
* ENG 103 Composition II (3)
* BIO 282 Human Anatomy and Physiology II (4)
* BIO 274 Microbiology (4)
* SPH 131 Fundamentals of Communication (3)
* SOC 190 Introduction to Sociology (3)
* PSY 170 General Psychology (3)
Electives: Select 3 credits from Humanities.
*Course has a prerequisite--refer to course descriptions below
Cooperative community colleges are Highland Community College, Illinois Valley Community College, Kishwaukee College, McHenry County College, Sauk Valley College, Elgin Community College and Blackhawk Technical College.
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DNT-102
Preventive Dental Hygiene IAI: None Preventive Dental Hygiene provides introduction to the causes and prevention of the two most common dental diseases: Dental caries and periodontal disease. Students learn to assess client needs and to provide education that will help the client to maintain or enhance oral health. Prerequisite: BIO 281,CHM 110/210; ENG 101, ENG 103. Must receive admission into the Dental Hygiene program. Credit: 1 semester hour Lecture: 1 Lab: 0
DNT-104
Dental Anatomy, Histology, Embryology IAI: None Dental Anatomy introduces the students to terminology relating to anatomic structures of the oral cavity. Special emphasis is placed on the teeth and root morphology of both primary and permanent teeth and occlusal classification. Prerequisite: Admission into the Dental Hygiene program. BIO 281, CHM 110/210, ENG 101 and 103. Credit: 3 semester hours Lecture: 3 Lab: 0
DNT-106
Head and Neck Anatomy IAI: None Head and Neck Anatomy will provide the students with an introduction to human histology and orofacial embryology. The course includes special emphasis of the anatomy of the tissues of the oral cavity, head and neck, with detailed study of the skeletal, muscular, glandular, circulatory, nervous and epithelial structures. Prerequisite: Admission into the Dental Hygiene program. BIO 281, CHM 110/210, ENG 101 and 103. Credit: 3 semester hours Lecture: 3 Lab: 0
DNT-108
Pre-Clinical Dental Hygiene IAI: None Pre-Clinical Dental Hygiene provides the student with the scientific principles of dental hygiene practice with emphasis on data collection, client assessment, oral health education, and basic instrumentation. Practice of infection control standards and regulations are an integral component. Prerequisite: Admission into the Dental Hygiene program and BIO 281, CHM 110/210, ENG 101 and 103. Credit: 4 semester hours Lecture:2 Lab: 6
DNT-110
Nutrition and Biochemistry IAI : None 1.2 Nutrition and Biochemistry will provide the student with an understanding of how to apply sound nutrition principles in assessing, diagnosing, planning, implementing, and evaluating total care of clients, and to help the student contribute to the nutritional well-being of clients. Prerequisite: Admission into the Dental Hygiene program. BIO 281, CHM 110/210, ENG 101 and 103. Credit: 2 semester hours Lecture: 2 Lab: 0
DNT-112
Clinical Dental Hygiene I IAI: None Clinical Dental Hygiene I parallels DNT 113 Dental Hygiene Theory I. This course is a continuation of DNT 108 Pre-Clinical Dental Hygiene. The course will provide clinical practice in fundamental dental hygiene instrumentation skills on community clients. This course emphasizes client assessment, application of dental hygiene care techniques, instrumentation, oral health products, client motivation and education techniques, and dental hygiene care planning. Prerequisite: DNT 102, 104, 106, 108, and 110 Concurrent: DNT 113, 114, 116, 118, 120 Credit: 2 semester hours Lecture: 0 Lab: 8
DNT-113
Dental Hygiene Theory I IAI: None PCS: Denatl Hygiene Theory I parallels DNT 115 Dental Hygiene Lab I. Emphasis will be on the Dental Hygiene Process of care and management of clients. Topics include desensitizing agents, ultrasonics, air polishers, intro-oral cameras, instrument sharpening, stains and polishing. Prerequisite: DNT 102, DNT 104, DNT 106, DNT 108, DNT 110 Corequisites: DNT 112, DNT 113, DNT 114, DNT 115, DNT 116, DNT 117, DNT 118, DNT 120 Credit: 1 semester hour Lecture: 1 Lab: 0
DNT-114
General and Oral Pathology IAI: None General and Oral Pathology provides students with an introduction to the role of the Dental Hygienist in identifying and describing abnormal oral findings. The course focus is on the fundamentals of the general and oral pathological processes, to better prepare the student to provide optimal oral health care. Prerequisite: Consent of the Dental Hygiene Coordinator. Credit: 3 semester hours Lecture: 3 Lab: 0
DNT-115
Dental Hygiene Lab I IAI: None PCS: Dental Hygiene Lab I parallets DNT 113-Dental Hygiene Theory I. Supervised practical application of theory includes: oral hygiene instruction, desensitizing agents, subgingival irrigation, fluoride treatment, ultrasonics, air polishers, intra-oral cameras, instrument sharpening, coronal polishing. New technologies that may enhance dental hygiene care will be explored. This lab will allow students to practice these skills in order to prepare the students for clinical application. Prerequisite: DNT 102, 104, 106, 108, 110 Corequisites: DNT 112, 113, 114, 116, 117, 118, 120 Credit: 1 semester hour Lecture: 0 Lab: 2
DNT-116
Dental Radiology Theory IAI: None PCS: Dental Radiology Theory will provide the student with the theory and procedures for exposing and developing various dental films. Radiation physics, characteristics and radiation biology and protection will be addressed. Radiation equipment, dental film and processing, and Intra and Extra-oral radiographic techniques along with radiographic interpretation will be emphasized. Prerequisite: DNT 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, and BIO 282 Corequisites: DNT 112, 113, 114, 115, 117, 118, 120 Credit: 2 semester hours Lecture: 2 Lab: 0
DNT-117
Dental Radiology Lab IAI: None PCS: Dental Radiology Lab will provide the student with the procedures for exposing and developing various dental films, including extra and intraoral techniques. Infection control and safety factors will be addressed. Film duplication, techniques for special needs clients and other supplemental techniques are included. Practical experience on manikins and selected clients is included. Prerequisite: DNT 102, 104, 106, 108, 110 and BIO 282 Corequisites: DNT 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 118 and 120 Credit: 1 semester hours Lecture: 0 Lab: 3
DNT-118
Dental Pharmacology IAI: None Dental Pharmacology provides the student with knowledge of current drugs, including their pharmacological effects, adverse reactions, indications and contraindications as they relate to patient history and dental hygiene treatment. The course also focuses on the fundamental pharmaceutical concepts of local anesthetic. Prerequisite: DNT 102, 104, 106, 110 and BIO 282, and consent of program coordinator. Credit: 2 semester hours Lecture: 2 Lab: 0
DNT-120
Introduction to Periodontics I IAI: None Introduction to Periodontics I will introduce the student to the fundamental theories of periodontics. The course reviews basic histology, etiology, clinical features, and treatment of periodontics. The course reviews basic histology, etiology, clinical features, and treatment of periodontal infections; emphasizes diagnosis, treatment planning and management of periodontal patients. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first semester dental hygiene courses and consent of the coordinator. Credit: 2 semester hours Lecture: 2 Lab: 0
DNT-210
Dental Materials Theory IAI: None Dental Materials Theory provides an introduction to the use of dental materials used in the practice of dentistry. This course will present the properties of amalgams, gypsum, impression materials, sealants and other dental materials. Students will be prepared to apply theory to manipulate various dental materials and to educate patients on proper maintenance of restorations. Prerequisite: DNT 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 120 Corequisite: DNT 211, 212 and 213 Credit: 2 semester hours Lecture: 2 Lab: 0
DNT-211
Dental Materials Lab IAI: None
DNT-212
Clinical Interim IAI: None Clinical Interim provides the continuation of clinical practice and management in oral prophylaxis on the child, young adult, and adult client applying consistent infection control and client assessment and analysis. Preventive techniques and exposing of radiographs is also included. Credit: 2 semester hours Lecture: 0 Lab: 6
DNT-213
Introduction to Dental Hygiene Research IAI: None Introduction to Dental Hygiene Research provides the fundamental skills to review and interpret dental scientific literature. The course includes an introduction to research methodologies and statistical analysis, and includes research on the Internet. Prerequisite: DNT 112, 113, 114, 118, 120 Concurrent: DNT 210, 212 Credit: 1 semester hour Lecture: 1 Lab: 0
DNT-214
Periodontics II IAI: None Periodontics II is a continuation of DNT 120. Course content includes additional knowledge required to diagnose and treat periodontal diseases, clinical management of the periodontium and adjunctive therapies relevant to the maintenance of periodontal health. Emphasis is placed on the differential diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease. Surgical and post-surgical topics will also be covered in the course. Prerequisite: Successful completion of DNT 120 and consent from the program coordinator. Credit: 2 semester hours Lecture: 2 Lab: 0
DNT-215
Pain Management Dental Hygiene Practice IAI: None Pain Management in Dental Hygiene Practice is a continuation of DNT 212, 213, and parallels DNT 216. It will enable the student to complete comprehensive dental hygiene treatment including pain management. Prerequisite: DNT 210, 212, 213 Concurrent: DNT 214, 216, 217 Credit: 3 semester hours Lecture: 2 Lab: 2
DNT-216
Clinical Dental Hygiene II IAI: None Clinical Dental Hygiene II is a continuation of DNT 112, 212 and coincides with course DNT 217. The course will provide clinical practice and management in oral prophylaxis on the adult and periodontally involved client. Periodontal and preventive techniques and exposing of radiographs is also included. Prerequisite: DNT 210, 212, 213 Concurrent: DNT 217, 214 Credit: 4 semester hours Lecture: 0 Lab: 0
DNT-217
Dental Hygiene Theory II IAI: None Dental Hygiene Clinic Review II parallels DNT 216 Clinical Dental Hygiene. Topics include desensitizing agents, ultrasonics, air polishers, intra-oral cameras, and emergencies that may occur in the dental setting. In depth discussion of these concepts and application of these skills will be practiced in order to prepare the student for clinical experiences. Prequisites: DNT 210, 212, 213 Concurrent: DNT 214, 216
DNT-218
Dental Ethics, Jurisprudence & Practice IAI: None Dental Ethics, Jurisprudence and Practice Management provides the student with the skills needed for successful clinic practice management. Emphasis is placed on professional relationships and the various roles dental hygienists encounter in the various dental specialties. The course focus also includes ethical and legal obligations by the dental professionals to the community and public it serves. Prerequisite: DNT 210, 212, and 213 Corequisite: DNT 216 Credit: 2 semester hours Lecture: 2 Lab: 0
DNT-220
Community Dental Health IAI: None Community Dental Health focuses on the current concepts of community dental health, the dental hygienist's role in the prevention of dental problems, and the delivery of dental care to society. Prerequisite: DNT 210, 211, 212, 213 Corequisities: DNT 214, 216, 217, 218, 221 Credit: 2 semester hours Lecture: 2 Lab: 0
DNT-221
Community Dental Health Practicum IAI: None
DNT-224
Clinical Dental Hygiene III IAI: None Clinical Dental Hygiene III provides a continuation of DNT 216 and coincides with course DNT 225. This course will provide clinical practice and management in oral prophylaxis and periodontal therapy on the adult patient. Preventive techniques and exposing of radiographs is also included. Prerequisite: DNT 214, 215, 216, 217 Concurrent: DNT 225 Credit: 4 semester hours Lecture: 0 Lab: 12
DNT-225
Dental Hygiene Theory III IAI: None Dental Hygiene Theory III provides the student with continued dental hygiene theory and background of DNT 216 and DNT 217 and parallels clinical course DNT 224. Emphasis is placed on advanced instrumentation, medically compromised and special needs clients, and dental specialities. The course also prepares students to transition into the role of a practicing dental hygienist, covering topies such as interviewing, resume writing, conflict resolution, and employer-employee roles. Prerequisite: DNT 216, DNT 217 Concurrent: DNT 224 Credit: 2 semester hours Lecture: 2 Lab: 0 |
Hear from real RVC Dental Hygiene program graduates, students, and even a community member who has taken advantage of RVC Dental Hygiene's low-cost services.
Click any image to view the short video.
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Ruben Rousseaux
2011 RVC Dental Hygiene Graduate
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Wilma Latham RVC Dental Hygiene Program Patient |
Overview of RVC Dental Hygiene program