Dental Hygiene Degree

Degree conferred: Associate in Applied Science - 78 Credits
Program contact: Dental Hygiene Program office, (815) 921-3235

For more information please contact Amanda Lonsway at a.lonsway@rockvalleycollege.edu

Program overview
 

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.

Work and employment
 

A career in dental hygiene offers opportunities in multiple settings. Registered Dental Hygienists are part of a dental health team. Dental hygienists work in private and corporate dental offices, where they provide treatment and services that help to prevent oral disease such as dental caries and periodontal disease and educate the client about maintenance of optimal oral health. They also work in hospitals, nursing homes, extended care facilities, schools, correctional facilities, health maintenance organizations and higher education institutions where they serve as faculty members.

Professional Credential and Program Accreditation
 

Graduates are eligible to take two 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 to the Program
 

Admission is selective and competitive. All required documents must be submitted to the Dental Hygiene Program office on or before February 15th to be reviewed for admission for the fall semester. The Dental Hygiene Program holds information sessions that cover prerequisites and other important admission information. Attendance of a session is required to receive an application packet for the program. Schedule a time to attend an information session.

Prerequisite Courses

If accepted into the program, the following courses or equivalencies must be completed before starting this program:

1. A prerequisite GPA of 2.5.
    
2. Biology: BIO 281/282–Human Anatomy and Physiology I/II, or equivalent and BIO 274-Microbiology. Completion of BIO 282 within 5 years. BIO 281/282 must meet a minimum of 2.5 GPA
    
3. Chemistry: CHM 110/210–General, Organic and Biochemistry I/II, or CHM 120-General Chemistry I, or equivalent Chemistry course with lab.
    
4. Communications: ENG 101–Composition I, or equivalent.
    
5. Fitness, Wellness & Sport: FWS 237–Nutrition for Optimum Living (3 credits as a prereq that must be completed within two years of entering the program)
    
6. All prerequisites must be completed with a “C” or higher, unless noted above.

IAI Humanities or Fine Arts Course                                                                    (3)

Cooperative Community Colleges are: Blackhawk Technical College.

Questions? Please contact Nursing & Allied Health Academic Advisor, Amanda Lonsway at a.lonsway@rockvalleycollege.edu.

Last updated on April 9, 2020.

Program Disclosure:

The Associate in Applied Science Degree in Dental Hygiene Program at Rock Valley College meets the state education requirements for a registered dental hygiene license in the state of Illinois. Rock Valley College has not determined if the Rock Valley College Dental Hygiene Program meets the state education requirements in any other state, any U.S. Territory, or the District of Columbia. The following link contains additional information on dental hygienist education, training requirements, and professional licensure. 
https://www.ada.org/en/education-careers/careers-in-dentistry/dental-team-careers/dental-hygienist/education-training-requirements-dental-hygienist