Dental Hygiene Degree (DH13)  Degree

*For more detailed program information, please refer to the Catalog & Handbook.

Dental Hygiene Program Goals

1. To equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values required to deliver professional dental hygiene patient care to the public.
2. To provide an environment which will foster respect for the Dental Hygiene Professional Code of Ethics and Conduct and assure recognition and acceptance of the responsibilities of the profession of dental hygiene.
3. To prepare the graduates of the basic two-year curriculum in dental hygiene to fulfill the dental hygienist’s role in community oral health services.
4. To teach students to conduct critical reviews of current literature as a means of research and life-long learning.

Dental Hygiene Program Outcomes

1. The program demonstrates evidence of students’ achievement in completing the Dental Hygiene program. At least 65% of students will graduate within the expected timeframe from their entry into the program.
2. The program demonstrates evidence of graduates’ achievement on the licensure examinations.
3. The program demonstrates evidence of graduates’ achievement in job placement. At least 90% of graduates will be employed as a Dental Hygienist within 6-12 months of graduation.

a. At least 90% of graduates will pass the CRDTS on the first attempt.
b. At least 90% of graduates will pass the NBDHE on the first attempt.

Dental Hygiene Program End of Program Student Learning Outcomes (EOPSLO)

EOPSLO #1:

Graduates will be able to apply the dental hygiene process of care and problem-solving strategies to provide dental hygiene care to all client/patient population.

Program Competencies:

C 1.1 Assessment: Accurately collect, analyze and record data on the general, oral and psychosocial health status of a variety of patients/client/patient/patients. C 1.2 Diagnosis: Utilize critical decision-making skills to reach conclusions about the client/patient's dental hygiene needs based on all available assessment data. C 1.3 Planning: Collaborate with the client/patient, and/or health professionals, to formulate a comprehensive dental hygiene care plan that is client/patient-centered and based on current scientific evidence. C 1.4.1 Implementation: Provide specialized treatment that includes preventive and therapeutic services designed to achieve and maintain oral health. C 1.4.2 Assist in achieving oral health goals formulated in collaboration with the client/patient. C 1.5 Evaluation: Evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented clinical, preventive, and educational services and modify as needed.

EOPSLO #2:

Graduates will demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate scientific evidence and integrate it into dental hygiene practice to effectively deliver evidence-based care among all patient populations and prepare for lifelong learning.

Program Competencies:

C 2.1 Provide dental hygiene care to promote client/patient health and wellness using critical thinking and problem solving in the provision of evidenced-based practice. C 2.2 Use evidence-based decision making to evaluate and incorporate emerging treatment modalities. C 2.3 Assume responsibility for dental hygiene actions and care based on accepted scientific theories and research as well as the accepted standard of care.
C 2.4 Participate in professional activities that promote life-long learning and professional development. C 2.5 Develop awareness of the oral health needs of the community and the quality and availability of resources and services. C 2.6 Engage in activities related to research, community involvement, and professional development.

EOPSLO #3:

Graduates will demonstrate effective interpersonal and communication skills to promote optimal oral health outcomes among a diverse population of patients.

Program Competencies:

C 3.1 Communicate effectively with individuals and groups from diverse populations both verbally and in writing. C 3.2 Provide accurate, consistent and complete documentation for assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation of dental hygiene services. C 3.3 Identify individual and population risk factors and develop strategies that promote health related quality of life. C 3.4 Evaluate factors that can be used to promote client/patient adherence to disease prevention and/or health maintenance strategies.

EOPSLO #4:

Graduates will demonstrate ethical behavior, professionalism, and adherence to legal regulations and professional codes of conduct governing dental hygiene practice.

Program Competencies:

C 4.1 Understand and apply professional values and ethics in all endeavors. C 4.2 Adhere to state and federal laws, recommendations and regulations in the provision of dental hygiene care. C 4.3 Provide care to all clients/patients using an individualized approach that is humane, empathetic, and caring.

Upon acceptance into the Dental Hygiene Curriculum, the course sequence is as follows:

Program Admission Criteria – Effective Immediately for Admission into SUMMER 2025

• Prospective students seeking admission into the Dental Hygiene program will initially enroll in the Healthcare Management (HCM) Degree or Healthcare Professional Certificate – Dental Hygiene Option.
• Prospective students must attend a mandatory informative session on either Monday, March 3, 2025, at 1:00 PM or Monday, March 10, 2025, at 1 PM to be considered for program admission. The meeting will be held in the Health Science Annex East, Building C, Room 906, at 3001 E. First Street, Vidalia, GA 30474.
• MANDATORY OBSERVATION HOURS: Complete a total of 20 unpaid observation/volunteer hours with a single licensed dental hygienist in at least two (2) different dental practice areas such as: general dentistry, pediatric dentistry, periodontal clinic, or community health center. Observing/volunteering at your place of current/previous employment will not count for hours. Hours should occur within one (1) year of the date of the application deadline for the year in which you wish to enroll.
• Submit a completed application & application fee;
• Be at least 18 years of age;
• Submit official high school/high school equivalent transcripts;
• Submit official college transcripts, if applicable;
• Satisfy Placement Testing requirements;
• Complete the following prerequisite courses (25 credit hours) with a minimum grade of "C" in each course and a cumulative prerequisite GPA of 3.0. CHEM and BIOL courses must have been completed within (five) 5 years. GPA calculation includes all transfer and repeated classes (taken within the last 5 years/60 months). If a student chooses to repeat a class in which they have already earned credit within the past 5 years, and then withdraws, the course will need to be repeated, and a letter grade earned, before the student’s competitive admission GPA can be calculated.

Note: One cohort will be accepted into the Dental Hygiene program annually for the Summer semester.

Competitive Selection Process

Admission to the Dental Hygiene program follows a competitive selection process based on a 3.0 GPA of prerequisite core classes. Slots are allocated starting from the highest prerequisite grade point average and proceeding downward until the maximum enrollment of approximately 12 students is reached.

In the event of a tie between candidates, the slot will be awarded to the student who earns the most points on the Tiebreaker Scoring Rubric, which considers the following criteria:

• Official transcript verifying completion of a technical certificate of credit, diploma, or degree from a regionally accredited college or university. (45%)
• Official transcript verifying graduation from a CODA accredited Dental Assisting program with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. (20%)
• Documentation of paid dental experience within the last two (2) years. This documentation must specify the number of hours worked and must be signed by a licensed dentist. (35%)
  • *If more than one applicant possesses paid dental experience, the individual with the most hours worked will be selected.

If applicable, documentation of the tiebreaker criteria must be submitted by the application deadline.

Program Progression

Students admitted the Dental Hygiene program are required to earn a minimum grade of “C” in all DHYG courses. Students earning less than a “C” in any DHYG course will not be allowed to continue in the program, and must reapply for admission to the program. No guarantee of readmission is made.

Program Readmission

Students who withdraw from any Dental Hygiene course have the option of reapplying for admission into a future cohort for the following reasons:

1. Attendance
2. Failure to complete a course with a grade of C or better
3. Personal

Readmission to the program will be granted ONCE; however, readmission is not guaranteed. Selection for readmission is based on the student’s GPA at the current institution and space availability. Readmission may be denied due to, but not limited to, any of the following circumstances:

• Grade point average is less than 2.0 from DHYG courses completed at the current institution.
• Twelve months have elapsed since the student was enrolled in a DHYG course.
• Students dismissed from the previous program for disciplinary reasons and/or unsafe/unsatisfactory patient care in the clinical area will not be allowed readmission to the program.

A maximum of one slot per cohort can be filled with a readmission. In the event more than one student meets the requirements for readmission, the following criteria will be utilized to determine the best candidate for readmission:

• Grade Point Average of prerequisite courses. (45%)
• Official transcript verifying completion of a technical certificate of credit, diploma, or degree from a regionally accredited college or university. (20%)
• Written documentation verifying paid dental experience within the last two (2) years. This documentation must state the number of hours of paid experience worked and signed by a licensed dentist. (35%)
  • *If more than one applicant possesses paid dental experience, the individual with the most hours worked will be selected.

Because of the structure of the Dental Hygiene program, students are required to repeat all Dental Hygiene courses. Students will not have the opportunity to take a written exam or a clinical skills competency exam as an alternative. Advanced standing cannot be attained.

Advanced Standing/Transfer Policy

The Dental Hygiene program at STC does not offer advanced standing for students with prior dental education or work experience, nor does it accept transfers from other Dental Hygiene programs. These policies are in place due to the rigorous board examinations and accreditation requirements within the dental hygiene profession. While students with previous dental education or work experience are welcome to apply for admission to the Dental Hygiene program, they are not granted advanced standing or exemptions for Dental Hygiene courses completed at other institutions.

Program Costs

Students will be responsible for the following expenses. Most of these requirements must be completed prior to the beginning of clinical or laboratory activities.

Costs are estimates and are subject to change.

• Tuition/Fees: $10,514 (tuition $100 per credit hour; fees $319 each semester)
• Textbooks: approximately $1,200.00 for entire program
• Dental Hygiene National Board Exam: $565
• CRDTS Examination: $1,025
• Supplies/Site Fee for Clinical Boards: $175
• Georgia Board of Dentistry Application Fee: $175
• Instruments: $2,100
• Dental Hygiene National Board Review Course: $425
• Loupes: $1,000 and up
• Uniform Costs: $300 detailed information regarding uniforms will be provided at the mandatory program orientation.
• Background check, drug screen and immunization tracker: (approximately $127.95; paid to PreCheck) (Effective Summer 2025)
• American Heart Association BLS Provider certification and First Aid (must cover 1-person, 2-person, infant, child and adult CPR and AED): $65.00
• Liability Insurance: $12 per year
• Vision Exam: $100 (cost varies by provider)
• Dental Exam: $100 (cost varies by provider) (Effective Summer 2025)
• Physical Exam: $200 (cost varies by provider) (Effective Summer 2025)
• Recommended Immunizations/Laboratory Tests:
  • MMR vaccination: $64
  • Measles titer: $20
  • Mumps titer: $20
  • Rubella titer: $20
  • Varicella titer: $20
  • Hepatitis B titer: $20
  • Varicella vaccination: $117
  • Tuberculin Skin Test (TST)/PPD - Two-step: $25 per step
  • Tdap: $40
  • Tetanus vaccination: $20
  • Hepatitis B Series: $264 or signed declination
  • Hepatitis A and B: $163 for 3-shot series (this option may be chosen instead of the Hepatitis B series)
  • Seasonal Influenza vaccination: $25 or signed declination

Special Note: A single charge may apply to more than one titer being drawn at the same time.

• Laptop Computer: 200+ (Effective Summer 2025)

Specifications should include:

• Processor i5 or i7
• Memory 8GB or higher
• Hard Drive 250GB or larger
• DVD Drive either internal or external
• Webcam with microphone
• Reliable Internet Connection required (Mobile Hotspots are not allowed)
• Test your internet speed using www.speedtest.net

• Graduation Application Fee: $40 (if student participates); Print diploma fee: $10 and cover is $10.
• Dental Hygiene Pin for pinning ceremony: $10

Fees are to be paid on or before the deadline established by the College or program faculty.

Professional Licensure/Certification

This program prepares students for the opportunity to pursue an occupational license.

The following information comes from American Dental Association (ADA) and can be found at www.ada.org.

Licensure of dental hygienists in the United States is the responsibility of an individual state, district, or dependency. A license issued by one such jurisdiction is applicable only within the geographic confines of that particular jurisdiction. Agencies in state government that administer dental hygiene licensure under laws adopted by state legislatures typically are called state boards of dentistry. A list of state boards can be found at: http://dentalboards.org/links/. Specific dental hygiene licensure requirements vary among states, but all states have three types of requirements: an educational requirement, a written examination requirement and a clinical examination requirement. All states accept graduates of dental hygiene programs accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association as fulfilling the educational requirement.

While every effort is made by the college and faculty to ensure the student’s success on both the written and clinical board, acceptance into the dental hygiene program and subsequent completion does not imply that the student will be successful on these licensure examinations. It is the responsibility of the individual student to study and prepare for both examinations. The student must follow all established policies established by the testing agencies regarding registering, payment, scheduling time to take the exam, and all expenses incurred for the examinations.

Criminal Arrest History/Record

Arrest or conviction of a misdemeanor (excluding minor traffic violations) or arrest or conviction of a felony could result in the student being denied licensure by the state dental board. Early communication with the state dental board is suggested.

Visit the Georgia Board of Dentistry website (http://gbd.georgia.gov/) for additional information on requirements and restrictions for Dental Hygiene licensure in Georgia.

Bloodborne/Airborne Pathogen Exposure

An inherent risk with any health science profession is the possibility for exposure to blood borne and infectious diseases. Southeastern Technical College's Exposure Control Plan is designed to provide the faculty and students with recognition of tasks, procedures, and activities which present the potential for occupational exposure to blood and air-borne pathogens and a means of eliminating or minimizing exposures in the performance of their instructional duties or activities. A complete manual of our compliance policies and procedures is available in each classroom and laboratory or upon request.

Notification About Exposure to Hazardous Materials

Participation in the Dental Hygiene program includes exposure to hazardous materials. These materials are essential to various dental procedures and practices that you will learn and perform throughout your education. A complete manual of our compliance policies and procedures is available upon request.

Notification About Exposure to Ionizing Radiation

As part of the Dental Hygiene program, students will participate in clinical activities that involve the use of ionizing radiation, such as taking and interpreting dental X-rays. It is important to understand that exposure to ionizing radiation, although minimal and controlled, is an integral component of dental diagnostic procedures. A complete manual of our compliance policies and procedures is available in upon request.

Dental Hygiene Program Accreditation

The Dental Hygiene program is accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation. The Commission is a specialized body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education that formally evaluates programs at regular intervals. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611 or by calling (800) 621-8099, extension 4653.

Third Party Comments

The Commission on Dental Accreditation regularly solicits third party comments relative to the accreditation status of the Dental Hygiene at Southeastern Technical College. Comments may be submitted by interested parties such as faculty, students, program administrators, Commission consultants, specialty and dental related organizations, patients and/or consumers. The deadline for receipt of third-party comments is 60 days prior to the accreditation site visit which will occur September 10-11, 2024. Comments must pertain only to the standards for dental hygiene program or policies and procedures used in the Commission’s accreditation process. A copy of the accreditation standards and/or Commission’s policy on third party comments may be obtained by contacting the Commission on Dental Accreditation, 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611 or by calling (800) 621-8099, extension 4653. Website: https://coda.ada.org. Staff emails are found at: https://coda.ada.org/about-coda/coda-staff.

Complaint Policy

If a student feels that the Southeastern Technical College Dental Hygiene Program is not in compliance with the Dental Accreditation Commission standards or required accreditation procedures, he/she has the right to file a complaint with the Commission on Dental Accreditation. The Commission will review complaints that relate to a program’s compliance with the accreditation standards. The Commission is interested in the sustained quality and continued improvement of dental and dental-related programs but does not intervene on behalf of individuals or act as a court of appeals for individuals in matters of admission, appointment, promotion or dismissal of faculty, staff or students. A copy of the accreditation standards and/or Commission’s policy on third party comments may be obtained by contacting the Commission on Dental Accreditation, 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611 or by calling (800) 621-8099, extension 4653. Website: https://coda.ada.org/policies-and-guidelines/file-a-complaint. Staff emails are found at: https://coda.ada.org/about-coda/coda-staff.