Dental Hygiene
The Dental Hygiene curriculum provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate dental hygiene care for the individual and the community.
This program is resuming with all safety protocols in place.
The AAS Dental Hygiene program, located in the dental hygiene facility building on the main campus, was established and admitted the first class in 1999. The program was last accredited in April of 2014 with no reporting. The next accreditation will be in 2021. The Commission on Dental Accreditation is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The commission can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611.
What is a dental hygienist?
A dental hygienist’s primary functions focus on dental disease prevention and oral health maintenance. In NC, these functions are performed under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist. The clinical dental hygienist collaborates with the dentist in an effort to provide services to the patient that will guide the patient towards optimal oral health.
What employment opportunities are available?
Dental hygienists provide oral health services in a variety of work environments. These include, but are not limited to, private dental offices, hospitals, health departments, government clinics, and correctional facilities. Approximate salary is $30-$40 per hour, depending on location, benefits and experience.
What is the class schedule/length for the Dental Hygiene program?
The core dental hygiene courses are only offered during the day on a full-time basis. The program consists of seven semesters, which require two years to complete after all program pre-requisites are satisfied. Graduates of the program are eligible, with the approval of the Dental Hygiene program director, to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and the CITA Examination, as well as other state or regional examinations depending upon requirements. Graduates applying for NC licensure will be required to undergo a criminal records check and fingerprinting.
Program Course Sequence
The Dental Hygiene program consists of four regular semesters and one summer. All courses must be taken in the proper sequence, as each builds on the knowledge gained on the previous courses.
Please Note: Graduates applying for licensure in NC will be required to undergo a criminal records check and fingerprinting as part of the application process.
Community Dental Health Coordinator - Certificate and Internship Program
The Community Dental Health Coordinator (CDHC) is a new member of the dental team who fills an important role whether working with a health center or private practice. The CDHC can perform clinical preventive services and community-based outreach duties. The CDHC program provides Dental Assistants II, Certified Dental Assistants (CDA), or Registered Dental Hygienists an opportunity to expand their skills with a practical and theoretical basis for assisting in the reduction of disparities in dental health. See the Community Dental Health Coordinator webpage for more information.
Dental Assisting certificate program
The Dental Assisting Certificate program offers classes with minimum requirements to start. A Dental Assistant performs patient examinations, radiographs, and chairside dental procedures. They provide patient education by instructing patients in oral hygiene home care procedures. Please see the Dental Assisting Certificate program webpage for more information.
Program Information
Program Options
Program Options
- Dental Hygiene, AAS
Please see the catalog for more information about the degree option in this curriculum.
Related Programs
Related Programs
Information
Information
Specific deadlines are set for each entering class. Please refer to the current Dental Hygiene Admission Packet for the admission deadline date for the next Dental Hygiene class.
Admission to the Dental Hygiene Program is COMPETITIVE. There is NO waiting list.
Important Admissions Information
» Dental Hygiene Admission Packet (PDF)
» Dental Hygiene MAR Checklist (PDF)
» Dental Hygiene Admission Packet (Web Version)
» Dental Hygiene MAR Checklist (Web Version)
» Student Medical Forms (Please do not submit these to CVCC.)
General Education
These courses must be completed by the end of the fall semester prior to the deadline date for the Dental Hygiene program. Please consult the current admissions packet for questions.
If you have previous college credits, or are currently attending another college, you may be able to make some course substitutions. Course substitutions are not automatic, and some courses will not be substituted. Your advisor must request that the substitution be made, and it must be approved by the division responsible for the required course. You should always consult with your advisor before taking a course other than the course required by your program. You may be required to provide a course syllabus for courses other than the one required by your program.
| Related Course in Curriculum | Course Approved for Substitution for the Dental Hygiene Program |
|---|---|
| BIO 163 | BIO 165 and BIO 166 OR BIO 168 and BIO 169 (must complete both courses with a grade of "C" or higher) |
| BIO 175 | Applicants may also take BIO 275 |
| CHM 130 and CHM 130 A | CHM 131 and CHM 131A and CHM 132 (must complete both courses and lab with a grade of "C" or higher) |
| COM 110 | COM 120 OR COM 231 |
| ENG 111 |
NONE |
| ENG 112 | Applicants may also take ENG 114 |
| PSY 150 | NONE |
| HUM/Fine Arts Elective | Options listed in the CVCC Catalog |
If you are planning to continue your education (bachelor's degree or higher) after completing the Dental Hygiene program, be aware that some of the courses listed above may not be accepted as transfer courses by all universities. You may want to substitute some of the courses on the list for courses that will transfer to the institution you want to attend. Let your academic adviser know to explore the available options.
Program Costs
NOTE: College tuition is set by the North Carolina State Legislature and is subject to change. Dental Hygiene students are required to purchase a variety of books, instruments, clinic uniforms, malpractice insurance, accident insurance, and other fees as set by the college.
| General Fees | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Supplies (Based on usage – face shields, disposable barrier jackets, etc.) |
$300.00 |
| Malpractice Insurance (payable each Fall Semester) |
$27.50 per year |
| Student Hygiene Association Dues (Mandatory membership) |
$160.00 per year |
| Instruments (The majority of instruments will be purchased during first semester.) | $2500.00 |
| Dentoform | $288.00 |
| Anatomically Shaped Teeth | $77.00 |
| Required Uniform (Scrubs Tops, Scrubs Pants, and White Leather Shoes) | $300.00 |
| Hepatitis Vaccine/Tither | up to $300.00 |
| Physical Exam | $200.00 |
| Pinning Ceremony/Class Dues (Based on Student planning and fund raising) | To Be Determined |
| National Board Exam | $400.00 |
| CITA Examination | $1,500.00 |
| NC License Fee | $75.00 |
| Travel and other patient expenses | Varies |
Please Note: These cost estimates are in addition to the costs that any student attending CVCC will incur each semester, such as tuition, activity fees, accident insurance, books, and class supplies such as pens, paper, etc. Students applying for graduation will also pay diploma fees. Estimates for these costs may be found in the CVCC Catalog.
Financial Aid: All applicants are encouraged to apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. For information about financial aid, contact the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid online, by email at financial_aid@cvcc.edu or by calling (828) 327-7000, ext. 4860.
Patient Information
Patient Information
Clinical Services: General CVCC Dental Hygiene Clinic Rules
- All cell phones and beepers must be turned off before entering the clinical area. In case of an emergency, patients may be reached by calling the clinic telephone (828) 327-7000, ext. 4164.
- Only the patient is allowed in the clinic treatment area. The only exception will be parents being presented with treatment options before signing consent to treatment and parents being given oral health care instructions for their children.
- Children are not allowed in the clinic area when their parent or guardian is the patient.
- Do not bring infants or small children to the clinic and leave them in the reception area by themselves. Any child in the reception area must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Services provided at the CVCC Dental Hygiene Clinic include taking vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, temperature), performing extra oral and intra oral examinations, providing dental cleanings, exposing and processing radiographs (x-rays), applying topical fluoride, applying pit and fissure sealants, and designing and implementing dental hygiene patient education programs. A licensed dental hygienist and dentist supervise the treatment provided by each student. As a patient, you will receive high quality care at reduced fees in comparison with those found in private dental offices. Treatment at the Dental Hygiene Clinic will take longer to complete than it would in private practice to allow for the clinical instruction of the students. Appointments are usually scheduled 2-3 hours in length and it will frequently take more than one appointment to complete your treatment. The time necessary to complete your dental hygiene treatment depends on the difficulty of your case and the level of the student's skills.
In some instances, a patient may require treatment beyond those services offered at the Dental Hygiene clinic. These treatment needs may include, but are not limited to extractions, fillings, crowns, partial dentures, full dentures, periodontal surgery, and/or braces. In these instances, you will be advised of your need to seek additional treatment. You will be encouraged to visit your family dentist for these necessary treatments and/or referrals.
Interested individuals should contact the Dental Hygiene Clinic at (828) 624-5258 to schedule a free screening appointment. At that time, you will be asked to complete a health history form and a form consenting to treatment. An examination will be performed to determine your oral health status and basic dental hygiene treatment needs. Following the screening appointment, you may be scheduled with a student or you may be placed on a call list and contacted based on the students' needs. A more extensive examination, specifically outlining your treatment needs, depending on your specific needs, treatment may begin at this or at the next appointment.
At the completion of your treatment, you will be advised on how often you should have your teeth cleaned (recare appointment). We may or may not be able to accommodate those needs in the future. You are encouraged to contact the Dental Hygiene Clinic if you wish to schedule a recare appointment. However, you are encouraged to have regular dental checkups at least once a year to assist you in maintaining good oral health.
A parent or legal guardian must accompany individuals under the age of 18 at each appointment. They must remain available to complete/sign forms necessary for treatment to proceed. Children who are not undergoing treatment cannot be left unattended and are not allowed in the clinical areas.
Payment is due at the time of treatment. If you have dental insurance, you will be required to pay all fees to the Dental Hygiene Clinic and file a claim with your insurance carrier. We will complete the dentist statement on your form, however we do not have access to all the different forms used by various insurance companies. You will need to supply the forms available from your employer.
You must give at least 24-hour notice if you are unable to keep any appointment. Broken and canceled appointments may compromise your treatment and will interfere with the student's progress. Patients who fail to keep appointments may be dismissed from the clinic and will be notified in writing of their dismissal.
Free parking for patients is available. You will need to obtain a parking pass at the clinic's front desk and place it in your car to identify your car to our security staff.
If you need additional information, please contact the Dental Hygiene clinic at (828) 624-5258.
Fee schedule/services available:
| Treatment Type | Treatment Cost |
|---|---|
| Adult Appointment Includes (as needed) Comprehensive Exam, Scaling, Polishing, Fluoride treatment |
$20 up to $85 (child over 12 and adults) |
| Child Appointment Includes (as needed) Comprehensive Exam, Scaling, Polishing, Fluoride treatment |
$15 (child age 12 or under) |
| Radiographs - 2 Bitewings | $5.00 |
| Radiographs - 4 Bitewings | $10.00 |
| Radiographs - 7 Bitewings | $15.00 |
| Radiographs - Full Series | $25.00 |
| Radiographs - Panoramic | $25.00 |
| Periapical | $3.00 |
| Sealants | $5.00 per tooth |
Payment
The comprehensive exam payment of $20.00 or $15.00 is due at the first appointment. If you have dental insurance, you will be required to pay all fees to the CVCC Dental Hygiene Clinic and file the claim with your insurance carrier. Cash and local checks are accepted (no bills accepted larger than $50). We do not accept credit cards or debit cards.
Patients' Rights
Your Rights As A Patient
As a patient at CVCC's Dental Hygiene Clinic:
- You have the right to confidentiality with regards to personal information, medical information, dental information, and dental services needed.
- You have the right to considerate and respectful treatment.
- You have the right to a thorough assessment of your dental hygiene and needs.
- You have the right to a clear explanation of your dental hygiene needs, treatment options, cost, treatment outcomes, and time commitment required to meet these needs.
- All treatment offered will be within the scope of a dental hygiene teaching clinic.
- You will be advised of dental treatment needs beyond what is available at our facility.
- Referrals will be made to the appropriate health care professionals if additional treatment is needed.
- You have the right to decline any treatment offered; however, you will be advised of the risk involved in declining treatment.
- You have the right to receive treatment that meets the standards of care of the dental hygiene profession.
- You have the right to receive treatment on a reasonable schedule based on the student's skill level and the clinic's schedule.
- You have the right to have copies of your dental radiographs and dental records sent to your personal dentist.
- You have the right to receive education on oral health care that meets your needs and will help you maintain your oral health.
Your Responsibilities As A Patient
- You must provide accurate and complete information regarding your health history including changes in your health history over the course of treatment.
- You must make arrangements to stay for the entire length of the appointment. Appointments are usually 2 ½ hours long, unless the student has made arrangements with you for a shorter appointment.
- Because this is a teaching clinic, it takes time for students to perfect their skills and for instructors to check and grade their performance.
- Treatment will require a much longer period of time and more appointments than it would in a regular dental office.
- You must keep your scheduled appointments and be on time. The student is depending on you to meet requirements needed to pass the course. If you fail to show up for an appointment or come in late you are jeopardizing the student's learning experience and grade.
- You must inform the student in a timely fashion if you are unable to keep an appointment. Barring emergencies, appointment cancellations should be made at least 24 hours prior to the appointment. Call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4162 for cancellations.
- You must pay the required fees for treatment as soon as a treatment plan is presented to you.
- The student will explain the fees based on the clinic's fee schedule.
- A receipt for payment will be provided to you for tax and/or insurance purposes.
- You are responsible for filing any insurance papers with your insurer.
- You must be an active participant in maintaining and improving your oral health by following the student's instructions for home care. You and the student are partners with equal responsibility in achieving this goal.
If you are the parent or guardian of a minor (under 18 years of age):
- You must be present to complete the medical and dental history and to give written consent for treatment.
- For children under 12:
- It is required that the parent or guardian stay in the waiting room until treatment is completed for the day.
- The parent may be present in the clinic area as the child is given oral care instructions specific to the child.
- For children over 12, if you have to leave the waiting room area to run errands or other activities, please leave a telephone number where you can be reached.
- If you cannot accompany your child to the clinic, you MUST fill out the CVCC Dental Hygiene Permission Slip to allow a third party to be responsible for your child and give permission for treatment. The form is available from the clinic's receptionist.
Technical Standards
Technical Standards
Catawba Valley Community College does not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities and will attempt to provide reasonable accommodations as required by law. The following activities are examples of the kind of activities which a student in the Dental Hygiene program will be required to perform in order to successfully complete the program. If an accepted applicant believes that he or she cannot meet one or more of the standards without accommodations, the applicant should consult the counselor of the program for student with disabilities.
| Issue | Standard | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Exposure | The dental hygiene student may be exposed to communicable diseases, body fluids, toxic substances, latex, and medicinal preparations. Students shall use appropriate precautions at all times. | Provide care, using standard precaution, for a client/patient with a communicable disease. |
| Communication Skills | Written, verbal, and auditory communication skills to permit effective interaction with others. | Communicate with staff members, patients, and other students while wearing high filtration masks. Ascertain medical/dental history information. Monitor patient needs during treatment. Provide individualized homecare instructions. |
| Visual | Visual acuity sufficient to read medical information and assess dental conditions. | Annotate chart entries on paper and/or computerized medical records. Assess intraoral conditions. Interpret dental radiographs. |
| Mobility | Sufficient mobility to maneuver in small areas. | Access patient within confines of dental operatory and radiographic room, which involves a variety of sitting and; standing positions, including bending, twisting, and reaching. Access darkroom for development of radiographs. |
| Motor Skills | Fine and gross motor skills sufficient to perform complex psychomotor tasks | Exploring and scaling teeth with small diameter instruments. Manipulating power-driven instruments. Placing dental radiographs. |
| Cognitive/Critical Thinking | Cognitive ability sufficient to recognize deviations from normal, co-diagnose, and plan treatment. | Respond quickly and appropriately to medical emergencies. Utilize assessment information to identify pathology, individualize treatment, and suggest referral when necessary. |
Please note: Examples are not all inclusive.
If you have a disability and need accommodations, please contact the Counselor/Students with Disabilities Program at least 72 hours in advance at (828) 327-7000, ext. 4222 or accommodations@cvcc.edu
Career Outlook
Dental Hygiene: Career Outlook
CONTACT INFORMATION
For more information about the Dental Hygiene program, contact:
Department Head, Dental Hygiene
Health Services - Dental Hygiene
Email:
Crystal Adams
Phone: 828-327-7000
x4158
Office Number: DEN 816
For questions regarding admissions requirements, contact:
Admissions
healthcare@cvcc.edu
(828) 327-7000, ext. 4216