Program Information
-
Location: Downtown Milwaukee Campus
- Pathway: Healthcare
- Program Code: 10-508-1
- Offering: In-class
- Degree Type: 2-Year Degree (Associate)
- Start Dates: August/January
About the Dental Hygiene Degree
Description
Help patients maintain their oral health as a dental hygienist. Working under a dentist’s supervision, dental hygienists perform such duties as teeth cleaning, fluoride treatments, X-ray processing and dental health counseling. You will gain clinical experience in MATC’s dental hygiene clinic and at external sites. Graduates are eligible to complete the National Board of Dental Hygiene examination, and state or regional practical examinations.
Employment prospects for licensed dental hygienists are good. Positions may be found in private dental offices, nursing homes and school settings.
This program features exploratory courses that count toward a credential. Contact an MATC advisor for information.
Additional program details: Program graduates are eligible to complete the National Board of Dental Hygiene examination, and state or regional practical examinations for states in which you seek licensure. Licensure is required to work as a dental hygienist. The American Dental Hygienists' Association website provides additional professional information at www.ADHA.org.
While we follow all standard precautions and infection control protocols, there is potential for exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials. The Bloodborne Pathogen policy is available by contacting the Dental Hygiene Program.
Related Programs
Dental Assistant
Attain the skills required to assist with dental procedures under the supervision of a dentist. You will learn a variety of patient care techniques that are performed under the supervision of the dentist during examination and treatment of patients.
Dental Hygiene
Help patients maintain their oral health as a dental hygienist. Working under a dentist’s supervision, dental hygienists perform such duties as teeth cleaning, fluoride treatments, X-ray processing and dental health counseling. You will gain clinical experience in MATC’s dental hygiene clinic and at external sites. Graduates are eligible to complete the National Board of Dental Hygiene examination, and state or regional practical examinations.
Detailed Program Information
2021-22 Curriculum
| Course | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOSCI-177 | General Anatomy and Physiology ‡ (or) BIOSCI-201 Anatomy & Physiology 1 ‡ |
4 |
| DENHYG-101 | Dental Health Safety ‡ | 1 |
| DENHYG-102 | Oral Anatomy, Embryology and Histology ‡ | 4 |
| DENHYG-103 | Dental Radiography ‡ | 2 |
| DENHYG-105 | Dental Hygiene Process 1 ‡ | 4 |
| ENG-195 | Written Communication (or) ENG-201 English 1 ‡ |
3 |
| BIOSCI-197 | Microbiology ‡ | 4 |
| CHEM-186 | Introductory Biochemistry ‡ (or) CHEM-207 General Chemistry ‡ and CHEM-208 Survey of Biochemistry ‡ |
4 |
| DENHYG-106 | Dental Hygiene Process 2 ‡ | 4 |
| DENHYG-107 | Dental Hygiene Ethics and Professionalism ‡ | 1 |
| DENHYG-108 | Periodontology ‡ | 3 |
| DENHYG-109 | Cariology ‡ | 1 |
| DENHYG-110 | Nutrition and Dental Health ‡ | 2 |
| DENHYG-111 | General and Oral Pathology ‡ | 3 |
| ENG-196 | Oral/Interpersonal Communication (or) Any 200-level ENG or SPEECH course |
3 |
| DENHYG-112 | Dental Hygiene Process 3 ‡ | 5 |
| DENHYG-113 | Dental Materials ‡ | 2 |
| DENHYG-114 | Dental Pharmacology ‡ | 2 |
| DENHYG-115 | Community Dental Health ‡ | 2 |
| DENHYG-118 | Dental Anxiety and Pain Management ‡ | 2 |
| PSYCH-199 | Psychology of Human Relations (or) Any 200-level PSYCH course |
3 |
| DENHYG-117 | Dental Hygiene Process 4 ‡ | 4 |
| ELECTIVES | (One 100-level credit needed) | 1 |
| SOCSCI-172 | Introduction to Diversity Studies (or) Any 200-level HIST or SOCSCI course |
3 |
|
TOTAL CREDITS |
67 |
‡ Prerequisite required.
Program curriculum requirements are subject to change.
This Associate in Applied Science program will transfer to one or more four-year institutions.
Current MATC students should consult their Academic Program Plan for specific curriculum requirements.
Search for available classes now (link) to see course descriptions, class times and locations.
Already a student? You can visit Self-Service (link) and choose Student Planning to register for classes.
Important Dates
Spring start: Register for classes in November
Deadlines and important dates can be found on:
Cost & Aid Deadlines
Also, you can find dates and deadlines on the MATC Calendar
Program Outcomes
- Model dental hygiene professional code of ethics
- Counsel clients/patients to reduce health risks
- Provide community care oral health services in a variety of settings
- Manage infection and hazard control
- Assess data on all aspects of patient/client health using methods consistent with dental hygienist scope of practice and legal principles
- Formulate a comprehensive dental hygiene care plan in collaboration with the client and other health professionals
- Provide preventive and therapeutic services that promote oral health according to the needs of the patient/client
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented client/patient dental hygiene care plan
Career Outlook
Employment prospects for licensed dental hygienists are good. Positions may be found in private dental offices, clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, school settings and private enterprise. The clinical practice includes administering oral preventive treatments, fluoride and local anesthetic; exposing and processing dental X-ray films; non-surgical roles in peridontal surgery; and dental health counseling.
Possible Career
Dental Hygienist
Admission Requirements
This program admits students through a petition selection process.
Learn more about the petition process
The following are required for admission:
- HP-A2 pre qualifying exam
- B- or higher in the following courses:
- BIOSCI 177* or BIOSCI 201* and 202*
- CHEM 186* or CHEM 207* and 208*
- BIOSCI 197*
- Fall start: Petition for program in February
- Spring start: Petition for program in September
Scholarships
Learn about scholarship opportunities here.
Learn about Scholarships available for this program here: https://matc.academicworks.com
Use Search function to search for your program(s)
Accreditation
This program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education.
Commission on Dental Accreditation, 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611;
800-232-6180; www.ada.org/coda
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Healthcare Academic & Career Pathway
262-238-2281, healthpathway@matc.edu
Downtown Milwaukee Campus, H Building, Room H116
Mequon Campus, Room A108
Oak Creek Campus, Room A121
West Allis Campus, Room 103