The dental hygiene program prepares students with the knowledge and skills necessary to assess, plan, implement and evaluate dental hygiene care for the individual and the community. The program consists of five consecutive semesters with a combination of classroom, lab, radiographic, and clinical courses. Students begin the program using practice clinical mannequins and progress to patient care including local anesthesia certification in North Carolina.
Upon successful completion of the dental hygiene program, graduates will be eligible to take the national and regional dental hygiene board exams and apply for a license to practice dental hygiene.
The mission of the dental hygiene program at Halifax Community College is to facilitate the development of professional, ethical, and competent dental hygienists that exhibit an awareness of their present and future responsibilities within the profession, necessary clinical skills and knowledge, and a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development. The dental hygiene program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and has been granted the accreditation status of accredited without reporting requirements.
Each fall, the maximum acceptance for the program is 18 students. Halifax Community College uses a points system for selection criteria. Academic points are calculated based on the student’s official transcripts from other institutions and completion of co-requisites at Halifax Community College. Additional criteria for selection points are based on dental assisting experience, cumulative GPA, and completed degrees from other accredited institutions. Students are required to submit proof of dental assisting experience or dental hygiene observation hours as part of the application process and attend a dental hygiene information session within the application period. Information sessions are held from August through January each year.
Students that are accepted into the dental hygiene program must be at least 18 years old. Students will be responsible for purchasing required equipment and clothing such as instruments, handpieces, scrubs, and shoes. Current CPR certification, documentation of immunizations, and student malpractice insurance purchased through HCC are required prior to beginning the program. Dental examination fees for regional and national exams are the financial responsibility of the dental hygiene student. Students must earn a C or better in all curriculum courses in order to progress to the next semester.
Admission in the dental hygiene program is limited and competitive. Students with an interest in the dental hygiene program should plan to take courses in biology, chemistry, English, humanities, sociology, and mathematics.
Dental Hygiene Admissions Information
Information Session Schedule:
Dental Hygiene Information Session Signup
The range of salary for registered dental hygienists in North Carolina typically falls between $70,500 and $89,000 depending on the geographic location in the state.
Dental Hygienists : Occupational Outlook Handbook
Careers in Dental Hygiene
Private practice
Public Health
Sales
Research
Education
Prison facilities
Hospital and nursing homes
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