Dental Hygiene

Associate of Applied Science

About the Program

This six-term program prepares students to meet requirements to become Dental Hygienists with expanded functions.  Successful completion of the program leads to eligibility to sit for the Western Regional Exam Board (WREB).  The curriculum is based in Dental Hygiene theory; Students are trained in preventative procedures, periodontology therapy, pain management, dietary and health promotion, restorative treatment, and patient relations.

Program students attend classes as part of a structured cohort that begins once each academic year.  Students should apply early as the required mandatory orientation is scheduled several months prior to the scheduled start. 

If students intend to transfer to Oregon Tech’s Bachelor’s Degree in Dental Hygiene program after successfully completing RCC’s AAS program, transfer courses should be chosen from the list of electives where possible.  See an advisor or visit www.oit.edu.

Program Learning Outcomes

The curriculum in RCC courses is derived from a set of identified learning outcomes that are relevant to the discipline.  Program learning outcomes (PLO’s) for the Dental Hygiene program are:

Demonstrate and evaluate effective interpersonal and communication skills to interact with diverse population groups and other members of the health care team.

Apply evidence-based practice, methodology, and technological practices in the dental field.

Practice the six-step dental hygiene process of care to include: assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, evaluation, and documentation of dental hygiene needs of an individual and community and deliver safe and appropriate oral disease therapies.

Articulate and apply ethical, legal and regulatory concepts in support of dental hygiene services.

Demonstrate the ability to provide dental hygiene services to diverse communities and populations to prevent oral disease and promote oral health.

Entry Requirements

Students are required to complete the Placement Process to determine skill level and readiness in math, reading, and writing. As part of their training program, students must begin with the courses within their skill level as determined through the Placement Process.

Students attend classes as part of a structured cohort that begins each fall term. The program is designed to be four full-time terms. Students who plan on entering the Dental Hygiene program should meet with their faculty advisor to develop an academic plan.

Cohort students must meet certain minimum academic requirements before the program application due date. Students can apply for program entry prior to prerequisite completion; however, all listed program prerequisites must be complete with a “C-” or better prior to program start. A grade of “P” for these courses indicates a student earned the equivalent of a “C-” or better grade.

After application submission, students will complete specific health and immunization requirements, drug testing and a criminal background check prior to starting the program. This screening process has an associated fee. Applications received after the application deadline may be reviewed based on cohort capacity and at the discretion of the department. The Allied Health Occupations department strives to accept all students into programs if academic and screening requirements are met, however in the event that cohort capacity is exceeded students may be asked to participate in an interview process. Students entering a cohort are required to attend a mandatory program orientation.

Coursework from accredited colleges and universities will be accepted in accordance with college policies and the Program Director’s recommendation.  In order to ensure coursework is current, program courses over five years old must be reviewed and approved by the appropriate Department Coordinator before being accepted toward core requirements.  College Now credit will be accepted in accordance with the current agreement.

Students completing all courses in this program with a grade “C” or better will receive their AAS degree.  Credits earned in this program can be applied to a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene at a four-year program.