Welcome to Dental Hygiene
JUST THE FACTS
Entry: Fall only
Length: 2-year program
Award: Associate in Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.)
Description: Prepares students to become preventive health
professionals who provide educational and clinical services
to support oral health.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
Admission to the college is granted to all individuals who are high school graduates or the equivalent; however, some programs may require additional information for acceptance. We encourage you to review our Getting Started Checklist for specific requirements for admission.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that students complete as many general studies classes as possible before they begin the dental hygiene program. If you are taking general studies courses at a college other than IWCC, please call the Registrar to check on transferability. Students must submit official transcripts from all colleges attended & demonstrate a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 for all required academic courses, and also demonstrate a minimum grade of “C” (2.0) for all courses that are pre-requisites and co-requisites (does not include remedial or nonacademic courses).
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS:
"The faculty at Iowa Western are experienced and dedicated to preparing you to practice dental hygiene in the professional world. The campus is fun and welcoming, it's great being able to live here and make friends while also getting an education."
--Mick, Class of 2007
"Iowa Western Community College enabled me to achieve my goal in a rewarding and yet challenging career as a Dental Hygienist."
-- Shelly, Class of 2006
"The outstanding academic and clinical instruction at the IWCC DH program allowed me to hit the ground running. I was well prepared and confident in my skills to treat patients with the best possible care, immediately upon graduating.
--Michelle, Class of 2000
PROGRAM INFORMATION:
The Dental Hygiene program of study prepares students to become preventive health professionals who provide educational and clinical services to support oral health. These services include: evaluation, charting oral disease and conditions; removing deposits from teeth; exposing and processing dental radiographs; and applying fluoride and sealants to teeth. Graduates can seek positions in general or specialty dental practices, hospitals, research or academic institutions, public health, business and industry, or armed services.
Program Goals
- Students will be competent as defined by the department document "Competencies for the Dental Hygiene Graduate." (on file in the dental hygiene office)
- Students will provide client-centered care.
- Faculty will develop a learner-focused curriculum that maximizes student involvement, input and participation.
- Faculty will support and promote the institution to be committed to a dental hygiene program of excellence.
- Faculty will implement a curriculum focused on evidence-based decision-making.
- Clients will be satisfied with dental hygiene services.
Creighton University School of Dentistry Affiliation Agreement.
The Iowa Western Community College Dental Hygiene Program was organized and established in conjunction with Creighton University School of Dentistry in 1998. Each institution offers a diverse educational and clinical experience for the students. Although IWCC is small in comparison to Creighton, our students receive the best of both worlds - exposure to an urban, private university campus with the intimacy of a small, rural community college campus.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:
Employment for registered dental hygienists is expected to continue to grow as the population ages and there is a growing awareness of preventive health care. Career options are:
- private dental offices
- insurance
- specialty dental offices
- federal service, public health, public schools
- hospitals
- dental product sales
- nursing homes
- management and consulting
- dental hygiene education
- research
CAREER ADVANTAGES:
- personal satisfaction working with clients
- prestige as a valued member of a health team
- variety of skills and career opportunities
- creativity in the approach to client management
- flexibility of full time or part time job options
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Registered dental hygienists are licensed, professional members of the dental health team, dedicated to helping clients maintain good oral health and preventing dental disease and disorders. Each state has its own range of services provided by the registered dental hygienist. Some general responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- removal of calculus and plaque, above and below the gum line
- client screening and assessment
- exposure, processing & interpretation of dental x-rays
- teaching clients oral hygiene strategies to maintain health
- placement of temporary fillings; making impressions and study casts
- dietary analysis and counseling
- application of therapeutic agents
- working with special populations: elderly, handicapped, etc
- documentation and office management
ACCREDITATION :
The program in dental hygiene is accredited by the Commission of Dental Accreditation and has been granted the status of Accreditation without reporting requirements. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission of Dental Accreditation can be contacted at:
The Commission Dental Accreditation
211 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
312-440-4653
OTHER RESOURCES:
CONTACT INFORMATION:
For admissions information contact:
1-800-432-5852