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Career Description:
A licensed dental hygienist is a health care professional, oral health educator and clinical operator who utilizes scientific knowledge and methods to provide preventive, educational and therapeutic services to support the control of oral diseases and the promotion of oral health. Under the supervision of a dentist, a dental hygienist records the patient's dental history, charts the mouth for evaluation and diagnosis by the dentist, scales and polishes teeth, exposes radiographs, applies fluoride and sealants, and functions as a dental health educator.
Program Information: (See Academic Program Guide)
The Dental Hygiene Program at Camden County College is a two-year, full-time, daytime associate degree program that prepares students to take national and state licensure exams in dental hygiene. Successful completion of the program and the licensure exams allow the candidiate to be employed in dental offices, institutions, clinics and other health care facilities.
Employment Opportunities:
An Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree can lead to employment in a private dental office, as a clinical hygienist, or a dental office manager. Further education can lead to employment as a dental researcher, public health dental hygienist, dental hygiene educator, or dental hygiene education administrator.
Accreditation:
The program in Dental Hygiene is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation and by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-2719 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611.
Special Admission Requirements
To be considered eligible to apply, the following prerequisites MUST be satisfied:
1. High school college preparatory course diploma or equivalent.
2. High school biology course with lab - Grade "C" or better.
3. High school chemistry course with lab - Grade "C" or better.
4. Placement into college level English and mathematics courses based on the results of the New Jersey Basic Skills Test.
5. SAT scores of 450 in Math, Critical Reading 450, Writing 450 (minimum), or ACT scores of 18 (minimum). Applicants who have college experience do not have to submit SAT or ACT scores.
6. College transfer applicants must have attained a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.8. (It is strongly recommended that the applicant take core courses included in the hygiene curriculum prior to applying.)
After completion of the above prerequisites, an application for admission to the Dental Hygiene Program should be submitted to the Office of Records and Registration. The following will then occur:
1. There will be a review of transcripts by director of dental programs.
2. Competitive candidates will meet with the director of dental programs.
3. Candidates will receive written notification of the Admissions Committe decision.
4. If accepted, the candidate must obtain current Basic Life Support certification. Approved courses include either American Heart Association, Health Care Provider Course; or American Red Cross, Basic Life Support for the Professional Rescuer.
5. A physical exam, various immunizations will be required before the beginning of class. Health insurance is also required. The dental department has an extensive exposure control/infectious disease policy, which is available upon request.
6. If the candidate is not accepted, but wishes to be considered for the following year, he/she must reapply by contacting the Office of Records and Registration. THERE IS NO WAITING LIST.
All applications must be received in the Office of Records and Registration NO LATER THAN FEBRUARY 1. All prerequisite courses and all documentation, including high school and official college transcripts, must be completed PRIOR TO MARCH 15. A class is accepted once a year. The program begins in the fall semester.
Admission to the Dental Hygiene Program is on a competitive basis and completion of all prerequisites and core curriculum courses does not guarantee admission to the program. Since there are more applicants than there are positions, admission points will be assigned according to the applicant's documented record. Criteria for selection are based on past performance, including grades in high school biology and chemistry; grade point average or SAT scores; and grades in core curriculum requirements. Heavy emphasis will be placed on science courses and Camden County College Dental Assisting courses, where applicable. Science courses that were completed five or more years prior to enrollment in the hygiene program will not be accepted for transfer credit. Preference will be given to students who have completed their core curriculum requirements at Camden County College.
For more information, contact Dr. Catherine Boos, Director of Dental Programs at (856) 227-7200, ext. 4472.
Questions or comments? Contact cboos@camdencc.edu
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