
Dental Hygiene course descriptions
For more information, please visit http://staff.bcc.edu/dental/
Associate of Applied Science, (AAS.DHY)
Dental hygiene is an exciting and dynamic field for those interested in working with their heads, hearts and hands. Burlington County College offers a two-year program, leading to an Associate of Applied Science degree, with a major in dental hygiene.
Our program prepares students for a career as a Registered Dental Hygienist. Combining classroom instruction with laboratory and clinical experiences provides the knowledge base to integrate manual skills with the delivery of high quality oral health care services. Dental hygienists spend their days performing tasks in a variety of roles ranging from clinician, health educator, prevention specialist, and counselor. Communication skills are of utmost importance to be effective in these areas when dealing with a diverse population of clients. Our emphasis is the maintenance of health: the total health and well being of those who come under our care. The delivery of excellent oral health care is dependent upon the personal integrity of the hygienist to perform more than rote clinical procedures. S/he must be able to think critically, analyze a patient's individual needs and deliver a total health maintenance package, which includes complex assessment, treatment, education and evaluation of a variety of treatment options.
The New Jersey Board of Dentistry regulates dental hygiene licensure. All persons desiring to practice dental hygiene in New Jersey shall first secure a license from the Board. Licensure applicants must first demonstrate competence by passing both the National Dental Hygiene Boards and the North East Regional Boards. Successful completion of the New Jersey Jurisprudence examination and an affidavit of good moral character are also required. Additionally, the Board of Dentistry requests a criminal background check.
Students interested in Dental Hygiene should attend one of our informational seminars, held periodically throughout the year. Enrollment is limited, with preference given to Burlington County residents. We accept qualified applicants until all available places fill. Admitted students must hold current certification in CPR for health care providers, and first aid. They must satisfactorily complete a physical examination, which indicates that they can participate in all clinical activities, and maintain malpractice/liability insurance and personal health insurance throughout the program. Attendance at extramural clinical sites for enrichment of experience is mandatory. Students are responsible for their own transportation to specified sites.
Burlington County College’s Dental Hygiene Program has been granted the status of initial accreditation by The American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation.
American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation
211 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, Illinois, 60611
Telephone: 1-800-621-8099 X 2718
The Curriculum
The dental hygiene curriculum is designed to provide learning opportunities through classroom, laboratory and clinical instruction. The practice of dental hygiene is extremely science oriented. Therefore a strong background in biological sciences is required. The non-dental hygiene courses may be taken prior to admission, but Anatomy and Physiology, and Microbiology must be taken within five years of beginning the program.
Year One
Fall Semester
| BIO 110/111 |
Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology I with Lab |
4 cr.
|
| CHE 107/108 |
Chemistry with Lab |
4 cr.
|
| DHY 101 |
Pre-clinical Dental Hygiene |
4 cr.
|
| DHY 110 |
Dental Head and Neck Anatomy |
3 cr.
|
| DHY 120 |
Dental Radiology |
3 cr.
|
| DHY 130 |
Dental and Medical Emergencies |
1 cr.
|
|
Total credits
|
19 cr.
|
Spring Semester
| ENG 101 |
College Composition |
3 cr.
|
| BIO 114/115 |
Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab |
4 cr.
|
| BIO 155/156 |
Basic Microbiology with Lab |
4 cr.
|
| DHY 140 |
Oral Embryology and Histology |
2 cr.
|
| DHY 151 |
Clinical Services I |
4 cr.
|
|
Total credits
|
17 cr.
|
Summer Semester
| PSY 101 |
General Psychology I |
3 cr.
|
| DHY 160 |
Periodontology I |
2 cr.
|
| DHY 200 |
Dental Pharmacology and Pain Control |
2 cr.
|
|
Total credits
|
7 cr.
|
Year Two
Fall Semester
| MTH 107 |
Introduction to Statistics OR |
3 cr.
|
| CIS 101 |
Introduction to Computers |
3 cr.
|
| CHE 210 |
Nutrition |
3 cr.
|
| DHY 201 |
Clinical Services II |
4 cr.
|
| DHY 210 |
Periodontology II |
2 cr.
|
| DHY 220 |
Oral Pathology |
3 cr.
|
| DHY 230 |
Dental Materials |
2 cr.
|
|
Total credits
|
17 cr.
|
Spring Semester
| SOC 101 |
Principals of Sociology |
3 cr.
|
| SPE 102 |
Public Speaking |
3 cr.
|
| DHY 235 |
Dental Specialties |
2 cr.
|
| DHY 240 |
Dental Public Health |
3 cr.
|
| DHY 251 |
Clinical Services III |
4 cr.
|
| DHY 259 |
Board Review |
0 cr.
|
|
Total credits
|
15 cr.
|
Total Program 75 cr.
|