Dental Hygiene
The dental hygienist works under the supervision of the dentist in dental offices and other health agencies. Duties include cleaning teeth, exposing x-rays, providing dental care instructions to patients, applying cavity-preventing materials, administer local anesthetic, maintaining patient records, and preparing clinical laboratory tests. Additional duties may be found within the Illinois Dental Practice Act. The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Graduates are eligible to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, the examination for enrollment as a Dental Hygienist in Illinois, and other state and regional licensing examinations needed for licensure as a Dental Hygienist in Illinois and elsewhere.
Goals of the Dental Hygiene Program
To provide a career program that prepares the graduate to move into the community as a professional dental hygienist.
To offer a curriculum that will meet the lower-division requirements of four-year colleges and universities and which will facilitate the transfer of the Associate in Applied Science Degree in the pursuit of a baccalaureate degree.
To provide dental hygiene care that strives to meet the needs of the community, especially for those individuals who might no have access to preventive dental services.
To provide a foundation for professional growth, scientific advancement, and life-long learning.