Oct 07, 2024  
2020-2021 Course Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Dental Hygiene, AAS


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Total Credits: 79

Major Number: 5203
CIP Code: 51.0602

Program Description

The Dental Hygiene Program prepares students with the entry-level competencies, knowledge, skills and attitudes required for licensure to practice as dental hygienists in the state of Minnesota. The DENH program courses are offered over five semesters (four full-time semesters and one part-time summer session); the program is accredited by the American Dental Association sponsored Commission on Dental Accreditation.

Program Prerequisites

  1. Dental Assistant: graduate of an accredited Dental Assistant program and Current Minnesota Licensed Dental Assistant, (LDA).
  2. Applicants will have at least 1040 hours (equal to approximately six months full-time work) experience in the past three years by the application deadline will receive priority consideration during the selection process. Applicants with fewer than 1040 hours of work experience will be considered.
  3. Science Lab Courses: Completion of the following science lab courses with a grade of C or higher and a cumulative GPA of 2.75 in these courses:
    • Introductory Chemistry (Century CHEM 1020  or CHEM 1041 . NOTE: MATH 0030  or MATH 0060  is a prerequisite to CHEM 1020 )
    • Human Anatomy & Physiology (Century BIOL 2031  & BIOL 2032 . NOTE: BIOL 1020  & CHEM 1020  are prerequisites to BIOL 2031 )
    • Microbiology (Century BIOL 2035 . NOTE: BIOL 2032  is a prerequisite to BIOL 2035 )
    • Credit & GPA: Completion of a minimum of 12 college level, Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) semester credits with a MnTC GPA of 2.5. Grade point average will be calculated on all college level MnTC credits completed at the time of application to the Dental Hygiene program.
    • Students whose MnTC grade point average is less than 2.5 may petition to use only “recent” college level credits to meet the required 2.5 GPA. Students must complete the “recent” credits and submit the petition to the Admissions Office prior to the Dental Hygiene Program application deadline. See your advisor or counselor for assistance.
    • If a student has earned a baccalaureate degree or higher, the minimum 2.5 may be calculated on the final (30) semester credits by petition. The science requirement must also be met.
  4. Assessment: All Dental Hygiene applicants are required to comply with the Century College policy regarding assessment testing in reading comprehension, writing, and math prior to the application deadline. All required remedial/developmental coursework must be completed by the end of the summer session that precedes the beginning of the Dental Hygiene program, or the student will lose her/her space in the program. It is strongly recommended students complete these courses prior to the application deadline.
  5. A high school diploma or GED.
  6. Applications will be accepted until March 31 for 12 openings starting the next Fall. Applicants who have completed all requirements prior to the deadline will be given first consideration. See special application booklet online for more information.

Special Instructions

Admission into this program requires a special application and is highly competitive. The college may not be able to accept all applicants that meet the minimum admission standards. Enrolled dental hygiene students must pass a Minnesota Human Services background study with no restrictions and pass a health exam before treating patients in the student clinic.

Pre-Application Courses


Courses required prior to application to the Dental Hygiene program

Total Credits: 15


MnTC/General Education Requirements


Recommended to be completed prior to application to the Dental Hygiene program

Total Credits: 16


Program Requirements


Total Credits: 48


Career/Occupational Elective Requirements


None

MnTC/General Education Requirements


Goal 1: Communication


Goal 2: Critical Thinking


Fulfilled when all MnTC goals for this degree are complete.

Total Credits: 15

Goal 5: History/Social/Behavioral Sciences


Minimum of 6 credits.

Total Credits: 6

Goal 6: Humanities/Fine Arts


Minimum of 3 credits.

Total Credits: 3

Goals 7-10: Theme Goals


Three credits in one Goal area selected from Goals 7, 8, 9 or 10 are required. Many courses from Goals 1-6 also meet Goals 7-10. One course may fulfill a maximum of two Goals. Credits count only once.

Goal 7: Human Diversity

Goal 8: Global Perspectives

Goal 9: Ethical and Civic Responsibility

Goal 10: People and the Environment

Total Credits: 31


MnTC Elective Requirements


None

Additional Elective Requirements


None

Additional Requirements


None

Program Information


General Requirements for Degrees, Diplomas, and Certificates

See Century College Policy 3.17.0.1

Program Note

Student must earn a grade of C or higher in all required Career/Occupational and MnTC courses.

Students must maintain their credential as a Registered Dental Assistant with the State of Minnesota (i.e.; pay annual fees, maintain CPR certification and continuing education documentation) while they are enrolled in the program. NOTE: the MN Board of Dentistry accepts all DENH program courses for RDA continuing education credit.

A copy of the program’s policy on hazardous materials, bloodborne pathogens, and infectious diseases is available upon request or by visiting the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Transfer, Articulation Agreements, and Partnerships

See the Century College website for information regarding transfer.
This program is intended primarily for employment preparation rather than transfer to a four-year institution. Some courses may not transfer to a number of four-year colleges. If you are considering the possibility of transfer, you may wish to talk with your advisor, counselor, or program instructor before registering to discuss your goals, look at programs designed for transfer, and develop a plan.

Program Learning Outcomes

At the end of this program students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate academic proficiency of the dental hygiene body of knowledge to pass the standardized National Board Exam and apply this knowledge in practice.
  • Demonstrate clinical competency in the full scope of dental hygiene services safely and in compliance with evidence-based standards and laws governing the practice of dental hygiene.
  • Demonstrate the ethical values of reflection, self-evaluation, critical thinking, fairness, justice, personal responsibility, and service to society appropriate to the professional level.
  • Are prepared to meet the needs of their patients and employers in an ever-changing world.

Program Contact Information

Tracy Kuny 651.779.3983 Room 3671 East

Sample Plan


Please note that this is a sample course sequence. Individual schedules will vary depending upon student needs, goals, and availability. Students are recommended to meet with their advisor, counselor, or faculty program instructors to create an individualized plan that includes prerequisites and application requirements. For detailed program information see the Century College website. This information is subject to change.

Note


This information is subject to change. Changes and updates are posted on century.edu

Century College is a member of the Minnesota State system. We are an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and educator. This document can be available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by calling 651.779.3354 or 1.800.228.1978 x 3354.

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