Dental Hygienist

Dental Hygienist Associate of Applied Science Degree

Program Code: 10-508-1

For more information: wctc.edu/dental-hygiene

Dental hygienists educate patients on good oral hygiene, and they perform preventive dental care, such as teeth cleaning to remove tartar, stains and plaque; apply sealants and fluoride treatments; and develop x-rays. In this program, learn to provide therapeutic/preventive services with a dentist and become involved in dental health counseling. 

The minimum required course grades and program grade point average (GPA) for students under this catalog are:

• Core Courses = B-
• General Studies Courses = C
• Program GPA = 2.0

This WCTC program prepares students to obtain the required licensure to be employed/practice in the state of Wisconsin. The College does not guarantee its curriculum matches the requirements for preparation, examinations, or licensure for other states. 

Program Outcomes

1. Model dental hygiene professional code of ethics.
2. Counsel clients/patients to reduce health risks.
3. Provide community oral health services in a variety of settings.
4. Manage infection and hazard control.
5. Assess data on all aspects of patient/client health using methods consistent with dental hygiene scope of practice and legal principles.
6. Formulate a comprehensive dental hygiene care plan in collaboration with the client and other health professionals.
7. Provide preventive and therapeutic services that promote oral health according to the needs of the patient/client.
8. Evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented client/patient dental hygiene care plan.

Critical Life Skills

To help our students prepare for success in a workplace and society that is increasingly global, multi-cultural, and collaborative, all students are given opportunities to develop and demonstrate Critical Life Skills, both in and out of the classroom. The following Critical Life Skills are learning outcomes for WCTC students.

• Communication: Demonstrate appropriate communication.
• Critical Thinking/Problem Solving: Demonstrate critical thinking skills to analyze situations and solve problems.
• Relationships: Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills.
• Self-management: Demonstrate responsible and respectful behavior.

Listed below are the required courses for this program.  An Academic Advisor can help you develop your program plan and select the term and course schedule that works best for you.

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To support your success in the program, we recommend credits earned in 806-177 Gen Anatomy & Physiology, 806-186 Intro to Biochemistry, and 806-197 Microbiology be relevant within the last 5 years.