A public institution, Colorado Community College of Denver is home to more than 13,400 students. The college began offering its dental hygiene program at its Lowry Campus on Akron Way in Denver in 1996. Admission to the program is competitive; only 24 applicants receive invitations to enroll. To qualify for admissions consideration, prospective students must show proof of previously completing college-level coursework in anatomy, microbiology, chemistry, English, psychology, sociology and speech.
Applicants must also complete two observations of licensed dental hygienists. Those admitted to the program spend two years completing the necessary course requirements, which include radiology, preventative dentistry, pharmacology and sedation. Students complete clinical internships at the college's on-site dental hygiene clinic. Graduates receive an Associate of Applied Science Degree. Eligible students can qualify for federal and state financial aid, work-study and institutional scholarships. Job placement assistance is available.
Colorado Community College of Denver
1062 Akron Way
Denver, CO 80230
303-365-8338
ccd.edu
Pueblo Community College is a public institution based in the community of Pueblo, approximately 45 miles south of Colorado Springs. The college offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science Degree program in dental hygiene. Admission requires the completion of eight prerequisite courses, and students must have six of these classes completed prior to applying. Among the courses are two units of anatomy and physiology and a course that covers general, organic and biochemistry. Only 16 applicants receive admission to the program annually.
The professional phase of the program for those admitted features classes in subjects like periodontics, ethics and practice management, dental materials, radiology and sedation. The school also has an optional dental hygiene course in roentgenology and a class meant to help students review for the licensing examination. Clinical rotations occur on campus at the school's dental hygiene clinic.
Federal and state loans as well as grants and scholarships are available for qualified students. The college provides students with assistance locating reputable child care so they can attend classes. The school's website boasts a nearly 100 percent job-placement rate among students in health-related programs like dental hygiene.
Pueblo Community College
Pueblo, CO 81004-1499
719-549-3200
pueblocc.edu
Colorado Northwestern Community College is a public institution in Rangely, a rural area about 275 miles west of Denver. The college offers a pre-dental hygiene program, which helps students focus on completing the necessary prerequisites for admission to the college's Associate of Applied Science Degree program in dental hygiene. About 73 percent of students who complete the pre-dental hygiene curriculum receive admission to the selective program.
Among students who do not go through the pre-dental hygiene program, the acceptance rate is only 28 percent. Pre-dental hygiene students also have the opportunity to complete an internship, giving them extra hands-on experience. Those admitted to the Associate Degree program take classes for two years in subjects that include immunology, head and neck anatomy, dental emergencies and radiology. Degree students complete both on-campus clinical rotations and an externship at a community-based dental clinic prior to graduation. The college participates in federal and state financial aid programs and offers a limited number of scholarships. Job placement assistance is available.
Colorado Northwestern Community College
500 Kennedy Drive
Rangely, CO 81648
800-562-1105
cncc.edu