The dental hygienist program is at the downtown Milwaukee College campus in the School of Health and Sciences. It's a two-year Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.) in Dental Hygiene and takes place during the day, starting in August and January. Admission requirements are algebra, biology and chemistry. The A.A.S. degree is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association. The curriculum combines clinical courses with the academic side of the program. The college offers its own clinic for use by the students, although external sites are also be available. The degree opens opportunities for employment in places like hospitals, private clinics and nursing homes.
The Associate in Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.) in dental hygiene is offered at the Downtown Education Center and the Truax Campus. Courses begin in the fall. The course includes completion of comprehensive written and clinical examinations given by the State Dentistry Examining Board, the American Dental Association's joint Commission on National Dental Examinations and a Regional Dental Testing Service. The course offers an extensive curriculum, and applicants for the program must have graduated from an accredited secondary school and have taken a college preparatory course or other recognized equivalent test. In order to be accepted into the program, grades must be better than average. Completed high school or college semesters must include subjects such as geometry, chemistry, biology, algebra and English with a grade C or above. Students will also need to show proof of current CPR Professional Level certification before starting the first course.
The college offers a two-year Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene. The entry date is in August. The program will enable you to take the national, regional and state exams in order to become licensed. Upon graduation, you will be expected to carry out emergency care protocol upon recognizing symptoms or medical emergencies, be competent in using current infection control guidelines and safety precautions in the laboratory and clinical areas, and demonstrate an ethical and professional attitude. Program admission requirements include the COMPASS pre-entry assessment with 85 or above for reading and 30 or above for algebra. School or college semesters in subjects such as algebra, biology and chemistry with grade or C or higher are required. You will also need a current CPR certificate.
Dental hygienist positions are regularly advertised, and there is a constant need for well-qualified hygienists in the industry. The associate's degree is a respected qualification, available at many local colleges, and offers excellent opportunities in this job sector.