Program Codes:
DHY.AAS
Associate in Applied Science
The program in Dental Hygiene is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of approval. Graduates of this program qualify to take the American Board of Dental Examiners Licensing Examination in Dental Hygiene (ADEX DH) and the Dental Hygiene National Board Examination (DHNBE) for licensure to practice.
Below are required courses and recommended course groupings and sequences for program completion. Courses may have prerequisite and corequisite requirements. Check course descriptions for details.
An introductory study of the microbial world with emphasis on the nature and behavior of microorganisms, the interrelationships that operate between microbes and the human host in health and disease and the principles of prevention and control of infectious disease. Laboratory experience develops techniques in the proper handling, observation and identification of microbial cultures. Recommended for students in the health sciences.
Credit-by-examination available if the student is licensed to take radiographs in New Jersey.
DHY-117 and DHY-118
DHY-116 and DHY-118
DHY-116 and DHY-117
Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students will use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing documented essays. Extensive reading materials serve as structural models and as the bases for discussion and for the writing of essays involving response, analysis, and synthesis.
A passing score on the College placement test or a grade of “C” or better in ENG-010
A study of cellular transport mechanisms and tissues as they relate to organs and systems. Structural and functional features of the skeletal, muscular and nervous systems and special senses are examined. Recommended for students in the health sciences.
Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students will use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing argument synthesis essays. Students will engage in formal written argumentation based on extensive reading and analysis of complex texts. Through the research process, students will locate, analyze, and synthesize scholarly sources to advance their own informed positions on relevant issues in the composition of a formal research paper.
A grade of “C” or better in ENG-121
One year of high school laboratory chemistry or CHM-010
A continuation of BIO 111. A study of the structure and function of the body is continued by examining the endocrine, reproductive, circulatory, digestive, respiratory and excretory systems.
BIO-111 with a minimum grade of “C”
DHY 208
BIO 112, DHY 203, DHY 207, DHY 211, DHY 215
DHY-208
Provides a psychological basis for the understanding of human behavior. A survey of fundamentals that are necessary for subsequent psychology courses. Topics include but are not limited to: learning, motivation, cognition, personality, abnormal behavior, development and social psychology.
DHY 212
DHY 212
This course examines human relationships in society, analyzes concepts of culture, socialization, values, norms, deviance, stratification and causes and effects of inequalities.
Physical/Health Education Elective
Contact Name: Associate Professor Claire Pean, department chair
Contact Phone: 732.906.2536
Contact Email: CPean@middlesexcc.edu
Department Web: http://www2.middlesexcc.edu/academics/academic-departments/dental-auxiliaries.html
The student can become a licensed professional who works under the supervision of a dentist and performs services that detect, prevent and treat diseases of the mouth. Services include performing oral examinations, oral cancer screenings, scaling, root planning, polishing, applying decay preventing agents, taking and processing dental X-rays, and providing patient education in preventive dentistry.
Some colleges and universities such as Thomas Edison, Montclair State University, UMDNJ, and New Jersey City University will apply the courses the student has taken toward a bachelor’s degree.
Students will study comprehensive didactic, laboratory and clinic courses in dental hygiene and the dental sciences presented by highly qualified dental hygienists and dentists. State-of-the-art equipment is used in the on-site dental hygiene clinic and laboratories. Students will have additional clinical experiences in local hospitals and public schools. Basic science and general education requirements complete the course of study.
Are there any special requirements that must be satisfied before taking courses in the major?
Once students complete developmental coursework (if needed), the degree can be completed in two years of full-time study.
Students must meet the Academic Standards of Progress outlined to progress through the curriculum. Students are also required to have completed CPR for the Health Care Provider and complete the health physical and required immunizations prior to starting classes.
Yes, there are practical considerations, health considerations and legal considerations that you should review before making the decision to choose dental hygiene as a career:
The following Practical Considerations are listed so the student may be better able to assess their career choice in terms of ability to succeed in the program and gain employment in the field:
1. Have written and oral communications skills in the English language to effectively and accurately communicate with patients, peers, supervisors, families and other healthcare members.
2. Have sufficient visual acuity to accurately assess patient conditions and treat patients safely.
3. Have motor skills and strength capable of fine and delicate manipulation and adjustments of patient equipment. The student must have the physical capability to withstand prolonged hours in a sitting position and repetitive upper body motions.
4. Demonstrate acceptable affective behaviors required by health care employees such as maintaining excellent attendance and integrity and being able to work under pressure.
5. Comprehend and follow clinical policies and procedures related to the profession you choose.
Heath Insurance - All students admitted to the dental hygiene program must have health insurance. Students will find information regarding the purchase of insurance coverage through the following - http://www.state.nj.us/dobi/division_insurance/ihcseh/shop_ihc.htm
Due to the nature of clinical experiences in the Dental Hygiene Program, students will be participating in a work environment that has the potential of exposure to bloodborne pathogens and infectious diseases. All students accepted into the Dental Hygiene Program are provided with instruction on infection control protocols specific to Dental Hygiene in order to reduce the risk of disease transmission.
A student is required to have a criminal background check performed with satisfactory results acceptable by Middlesex County College and the Dental Hygiene Department and/or participating clinical facilities as a consideration of admission, initial enrollment and/or continued enrollment. An offer of admission will not be final and enrollment not permitted until the completion of a satisfactory criminal background check. Admission may be denied or rescinded or enrollment terminated based on the results of the criminal background check.