Program Description
The Dental Hygiene program is a sequence of courses that prepares students for positions in the dental profession. Learning opportunities develop academic, technical, and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. Registered dental hygienists work in a variety of professional settings including private and public practice. They provide numerous services designed to detect and prevent diseases of the mouth. These include oral prophylaxis and examination of head, neck, and the oral cavity for signs of disease. Additionally, patient education regarding oral hygiene, performing radiographic examinations, and application of fluoride and/or sealants are services provided by dental hygienists. Registered dental hygienists play a vital role in protecting the oral health of the American public. Program graduates receive a Dental Hygiene Associate of Applied Science degree.
The Dental Hygiene Associate of Applied Science degree at Atlanta Technical College is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation American Dental Association, 211 East Chicago Avenue Chicago, Illinois 6061, 312/440-4653.
www.ada.org
Select this link to view the Atlanta Tech Dental Hygiene Information Session
Select this link to view a video on the Atlanta Technical College Dental Hygiene Program
Programmatic Accreditation
The program in dental hygiene is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation [and has been granted the accreditation status of “approval with reporting requirements, with intent to withdraw accreditation in August 2024”]. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. The Commission’s web address is http://coda.ada.org/.
Career Information
Occupation
Dental Hygienists
Occupational Trends
Occupational Trends: The demand for dental services will grow because of population growth, older people increasingly retaining more teeth, and a growing emphasis on preventative dental care. To help meet this demand, facilities that provide dental care, particularly dentists offices, will increasingly employ additional dental hygienists to meet the growing need. Ongoing research indicating a link between oral health and general health also will spur additional demand for preventative dental services, which are typically provided by dental hygienists. Nationally the dental hygiene profession is growing to include expanded duties as Advanced Dental Hygiene Practitioner s that will safely providing cost-effective, diagnostic, preventive, therapeutic and restorative services directly to the un-served public. Advancement opportunities usually come from working outside a typical dentist office, and usually require a bachelors or masters degree in dental hygiene. Some dental hygienists may choose to pursue a career teaching at a dental hygiene program, working in public health, or working in a corporate setting.
Employment Trends
Dental hygiene ranks among the fastest growing of occupations. (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010 -11th Edition) Employment of dental hygienists is expected to grow 36 percent through 2018, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This projected growth ranks dental hygienists among the fastest growing occupations, in response to increasing demand for dental care and more use of hygienists. Job prospects are expected to be favorable in most areas, but competition for jobs is likely in some areas. In Georgia alone, the forecasted openings are predicted to be elevated by 25% for the next 5 years. (EMSO Occupational Report) Program graduates may be employed in a variety of settings including private practice clinicians and government positions such as educators, researchers, administrators, managers, preventive program developers, consumer advocates, and consultants.
Career Projections
The number of jobs in this field is expected to increase by 17% nationally and 39% in the State of Georgia over the next several years. Estimated salaries in this field start at $33,000 a year.
Labor market data was compiled using Economic Modeling Specialists, international and is updated annually.
Career Coach
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Admission Requirements
General College Admissions Requirements
Additional Program Admission Requirements
Other conditions for Admission:
Dental Hygiene is a limited enrollment-competitive program. After applying to Atlanta Technical College a separate application is required for admittance into the dental hygiene program. Applications should be submitted after prerequisite courses are completed. Acceptance into the college AND the dental hygiene program is required for admission.
Applicants must be at least eighteen (18) years old and be an official high school graduate or GED recipient. All general education course work must be successfully completed prior to selection into the program. All applicants must file an application for admission to ATC and declare Dental Hygiene as their major. International students must meet Atlanta Technical College guidelines regarding International Student admissions for college admission and continued matriculation into specific programs.
- Attend Program Information Session. The Dental Hygiene Program hosts Information Sessions for students interested in a detailed description of the program and the admission process. There are no points for admission awarded for attendance to an informational session, however the student will gain useful information regarding program costs, program requirements, program course information etc.
- Submit the Health and Public Safety Dental Hygiene Competitive Degree Application. This google form is available from February 1st-May 1st annually. Respondents will be required to sign into Google to upload required files such as copies of unofficial transcript and PSB exam scores. Official program documentation and communication will occur using your ATC student email addresses. After the electronic application is received, a complete application information package from the program coordinator will be provided. Click here for the application.
- Required for all Dental Hygiene Applicants: criminal background check, drug test, and current American Heart Association CPR (needs to be valid for program duration). Costs associated with the above are the responsibility of the applicant.
- All science courses must have been completed within the past five years with a grade of "B" or better. All other courses have to be within 10 years of completion at time of program acceptance with a grade of "B" or better.
- Complete general education coursework prior to making application to the dental hygiene program. This would include all general education courses required for graduation with an Associate of Applied Science degree from the State of Georgia. Transfer students should have pertinent courses transferred to Atlanta Technical College. This includes the following courses specific to the dental hygiene program:
- English 1101 Composition & Rhetoric
- Speech 1101 Public Speaking
- Psychology 1101 Introduction to Psychology
- Sociology 1101 Introduction to Sociology
- Math 1101 Mathematical Modeling or Math 1111 College Algebra
- Survey of Inorganic Chemistry CHEM 1151 and the lab component or Chemistry I 1211 and the lab component
- Humanities 1101 Introduction to Humanities, or ENGL 2130, or Art 1101, or Music 1101
- Biology 2113 Anatomy & Physiology I and its lab component
- Biology 2114 Anatomy & Physiology II and its lab component
- Biology 2117 Introductory Microbiology
- Biology 2117L Introductory Microbiology Lab
- COMP 1000 Introduction to Computer Literacy
*GPA of 3.0 required for an applicant to be selected for the dental hygiene program. All prerequisite coursework must be completed with a (B), 80% or higher.
No applications or supportive application documents will be accepted beyond application deadline. Because there are more applicants than space available, once basic criteria are met, program admission is based on points obtained from the following criteria:
- Past academic performance including GPA and course grades
- Program entry exam scoring
- Work/volunteer experience
- Designated alternate status from preceding year
Contact the Program Director and/or the department for detailed information on selection criteria. *Satisfying the required criteria for application into the dental hygiene program is the responsibility of the student. Students should use their resources, plan accordingly and be cognitive of meeting requirements with their best ability as the program is a competitive admissions program and is NOT able to admit all students despite best efforts of all parties.
Blood and Airborne Pathogens: Students enrolled in Category I and II programs at Atlanta Technical College will be performing tasks in which there is a normal occurrence for exposure to blood, other potentially infectious body materials, and airborne pathogens. These tasks will be performed in the classroom, laboratory, and clinical activities for each occupational training program/course. Students will be required to present documentation of Hepatitis B and Tuberculosis immunizations as a result of potential occupational exposure. Students should contact their program directors for more information. Policies and procedures regarding blood and airborne pathogens may be reviewed at https://tcsg.edu/tcsgpolicy/tcsg_policy_manual.pdf.
Additional Information
Students applying for admission into the dental hygiene should complete the pre-requisite general education courses prior to applying for placement in the program. In order to obtain licensure as a dental hygienist a background check without violation is required by the state dental board.
Reference
The Georgia Board of Dental Examiners and/or other state licensing agencies will request documented information regarding conviction of a felony and/or misdemeanor, pending and/or current criminal charges. State licensing agencies do not issue licensure to individuals with records of criminal and felonious charges and convictions. All applicants for licensure as a dental hygienist shall consent to a criminal background check. Georgia state law OCGA 43-11-71. The board shall have the authority to refuse to grant, revoke, or discipline the license of any licensed dental hygienist if such dental hygienist has any of the following:
- A felony conviction;
- A conviction for any crime involving moral turpitude
- An arrest, charge, or sentence for any felony or crime involving moral turpitude where:
- a plea of nolo contendere was entered
- first offender treatment granted, or
- the adjudication was otherwise withheld
Blood and Airborne Pathogens
Students enrolled in Category I and II programs at Atlanta Technical College will be performing tasks in which there is a normal occurrence for exposure to blood, other potentially infectious body materials, and airborne pathogens.
These tasks will be performed in the classroom, laboratory, and clinical activities for each occupational training program/course. Students will be required to present documentation of Hepatitis B and Tuberculosis immunizations as a result of potential occupational exposure. Students should contact their program directors for more information. Policies and procedures regarding blood and airborne pathogens may be reviewed at https://tcsg.edu/tcsgpolicy/tcsg_policy_manual.pdf.
Program Contact Information
Email: dental-hygieneclinic@atlantatech.edu
Program Length and Cost
Minimum Program Length in Semester Terms: 6 Terms
Credit Hours: 87
Estimated Program Cost: $13,400
Required Courses
General Education Courses (26 Credits)
Area I – Language Arts/Communication- (6 Credits)
Area II – Social/Behavioral Science- (6 Credits)
Area III – Natural Sciences/Mathematics - (11 Credits)
Math Requirement- (3 Credits)
| | Select one of the following Math Courses | |
| MATH 1111 | College Algebra | 3 |
| | Or | |
| MATH 1101 | Mathematical Modeling | 3 |
| | Or | |
| MATH 1103 | Quantitative Skills and Reasoning | 3 |
Chemistry Requirement- (4 Credits)
Select either CHEM 1121/L or CHEM1511/L:
Microbiology Requirement- (4 Credits)
Take both microbiology courses:
Area IV – Humanities/Fine Arts- (3 Credits)
Select an Area IV Humanities/Fine Arts course that has not already been used to meet a requirement (3 credits)
General Education Courses - Associate Degree
| XXXX xxxx | Humanities-Fine Arts Elective | 3 |
None General Education Degree Courses (8 Credits)
Occupational Courses (53 Credits)
Total Credit Hours: 87
Program Outcomes
1. The graduate will be able to identify and understand professional codes and ethical conduct appropriate in the practice of clinical dental hygiene
2. The graduate will be able to identify individual and group guidance and problem solving techniques which encourage and teach appropriate critical thinking skills required for clinical dental hygiene care.
3. The graduate will be able to develop appropriate curricula instructional practices and assessment strategies that prepare dental hygiene graduates to meet licensure requirements of dental governing boards.
4. The graduate will be able to identify and maintain a safe and healthy learning environment that ensures safe and health techniques for competency in clinical dental hygiene practice
5. The graduate will be able to develop procedures and protocols that ensure quality assurance for all procedures during the practice of clinical dental hygiene.