Associate of Applied Science Degree Dental Hygiene Guide Fall 2014

Dental Hygiene
Associate of Applied Science
2014
PROGRAM CONTACTS
Program Director
Raye Ann Yapp | Rayeann.Yapp@mhcc.edu
Program Instructors
Klissa Johnson | Klissa.Johnson@mhcc.edu
Teri Tong | Teri.Tong@mhcc.edu
Additional Resources
Katelyn Goslin | Admissions Evaluator | Katelyn.Goslin@mhcc.edu
Cecilia Sattergren | Academic Adviser | Cecilia.Sattergren@mhcc.edu
Information Sessions | http://mhcc.edu/Alliedhealthinfo/
Application Assistance Workshops | http://mhcc.edu/Programs.aspx?id=3359
PROGRAM MISSION AND GOALS
The mission of the Mt. Hood Community College Dental Hygiene Program is to cultivate collaborative, competent, forward‐thinking
students who will meet the ever‐changing needs of their profession and community through the delivery of evidence‐based care.
Furthermore, it is the intent of the program that all students will develop an appreciation for the professional roles of research and
teaching.
1. Prepare dental hygienists who will be able to effectively assess, diagnose, plan, implement and evaluate current dental hygiene
needs and services (ADPIE).
2. Develop appropriate and ethical decision‐making skills that guide both professional judgment and conduct in the provision of
optimal patient care.
3. Promote the values of the dental hygiene profession through service‐based activities, positive community affiliations and active
involvement in local organizations.
4. Enhance communication skills that enable students to work collaboratively with patients, their families, and across all health care
professions to provide patient‐centered care.
5. Promote positive values of overall health and wellness to the public within and outside the profession.
6. Develop effective and competent communication skills by serving all persons without discrimination, and by acknowledging and
appreciating diversity.
7. Perform continuous self‐assessment for lifelong learning and professional growth.
CAREER DESCRIPTION
Dental hygienists work under the supervision of a dentist. Their responsibilities include: oral health assessments, head and neck
examinations, oral hygiene instructions, periodontal and preventive therapies, radiographic procedures, community service activities,
local anesthesia, placing restorations (silver and white fillings) and other expanded functions. Dental hygienists must complete a
minimum of a 2‐year education program, usually offered in a community or junior college. The course of study includes general
education courses, technical courses on dental hygiene procedures and clinical experience.
EMPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS
• Approximate starting salary: Range for new graduates: $32– $36/hour
• Employment opportunities (locally and generally): Good
PROGRAM DETAILS
• Program begins fall term; mid‐year entry is not available.
• Program is two years in length, for a total of 6 terms, no summer DH classes (except for a two‐day course at Clark College during
the first summer term).
• Current Dental Hygiene curriculum can be viewed at www.mhcc.edu/DentalHygiene.
• Core class time is Monday‐Friday 8 am to 5 pm with few exceptions.
• Enrollment: 18 students per year.
• Average number of graduates per year: 18
• Degree awarded is an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Dental Hygiene.
• Transfer option: Students may transfer to many local colleges and universities to pursue a bachelor of science degree in Dental
Hygiene. Eastern Washington University at Clark College in Vancouver and Oregon Institute of Technology are just two examples
but many programs exist online.
Dental Hygiene Application 2014 (rev 111813)
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