Code: AAS.HP.DENTL

The Dental Hygiene Program is designed to provide the student with both an academic and clinical education that prepares them for employment opportunities in the field of dental hygiene. The curriculum provides a variety of student activities and community outreach which enhances professional development and access to care. The program incorporates didactic, clinical, technological, and laboratory teaching approaches throughout the curriculum The program prepares the student to meet national, regional, and state licensing requirements and fulfills requirements for an Associate in Applied Sciences degree.

Minimum Entrance Requirements

Program Length: 24 months
Program Admits: Fall semester
GPA for Admissions Eligibility: 2.50
Preadmission Test: Dental Hygiene Admissions Exam
Application Deadline: January 15
High School Prerequisite Courses:  High School students must complete CHM-112 (College Chemistry),  BIO 109 (Anatomy & Physiology), and MAT 157 (Intermediate Algebra) or MAT 040 (Algebra for Liberal Arts) or waiver prior to application.  A junior or senior high school student, 16 years of age or older, may apply for Dual Enrollment, the Bergen Experience, or Early College with their guidance counselor or principal’s permission/endorsement. They can register for CHM-112 (College Chemistry) and BIO 109 (Anatomy & Physiology) during the fall semester and successfully complete prior to the application deadline.
Prerequisite courses must be completed prior to the application deadline.

Prerequisite Courses:

• MAT-157 Intermediate Algebra Part I  or MAT-040 Algebra for Liberal Arts  or waiver prior to application;
• BIO-109 Anatomy and Physiology I  (4 credits; in-person lab required);
• CHM-112 College Chemistry  (4 credits; in-person lab required).

Note: Any substitution courses for CHM-112 College Chemistry  must cover content in organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and biochemistry to be considered.

All core DHY courses MUST be taken in sequential order within the Bergen Community College Dental Hygiene Program. NO DHY courses may be transferred or taken at any other dental hygiene program. All core DHY courses are co-requisites for each other during every semester of the dental hygiene program.

The Dental Hygiene Program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

1. Demonstrate the skills and knowledge to competently, legally, and ethically access, plan, implement, and evaluate dental hygiene services and promote access to care.
2. Implement the skills and knowledge to provide dental hygiene services which meet professional standards and licensure eligibility.
3. Formulate the skill set for lifelong learning and professional development.
4. Support students to develop evidence-based decisions by acquiring, analyzing and documenting data utilizing current scientific research.

Career Pathways

Clinical Practitioner	Community Health Hygenist	Educator
Administrator	Sales Representative	Researcher