This full-time degree program prepares the student to become a dental hygienist who is a preventive oral health professional prepared to provide educational, clinical and therapeutic services to the public. This degree also prepares the student for more advanced educational opportunities in the health care field.
Students who are matriculated and place into developmental math and/or English are required to begin the course sequence in the first semester. Please see an advisor with questions.
This course emphasizes the atomic nature of matter, fundamental laws and theories of mass and energy, the periodic classification of elements, chemical bonding, nomenclature, kinetic molecular theory applied to solids, liquids and gases, solution chemistry, and descriptive chemistry. Laboratory studies reinforce the principles and concepts studied in lecture and will initiate the student to sound methods of scientific investigation. (3 class hours/3 laboratory hours)
Prerequisite: MAT040 or MAT045 or satisfactory basic skills assessment scores. Co-requisite: ENL101
Offered: Fall, Summer
Note: Satisfies a Natural or Physical Science general education requirement.
CHM109 Chemistry for the Health Sciences I
An introductory course for students in various health-related programs. Emphasis is placed on practical aspects of inorganic chemistry. Some organic chemistry is introduced. (3 class hours/2 laboratory hours)
Prerequisite: MAT030 or MAT035, ENL108 or satisfactory basic skills assessment scores
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Note: Satisfies a Natural or Physical Science general education requirement.
M Designates a Milestone course. A milestone course must be completed in the semester indicated to ensure that you remain on track to continue on in your program and graduate on time.
The Dental Hygiene Program provides selected individuals from various experiential and educational backgrounds the opportunity for education in dental hygiene. Graduates are awarded the Associate in Science degree and are eligible for the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments/ADEX Examination and the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination.
The program in Dental Hygiene is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of “approved without reporting requirements.” 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 60611-2678. The Commission’s web address is www.ada.org/en/coda/accreditation
Dental Hygiene applicants are accepted only for the FALL SEMESTER.
Special Requirements for Students Enrolled in the Dental Hygiene Program
Applicants must submit the following credentials by February 1:
Completed Cape Cod Community College Application for Admission.
Official high school transcript or GED diploma.
Official transcript(s) for all colleges and universities ever attended, (if applicable)
Dental Hygiene Information Sessions: Attendance at an information session within the last two years is required for all applicants to the Dental Hygiene program. The Coordinator of Admissions and the Dental Hygiene Program Director will share up- to-date information about the program and answer questions about the curriculum, clinical assignments, support services and the admissions process. Information sessions are held each fall and winter. Appointments may be scheduled by contacting the Admissions Office.
Criteria for admission includes:
Satisfactory performance in the most recent educational experiences
Successful completion of chemistry with a lab within the last five years. Students meeting this application requirement with high school chemistry must, once accepted, complete Chemistry for the Health Sciences I (CHM109)* or equivalent no later than the summer prior to enrollment in Oral Tissues I (DEN101).
The preferred applicant will present:
An overall Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or better (on a 4.0 scale).
An overall GPA of 3.0 or better in mathematics and science courses. Priority will be given to the candidate who has taken additional courses to fulfill the core requirements.
Admission decisions are based upon a review of all candidates.
Wait List:
Once the incoming class has been selected, a wait list will be formulated with the following criteria:
An overall GPA of 2.8
An overall GPA of 2.8 in mathematics or science courses.
The Wait List is maintained in chronological order until the first week of Fall semester.
Completion of courses required by English and elementary algebra skills assessments prior to registration for dental hygiene courses.
Additional Program Information/Requirements
Students who are required to study developmental education courses should anticipate a three-year program of study.
The Dental Hygiene program is a sequential course of study. Upon acceptance into the Dental Hygiene program, the student must maintain a grade of 75 or better and a satisfactory clinical evaluation in each Dental Hygiene course in order to proceed to the next Dental Hygiene course. Students who fail a course may apply for re-entry in accordance with the Dental Hygiene Program Re-Entry Policy.
Due to the rigorous nature of the Dental Hygiene program, completion of additional science and general education courses outlined in the Dental Hygiene program are recommended prior to acceptance.
Each Dental Hygiene student must: undergo a complete physical examination and meet the physical and mental abilities required to achieve the clinical objectives; complete all required tests and immunizations as indicated on the Cape Cod Community College Report of Physical Examination form; have completed all Hepatitis B immunizations prior to the September of the year the student is entering the Dental Hygiene program. In addition, each Dental Hygiene student is required to maintain current CPR certification at the BLS Provider (AHA) level or BLS/CPR for Healthcare (Red Cross) level, and carry malpractice and health insurance.
Please refer to the policy statement of Criminal Offender Record Information and Sex Offender Registry Information checks. CORI/SORI checks will be required throughout the program.
As in any health care environment, students in the Dental Hygiene program may have risks of exposure to infectious diseases. The Dental Hygiene program adheres to all state and federal regulations to reduce the risk of health care associated infections. Individuals who disclose the presence of bloodborne infectious diseases will be shown the same consideration as non-infected individuals and will be offered reasonable accommodation. Information regarding health status of an individual is considered confidential and protected by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.
Applicant must be able to meet the physical and behavioral capabilities outlined in the Dental Hygiene Program Technical Standards: www.capecod.edu/web/dental.
Career Outlook
Employment opportunities are available as an entry-level Dental Hygienist in private general and specialty dental practices, community dental health centers, and public health agencies/facilities.
Program Outcomes
The Dental Hygiene program at Cape Cod Community College provides students with the theory, knowledge, and experience necessary to obtain competency in the practice of dental hygiene in a variety of settings. Upon completion of the program, the dental hygiene graduates are able to meet the following learning outcomes:
Integrate knowledge from the basic, psychosocial, dental, and dental hygiene sciences into the dental hygiene process of care.
Communicate effectively with individuals and groups from diverse populations.
Utilize active learning, critical thinking, problem solving, research and evidence-based decision making in the practice of dental hygiene.
Apply a professional code of ethics while adhering to appropriate legal and regulatory measures when providing oral health services.
Utilizing risk assessment and health promotion strategies, integrate the goals, values and beliefs of diverse populations in the promotion of health, wellness, and the prevention of disease.
Safely perform the dental hygiene process of care (assessment, dental hygiene diagnosis, planning, implementation, evaluation, documentation) for all patients and community-based oral health programs.
Continually perform self-assessment to maintain professional standards and encourage life-long learning and a commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration.
Demonstrate personal and professional growth through participation in professional activities and associations.
Demonstrate an awareness of the variety of career options within the dental hygiene profession.