Associate - Dental Hygiene

Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

The Associate in Dental Hygiene program at Sanford-Brown will introduce you to dental anatomy and morphology, basic principles of biochemistry, oral microbiology and immunology, general and oral pathology, oral anatomy, and dental pharmacology. You will have the opportunity to study preventative dentistry and health promotion procedures, community dental health, infection control, and the composition, properties, and applications of dental materials. You can gain skills in dental radiology, dental hygiene treatments, and periodontology. The program includes several clinical courses, allowing you to develop skills and proficiency in patient assessment, preventative procedures, disease diagnosis, and instrumentation.

What Are the Prerequisites?

You should be interested in pursuing a career as a dental hygienist before applying to the Associate in Dental Hygiene program. Potential Sanford-Brown students must live in close proximity to campus locations.

What Are the Course Requirements?

The Associate in Dental Hygiene program is 116.5 credits. It includes 24 general education credits, 92.5 core credits, and three supervised clinical rotations.

Associate in Dental Hygiene Course Requirements

Course Code	Course Name
BIO 139	Anatomy and Physiology
DDH 100	Student Success and Career Development
DDH 110	Dental Anatomy and Morphology
DDH 112	Biochemistry for Allied Health Professionals
DDH 114	Oral Microbiology and Immunology
DDH 116	General and Oral Pathology
DDH 120	Health Prevention and Promotion in Dentistry I
DDH 131	Preclinical Dental Hygiene
DDH 210	Oral Anatomy, Embryology and Histology
DDH 211	Life Support, Dental and Medical Emergencies and Infection Control Management
DDH 212	Pharmacology for Dental Hygiene
DDH 220	Health Prevention and Promotion in Dentistry II
DDH 221	Community Dental Health
DDH 230	Dental Materials
DDH 240	Dental Radiology I
DDH 241	Dental Radiology II
DDH 250	Clinical Dental Hygiene I
DDH 251	Clinical Dental Hygiene II
DDH 252	Clinical Periodontology
DDH 310	Nutrition and Health
DDH 321	Pain Management and Special Patient Dental Care
DDH 331	Ethical Issues for the Dental Profession
DDH 350	Clinical Dental Hygiene III

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities

As a graduate of Sanford-Brown's Associate in Dental Hygiene program, you should have the skills and training needed to take the national Board Dental Hygiene Examination and the Regional and State Clinical Board Examinations. Upon successful completion of these exams, you could pursue entry-level work as a dental hygienist.

Advanced Degrees

After completing the Associate in Dental Hygiene program, you could continue your education by earning an advanced degree. Depending on your career goals, you may be interested in the following degrees:

• Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
• Doctor of Dental Surgery