Dental Hygiene
The Dental Hygiene curriculum prepares individuals with the knowledge and skills to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate dental hygiene care for the individual and the community.
Students learn to prepare the operatory, take patient histories, note abnormalities, prepare patient-centered care plans, teach oral hygiene techniques, provide periodontal therapy, acquire radiographic images, apply preventive agents, record patient data utilizing an electronic patient management software system and perform other procedures within the dental hygiene scope of practice.
Graduates of this program are prepared to take national and state/regional examinations for licensure, which are required to practice dental hygiene. Employment opportunities include positions in dental offices, hospital clinics, schools, public health agencies, industry, and professional education.
For specific information about potential positions and wages in dental hygiene employment, visit the Central Piedmont Career Coach website.
Dental Hygiene (A45260)
Degree Awarded
The Associate in Applied Science degree - Dental Hygiene Degree is awarded by the college upon completing this program.
Program Admission Steps
- Complete an admissions application to Central Piedmont.
- Submit high school transcripts, as well as any college transcripts, to Admissions, Records & Registration on the second floor of the Central High Building.
- Take the required placement tests or obtain a waiver.
- Meet with a counselor or an advisor to review placement test scores, program information and select courses for registration.
- Take applicable Developmental Education courses.
- Complete and submit a Dental Hygiene Application by the deadline date.
- Take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), ATI TEAS
- Check the Courses section for details, as many courses have prerequisite or co-requisite requirements.
In any Associate Degree Health Sciences program for which there are more applicants who have completed pre-admission requirements than there are positions, admission points are assigned according to the applicant’s documented record. Criteria for selection include scores on the TEAS test, past academic performance, and experience in the field of interest.
Additional Credentials
- All students are required to be certified in Health Care Provider CPR or CPR for Professional Rescuer before entering the Dental Hygiene Program.
- Students must complete a minimum of CHM 121 and 121A or college equivalent with a grade of “C” or higher to apply to the dental hygiene program. The chemistry requirement must be completed not more than five years prior to acceptance.
- In order to participate in clinical education experiences at health care facilities, students may be required to submit results of a NC state or national criminal background check at their own expense.
Notes
Licensure to practice dental hygiene is required before working in any state or jurisdiction. The North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners (NCSBDE) may request information regarding felony convictions, misdemeanors, and current charges on the application for licensure and may decide not to license an individual, based on the results of an investigation. The NCSBDE may also require applications to submit a social security number on licensure applications.
Costs of this program, in addition to tuition and textbooks, include uniforms, instruments, physical examination, and specific vaccinations.
Progression in this program is dependent upon a grade of “C” or better in all general education courses, as well as major and related courses.
Contact Information
The Dental Hygiene program is in the Outpatient & Simulation Division. For more information, visit the Dental Hygiene website. For further assistance, contact the Program Chair at 704.330.6365.
| General Education Requirements | ||
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| SOC 210 | Introduction to Sociology | 3.0 |
| COM 231 | Public Speaking | 3.0 |
| or COM 110 | Introduction to Communication | |
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Mathematical Measurement and Literacy | ||
| Quantitative Literacy | ||
| Statistical Methods I | ||
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Art Appreciation | ||
| Art History Survey I | ||
| Art History Survey II | ||
| Theatre Appreciation | ||
| Cultural Studies | ||
| Myth in Human Culture | ||
| Music Appreciation | ||
| Introduction to Jazz | ||
| Philosophical Issues | ||
| Introduction to Ethics | ||
| World Religions | ||
| Major Requirements | ||
| BIO 175 | General Microbiology | 3.0 |
| DEN 110 | Orofacial Anatomy | 3.0 |
| DEN 111 | Infection/Hazard Control | 2.0 |
| DEN 112 | Dental Radiography | 3.0 |
| DEN 120 | Dental Hygiene Preclinic Lecture | 2.0 |
| DEN 121 | Dental Hygiene Preclinical Lab | 2.0 |
| DEN 123 | Nutrition/Dental Health | 2.0 |
| DEN 124 | Periodontology | 2.0 |
| DEN 130 | Dental Hygiene Theory I | 2.0 |
| DEN 131 | Dental Hygiene Clinic I | 3.0 |
| DEN 140 | Dental Hygiene Theory II | 2.0 |
| DEN 141 | Dental Hygiene Clinic II | 2.0 |
| DEN 220 | Dental Hygiene Theory III | 2.0 |
| DEN 221 | Dental Hygiene Clinic III | 4.0 |
| DEN 222 | General & Oral Pathology | 2.0 |
| DEN 223 | Dental Pharmacology | 2.0 |
| DEN 224 | Materials and Procedures | 2.0 |
| DEN 230 | Dental Hygiene Theory IV | 1.0 |
| DEN 231 | Dental Hygiene Clinic IV | 4.0 |
| DEN 232 | Community Dental Health | 3.0 |
| DEN 233 | Professional Development | 2.0 |
| BIO 168 | Anatomy and Physiology I | 4.0 |
| or BIO 165 | Anatomy and Physiology I | |
| Other Major Requirements: | ||
| DEN 125 | Dental Office Emergencies | 1.0 |
| BIO 169 | Anatomy and Physiology II | 4.0 |
| or BIO 166 | Anatomy and Physiology II | |
| Total Credits | 74 | |
Dental Hygiene Suggested Course Sequence
The following is the suggested plan for when to take each course to complete the Associate in Applied Science degree, based on the program requirements of the 2024-2025 catalog. This is only a recommendation — you may take courses in another order upon consultation with your advisor. This plan is based on you starting with college-level math and English courses, starting your program in the fall, and attending full-time. You can also follow this sequence if you attend part-time. Speak with your academic advisor about the plan and any questions. This program might also offer diplomas or certificates; visit the catalog or contact the program for details. Visit the Academic Advising page for instructions on locating your assigned advisor: https://www.cpcc.edu/academics/academic-advising
| Term I | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 168 | Anatomy and Physiology I | 4.0 |
| BIO 169 | Anatomy and Physiology II | 4.0 |
| Credits | 8 | |
| Term II | ||
| DEN 110 | Orofacial Anatomy | 3.0 |
| DEN 111 | Infection/Hazard Control | 2.0 |
| DEN 112 | Dental Radiography | 3.0 |
| DEN 120 | Dental Hygiene Preclinic Lecture | 2.0 |
| DEN 121 | Dental Hygiene Preclinical Lab | 2.0 |
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Term III | ||
| DEN 124 | Periodontology | 2.0 |
| DEN 125 | Dental Office Emergencies | 1.0 |
| DEN 130 | Dental Hygiene Theory I | 2.0 |
| DEN 131 | Dental Hygiene Clinic I | 3.0 |
| DEN 224 | Materials and Procedures | 2.0 |
| MAT 110 | Mathematical Measurement and Literacy | 3.0 |
| BIO 175 | General Microbiology | 3.0 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Term IV | ||
| DEN 140 | Dental Hygiene Theory II | 2.0 |
| DEN 141 | Dental Hygiene Clinic II | 2.0 |
| COM 231 | Public Speaking | 3.0 |
| Credits | 7 | |
| Term V | ||
| DEN 123 | Nutrition/Dental Health | 2.0 |
| DEN 220 | Dental Hygiene Theory III | 2.0 |
| DEN 221 | Dental Hygiene Clinic III | 4.0 |
| DEN 223 | Dental Pharmacology | 2.0 |
| DEN 232 | Community Dental Health | 3.0 |
| SOC 210 | Introduction to Sociology | 3.0 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Term VI | ||
| DEN 222 | General & Oral Pathology | 2.0 |
| DEN 230 | Dental Hygiene Theory IV | 1.0 |
| DEN 231 | Dental Hygiene Clinic IV | 4.0 |
| DEN 233 | Professional Development | 2.0 |
| Humanities/Fine Arts | 3.0 | |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 74 | |