Dental Hygiene
Associate Degree in Applied Science
What You’ll Learn
Forsyth Tech’s dental assisting and dental hygiene programs offer a comprehensive education that combines classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. Students gain the skills and knowledge required to excel as dental assistants or dental hygienists, including patient preparation, X-ray procedures, cleanings, infection control, communication, and dental office management. Graduates can pursue diverse career opportunities in various dental settings and may be eligible for certification or licensure.
Outcomes
- Prevention
- Assessment
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Patient education
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Ethics
Curriculum & Class Schedule
Legend:
AComprehensive Articulation Agreement (This course is recommended for students transferring to a four-year university.)
LLocal Requirement
IInstructional Service Agreement
UUniversal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC)
GGlobal Distinction
RRequisite(s)
Disclaimer line: This is a suggested list. You will consult with an academic advisor to develop your exact curriculum, based on your interests and any credits you may already have obtained prior to arriving at Forsyth Tech.
BIO 163: Basic Anat & Physiology
ACredit Hours: 5
ENG 111: Writing and Inquiry
A U G RCredit Hours: 3
DEN 110: Orofacial Anatomy
Credit Hours: 3
DEN 111: Infection/Hazard Control
Credit Hours: 2
DEN 112: Dental Radiography
Credit Hours: 3
DEN 120: Dental Hyg Preclinic Lec
RCredit Hours: 2
DEN 121: Dental Hygiene Precl Lab
RCredit Hours: 2
CHM 131: Introduction to Chemistry
ACredit Hours: 3
CHM 131A: Introduction to Chemistry Lab
ACredit Hours: 1
DEN 123: Nutrition/Dental Health
Credit Hours: 2
DEN 124: Periodontology
RCredit Hours: 2
DEN 130: Dental Hygiene Theory I
RCredit Hours: 2
DEN 131: Dental Hygiene Clinic I
RCredit Hours: 3
DEN 125: Dental Office Emergencies
Credit Hours: 1
DEN 140: Dental Hygiene Theory II
RCredit Hours: 2
DEN 141: Dental Hygiene Clinic II
RCredit Hours: 2
DEN 223: Dental Pharmacology
RCredit Hours: 2
PSY 150: General Psychology (Global)
A U GCredit Hours: 3
Select one:
BIO 175: General Microbiology
A RCredit Hours: 3
BIO 275: Microbiology
A RCredit Hours: 4
DEN 220: Dental Hygiene Theory III
RCredit Hours: 2
DEN 221: Dental Hygiene Clinic III
RCredit Hours: 4
DEN 222: General & Oral Pathology
RCredit Hours: 2
DEN 224: Materials and Procedures
RCredit Hours: 2
SOC 210: Introduction to Sociology (Global)
A U GCredit Hours: 3
Select one:
COM 120: Intro Interpersonal Com (Global)
A U GCredit Hours: 3
COM 231: Public Speaking (Global)
A U GCredit Hours: 3
DEN 230: Dental Hygiene Theory IV
RCredit Hours: 1
DEN 231: Dental Hygiene Clinic IV
RCredit Hours: 4
DEN 232: Community Dental Health
Credit Hours: 3
DEN 233: Professional Development
Credit Hours: 2
: Humanities/Fine Arts Elective
ACredit Hours: 3
Legend:
AComprehensive Articulation Agreement (This course is recommended for students transferring to a four-year university.)
LLocal Requirement
IInstructional Service Agreement
UUniversal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC)
GGlobal Distinction
RRequisite(s)
- Dental Assistant
- Dental Hygienist
- Dental Lab Technician
- Dental Office Administration
Employment Opportunities for Dental Hygienists
- Dental Hygienist (RDH) – the most common listing
- Registered Dental Hygienist – often abbreviated RDH in job postings
- Licensed Dental Hygienist – some employers emphasize the state license
- Full-Time/Part-Time Dental Hygienist
- Travel or Mobile Dental Hygienist – provides care at schools, nursing homes, or mobile clinics
- Public Health Dental Hygienist – works in community health programs or government agencies
- School-Based Dental Hygienist – preventive services in educational settings
- Periodontal Hygienist / Periodontics Hygienist – works closely with a periodontist for gum treatments
- Pediatric Dental Hygienist – specializes in care for children
- Orthodontic Dental Hygienist – assists with orthodontic patients and appliances
- Restorative Dental Hygienist – in states where hygienists can place fillings or perform expanded functions
- Lead Dental Hygienist or Team Lead Hygienist – supervises other hygienists or assistants
- Clinical Coordinator / Hygiene Coordinator – schedules and manages hygiene department flow
- Dental Hygiene Program Instructor or Educator – teaches in community colleges or universities
- Dental Hygiene Consultant – provides training or compliance consulting to practices
Dental Hygiene Program Outcomes
Dental Hygiene Program Goals:
The Dental Hygiene program goals, outcomes, and assessments have been planned with
goals and objectives consistent with the goals and objectives of the institution. They are
appropriate for dental hygiene education, which addresses teaching, patient care, research, and
service. Graduates of the Dental Hygiene Program will be able to demonstrate a sound grasp of
basic skills and knowledge in the basic sciences, dental sciences, general education, and Dental
Hygiene science. Dental Hygiene program graduates will be technically proficient and employed
in the field.
• Upon graduation, 92% of graduates will indicate they feel prepared or well prepared to enter the workforce and feel they have the knowledge and skills necessary to practice as a Registered Dental Hygienist.
• Upon graduation, 87% of graduates will pass the National Board written examination at a minimum passing rate of 77%. 80% of graduates will pass the state clinical examination (CITA) at a minimum passing rate of 77%.
• 80% of graduates will report employment in the field on the Graduating student survey
• Improve interpersonal communication skills through written communication, active listening, and verbal communication.
Visit us today!
Forsyth Tech is located at:
2100 Silas Creek Parkway,
Winston-Salem, NC 27103