Dental Hygiene

Program Code:

Degree:

Associate in Science

This program may be completed at QCC Worcester (Main Campus).
This program may be completed face-to-face.

Program Contact Email:

dentalhygiene@qcc.mass.edu

Soliciting Third-Party Comments

The QCC Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting Programs have been granted the accreditation status of approval without reporting requirements by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation (ADA CODA). In preparation for our October 13,14 & 15, 2021 Program Review, all community members are welcome to submit third party comments regarding the programs’ qualifications for re-accreditation. Learn more.

Additional Information

Goals

Program Goals:

The QCC Dental Hygiene associate degree program includes the following program goals:

To accept students into the program who have the potential for achieving the stated competencies.
To provide a curriculum that will prepare students to meet the competencies of the program, with the knowledge and skills required to provide comprehensive dental hygiene services based on current standards of care.
To prepare each dental hygiene graduate to assume responsibility for ethical dental hygiene care in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as member of the oral healthcare team.
To graduate students who value the importance of being affiliated with their professional organization.
To develop and provide ongoing continuing education programs for community dental professionals.
To provide quality dental hygiene care to the community within the parameters of the educational requirements of the program.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

Be competent in providing the Dental Hygiene Process of Care to a diverse population, including the child, adolescent, adult, geriatric, medically compromised and special needs patients with all classifications of periodontal disease.
Demonstrate effective interpersonal and communication skills in the interaction with diverse population groups and other members of the healthcare team.
Assess, analyze data, plan, implement, and evaluate community-based oral health programs, including health promotion and disease prevention activities.
Apply legal and regulatory concepts to the provision and/or support of oral healthcare services.
Apply the principles of ethical reasoning, ethical decision making, and professional responsibility as they pertain to academic environment, research, patient care, and patient management.
Utilize technology as a learning resource and for information management.
Evaluate current scientific literature and research.
Manage comprehensive patient care utilizing critical thinking and problem solving skills, and apply self-assessment skills in preparation for life-long learning.
Represent and support the profession through community service and affiliations with professional organizations.
Provide appropriate life support measures for medical emergencies that may be encountered in dental hygiene practice.

Classes

Curriculum:

Course Title	Course #	Semester Offered	Credits	Prerequisites
Semester 1 (Spring) Register for and successfully complete all courses to graduate in nine semesters. Complete BIO 111 and CHM 101 with grades of “C” or higher.
Anatomy & Physiology I	BIO 111	F/S/SU	4	BIO 101 or BIO 107 or HS AP Biology, Coreq: ENG 101
Introduction to the Chemistry of Living Systems	CHM 101	F/S/SU	4	CHM 090 or one year of HS Chemistry, MAT 095 with a grade of “C” or higher or approp place score
Composition I	ENG 101	F/S/SU	3	Placement into college level English
		Total	11
Semester 2 (Summer I) Complete BIO 112 with a grade of “C” or higher.
Anatomy & Physiology II	BIO 112	F/S/SU	4	BIO 111
Composition II	ENG 102	F/S/SU	3	ENG 101
		Total	7
Semester 3 (Summer II) Complete BIO 232 with a grade of “C” or higher. Complete all DHY courses each semester with grades of “C” or higher.
Medical Microbiology	BIO 232	F/S/SU	4	BIO 112 or CHM 105 or CHM 123
Dental Anatomy	DHY 125	SU	1	DA or DH students only, BIO 100 or BIO 111 and BIO 112 with grades of “C” or higher, Placement into college level English
		Total	5
Semester 4 (Fall) Meet with a QCC Career Services Representative and attend Workshops. See www.QCC.edu/career-services.
Dental Hygiene Process I	DHY 111	F	4	BIO 232 and CHM 101 and DHY 125 with grades of “C” or higher, ENG 102
Anatomy of the Head & Neck	DHY 121	F	2	BIO 112 and CHM 101 and DHY 125 with grades of “C” or higher, ENG 101
Oral Histology & Embryology	DHY 123	F	2	BIO 112 and CHM 101 and DHY 125 with grades of “C” or higher, ENG 101
Dental Radiology	DHY 131	F	3	BIO 100 or BIO 111 and BIO 112 with grades of “C” or higher, DHY 125 with a grade of “C” or higher, ENG 101
Introduction to Psychology	PSY 101	F/S/SU	3	Placement into college level English
		Total	14
Semester 5 (Intersession)
Practice Management for the Dental Hygienist	DHY 116	IN	1	DHY 111 and DHY 121 and DHY 123 and DHY 131 with grades of “C” or higher, PSY 101
		Total	1
Semester 6 (Spring) Meet with a Career Services Representative for Job Search Assistance services.
Dental Hygiene Process II	DHY 112	S	5	BIO 232 and DHY 116 with grades of “C” or higher
Periodontology	DHY 124	S	2	DHY 116 with a grade of “C” or higher
Oral Pathology	DHY 126	S	2	DHY 116 with a grade of “C” or higher
Local Anesthesia for the Dental Hygienist	DHY 150	S	2	DHY 116 with a grade of “C” or higher
Nutrition in Oral and Systemic Health	DHY 250	S	2	DHY 116 with a grade of “C” or higher
		Total	13
Semester 7 (Summer)
Dental Hygiene Process Summer Clinic	DHY 113	SU	1	BIO 232 and DHY 112 and DHY 124 and DHY 126 and DHY 150 and DHY 250 with grades of “C” or higher
		Total	1
Semester 8 (Fall)
Health Promotion	DHY 201	F	2	DHY 113 with a grade of “C” or higher
Dental Hygiene Process III	DHY 211	F	5	DHY 113 with a grade of “C” or higher
Dental Pharmacology	DHY 231	F	2	DHY 113 with a grade of “C” or higher
Dental Materials	DHY 241	F	2	BIO 100 or BIO 111 and BIO 112 with grades of “C” or higher, DHY 125 with a grade of “C” or higher
Introductory Sociology (Principles)	SOC 101	F/S/SU	3	Placement into college level English
		Total	14
Semester 9 (Spring) For the Liberal Arts Elective, SPH 101 suggested if considering transfer to bachelor’s degree program. Register for National and Regional Board Exams early in the semester. Submit an Intent to Graduate Form, located on The Q.
Dental Ethics, Jurisprudence & Professional Issues	DHY 202	S	2	DHY 201 and DHY 211 and DHY 231 and DHY 241 with grades of “C” or higher
Dental Hygiene Process IV	DHY 212	S	6	DHY 201 and DHY 211 and DHY 231 and DHY 241 with grades of “C” or higher
Dental Public Health	DHY 243	S	2	DHY 201 and DHY 211 and DHY 231 and DHY 241 with grades of “C” or higher
Liberal Arts Elective	---	F/S/SU	3
		Total	13
Total Credits Required:			79

Elective Information

Outcomes

Program Outcomes:
Program outcomes are defined as performance indicators that reflect the extent to which the purposes of the program are achieved and by which program effectiveness is documented. Program outcomes are measurable, consumer-oriented indexes designed to evaluate the degree to which the program is achieving its mission and goals. Examples include, but are not limited to, program completion rates, licensure/certification examination pass rates, and job placement rates.

Program Statistics:
National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Licensure Pass Rates:

Expected Level of Achievement developed by QCC DH Faculty are that 85% of first-time test takers will successfully complete the NBDHE offered through the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations.
- 2016: 100%
- 2017: 93%
- 2018: 100%
- 2019: 95%
- 2020: 100%
- 2021: 100%

ADEX Dental Examination Administered by CDCA - Computer Simulated Clinical Examination (CSCE OSCE) Licensure Pass Rates:

Expected Level of Achievement developed by QCC DH Faculty are that 90% of first-time test takers will successfully complete the CSCE OSCE offered through the ADEX and administered by the CDCA.
- 2016: 94%
- 2017: 100%
- 2018: 100%
- 2019: 100%
- 2020: 100%
- 2021: 100%

ADEX Dental Examination Administered by CDCA - Patient Treatment Clinical Examination (PTCE) and Manikin Treatment Clinical Examination (MTCE) Overall Licensure Pass Rates:

Overall pass rate for test takers taking or retaking the PTCE/MTCE offered through the ADEX and administered by the CDCA.
- 2016: 100%
- 2017: 100%
- 2018: 100%
- 2019: 100% (MTCE)
- 2020: 100% (MTCE)
- 2021: Not Available

Graduates Obtaining Jobs:

Expected Level of Achievement developed by QCC DH Faculty are that 90% of responding graduates seeking employment are employed within six months of graduation.
- 2016: 100%
- 2017: 100%
- 2018: 100%
- 2019: 100%
- 2020: 100%
- 2021: Not Available

Graduate Satisfaction (as answered on Program Exit Survey):

Question asked - “I am confident in my ability to utilize critical thinking and problem-solving strategies related to comprehensive patient care and management of patients”.
- 2016: 100% of the students agreed to the above statement
- 2017: 93% of the students agreed to the above statement
- 2018: 100% of the students agreed to the above statement
- 2019: 100% of the students agreed to the above statement
- 2020: 100% of the students agreed to the above statement
- 2021: Not Available

Cost & Requirements

Program Admissions Requirements:

Students should note that some first semester courses carry minimum prerequisites. Refer to the program grid.

High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.
- GPA: 3.00 or equivalent in high school or 3.00 in college with minimum 10 credits; or 550 Battery Average on GED; or HiSET 45.
Attendance at a Health Information Session or complete FYE 102 with a grade of “C” or higher.
Must show evidence of being compliant with the immunization requirements specified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Additional immunization requirements will be required for clinical experiences.
Four-hour dental office observation or observe the dental hygiene process of care by being a patient for a dental hygiene clinic screening appointment.
Attendance at a Dental Hygiene Program Overview Session (to register, please email dentalhygiene [at] qcc.mass.edu).
English: Placement into college level English.
Mathematics: Placement into college level mathematics.
Qualifying biology and chemistry courses must be taken within five years of application. Required grade must be earned within two attempts of taking and completing the course.
- Biology: Minimum grade of “C” in college level anatomy and physiology I and II courses (BIO 111 and BIO 112).
- Chemistry: Minimum grade of “B” in high school chemistry or “B” or higher in CHM 090 or “C” or higher in CHM 101.
Required TEAS V or TEAS composite score of 65% or higher (cannot be a combination of multiple tests) must be achieved within five years of applying to the program.
- Applicant must obtain composite score of 65% or higher in no more than three attempts within a three-year period.

Program Retention / Progression Requirements:
To be eligible to continue in the program, students must:

Achieve a grade of “C” or higher in all program courses designated by DHY.
Achieve a grade of “C” or higher in BIO 111, BIO 112, BIO 232, and CHM 101.
Maintain documentation of current Healthcare Provider Level BLS/CPR Certification.
Maintain documentation of immunization currency and satisfactory health status.
Maintain documentation of annual TB testing.
Maintain documentation of health insurance.
Maintain an active membership in the professional organization (ADHA) throughout the duration of their program enrollment.
Be aware that they may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens. Bloodborne Pathogens means pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). United States Department of Labor, OSHA, September 5, 2019 (www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.1030).

Program Readmission Requirements:
There is a one-time readmission policy for the program.

Readmission is not guaranteed and is always based upon space availability.
Students who did not earn a grade of “C” or higher in DHY 111, DHY 121, DHY 123, DHY 125, and/or DHY 131 need to re-apply to the program through the Admissions Office. Students need to meet the current admission requirements. Students should contact the Program Coordinator as soon as they receive the notification of being placed on the waitlist (by April 15) to discuss readmission.
Students who did not earn a grade of “C” or higher in any other DHY course should contact the Program Coordinator by April 15 to discuss readmission.
Students who have been dismissed or administratively withdrawn from a program within the School of Healthcare at Quinsigamond Community College for reasons of “clinically unsafe practice/behavior” or who violate the College’s Student Code of Conduct or Policy on Affirmative Action are not eligible for admission/readmission to any Healthcare program.

Program Graduation Requirements:
Students must satisfy all course and program requirements, including regulations related to attendance and conduct, in order to be eligible for graduation. In addition, all financial obligations to the College must be met.

Admissions Process:

Admissions inquiries should be directed to admissions [at] qcc.mass.edu. Prospective students may apply to the program of their choice by following the enrollment steps at www.QCC.edu/enrollment-steps.

Technical Performance Standards:

See the Technical Performance Standards page. (Note: Not all programs have technical performance standards).

In addition to the technical standards outlined on the Technical Performance Standards page, all students must be able to reach the patient from a sitting or standing position in order to accomplish the skills necessary for this profession.

Credit for Prior Learning:

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) allows students to use skills they already have towards a college degree or certificate. Work, life, volunteer and military experience may be translated into credit, allowing students to take fewer classes and earn their degree faster. CPL eliminates redundancies for students who have already earned credentials or mastered skills required for their program of study. Email experience [at] qcc.mass.edu for more information and eligibility.

CORI, SORI, Fingerprinting & Drug Testing:

Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI), Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI), and National Background checks are required in the program, either annually or every semester. Fingerprinting and drug testing may be required. Fingerprinting and drug testing results must meet clinical requirements. An issue with CORI/SORI, National Background, fingerprinting and/or drug testing could prevent a student from participating in a clinical/field rotation, which could result in dismissal from the program.

A positive CORI/SORI may impact qualifications to obtain a license to practice dental hygiene in certain states.

Additional Cost:

See the Program Fees page.

Students should anticipate additional expenses for uniforms/clinical wear, textbooks, required academic or skills remediation, membership in the Dental Hygiene Professional Association, Regional and National Board exams.

Additional Information:

Clinical rotations may be required during Summer sessions or Intersession. Clinical rotations may be required off-campus throughout the duration of the program. Students are responsible for their own transportation.
Although every effort will be made to schedule patients for students, ultimately, students are responsible for supplying their own patients to meet their clinical requirements.
Dental hygienists must be licensed by the state in which the student practices. Licensure in Massachusetts requires that applicants pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA) Examination, and the Board of Registration in Dentistry Ethics and Jurisprudence Examination.

Dental Assisting “Bridge” to Dental Hygiene:
Graduates of the QCC Dental Assisting Certificate program may transfer into the QCC Dental Hygiene - Associate in Science program if they meet the current program admissions requirements for the Dental Hygiene program; see the Dental Assisting Certificate (Program Code: DA) for details.

Notice of Opportunity to File Complaints:
The Commission on Dental Accreditation will review complaints that relate to a program’s compliance with the accreditation standards. The Commission is interested in the sustained quality and continued improvement of dental and dental-related education programs; however, the Commission does not intervene on behalf of individuals or act as a court of appeal for individuals in matters of admission, appointment, promotion or dismissal of faculty, staff or students. A copy of the appropriate accreditation standards and/or the Commission’s policy and procedure for submission of complaints may be obtained by contacting the Commission at: Commission on Dental Accreditation | 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611 | 800.621.8099, ext. 2719. A copy of the accreditation standards are also on file with and may be obtained through the administrative assistant for the QCC Dental programs.

Career

Career Outlook:

Please consult the Massachusetts Career Information System at https://masscis.intocareers.org/ or the Occupational Outlook Handbook at www.bls.gov/ooh/ for specific occupational information. The CIP code for this program is 51.0602.

Transfer Articulations & Opportunities:

Prospective students may learn more about transfer articulation agreements at www.QCC.edu/agreements. More information regarding transfer opportunities is available at www.QCC.edu/transfer.

Mission & Philosophy

Program Mission

The program’s mission is to prepare its graduates with relevant knowledge, skills, and values necessary to meet the professional responsibilities of the entry-level dental hygienist in an effort to meet the diverse needs of the community/region. The program operates within the mission of Quinsigamond Community College to prepare students to take the Dental Hygiene National Board, the Commission on Dental Competency Assessment and the Massachusetts Permit L local anesthesia exams and to be able to obtain a position as a dental hygiene professional.

The program prides itself on providing a high-quality education that is affordable and accessible, as well as assisting students in reaching their full potential. A climate of respect is fostered, instilling a sense of empowerment in oneself and the profession in which one serves.

Program Philosophy

Quinsigamond Community College Dental Hygiene Program encourages students to be self-directed in their learning and establish high standards of professional and personal excellence. Critical and analytical thinking is encouraged throughout the academic and clinical experiences of the program.

Effective learning requires a supportive student-centered learning environment in which the diverse educational needs of students are recognized and addressed, by utilizing available resources within the college community. Service-learning activities are incorporated throughout the curriculum.

The role of the student is to take responsibility for personal academic and clinical success. The role of the faculty is to be responsive to students’ needs by providing support, guidance, and supervision in the teaching/learning process.

Continuous life-long learning is encouraged among students and faculty as a means of providing personal/professional enrichment and/or leading to transfer opportunities and career advancement.

Dental Hygiene

The Dental Hygiene Program prepares students to enter the profession of dental hygiene. At Quinsigamond, students receive a thorough background in the sciences and dental hygiene subjects. They learn and practice their clinical skills in a modern, on-campus dental hygiene clinic.

Dental hygienists are members of the dental health care team who provide preventive oral health services, including dental health education, health promotion, oral prophylaxis, dental x-rays, fluoride treatments, pit and fissure sealants, and preliminary patient examinations. As licensed health care professionals, dental hygienists promote total health through maintenance of optimum oral health.

Career opportunities for licensed dental hygienists include positions in private dental offices, clinics, hospitals, school districts and federal, state, and local health agencies. For students who continue their education to the bachelor and master degree levels, additional career opportunities exist in public health, research, and dental hygiene education.
This program also prepares students for further study at four-year colleges and universities. To assure that courses are selected that will be applicable to a degree program at a particular four-year college or university, students should make their academic advisor aware of their intent to transfer in order to satisfy the requirements of the receiving institution.

Specialized Health Careers Advising facilitates the entry of students to Health Care Programs. All students applying should contact Health Careers Advising at 508.854.4308.

The Quinsigamond Community College Dental Hygiene program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), which was established in 1975 and is nationally recognized by the United States Department of Education as the sole agency to accredit dental and dental-related education programs conducted at the post-secondary level. CODA can be contacted at: Commission on Dental Accreditation | 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611 | 800.621.8099 | 312.440.4653 | www.ada.org/en/coda. The Dental Hygiene program was last granted continuing accreditation without reporting requirements in 2021, and the next re-accreditation visit is scheduled for 2028.

Apply for Admission Request Information

Contact QCC Admissions at 508.854.4262 for more information.

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