Dental Hygiene
Program Goals & Outcomes
Registered dental hygienists are licensed professionals who, under the supervision of the dentist, provide for patients’ preventive and therapeutic dental hygiene services, which help to prevent periodontal disease and dental decay. This program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association. Graduation from this program ensures eligibility to take state, regional, and national licensure exams, which are required before beginning employment. Graduates of this program are also certified in all advanced functions legal in the state of Oklahoma.
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Apply dental hygiene theory and research in clinical practice;
- Perform clinical procedures to meet Oklahoma State Practice Act standards;
- Recognize the duties of a dental hygienist as part of the dental team; and
- Engage with the community in dental health service environments.
Students must receive a grade of “C” or better in all General Education Requirements and all Support & Related courses. Students must maintain a grade of “C” in each Program Requirement course throughout the program to progress through the semester and continue concurrent enrollment. Students must successfully complete all required courses with a minimum grade of “C” in each course to receive the Associate of Applied Science Degree.
Admission to the Dental Hygiene Program is based on specific admission requirements and is limited to 12 students. Specific Program Goals are available in the Dental Hygiene Program Advisement Packet, which can be distributed at the Allied Dental Program Information Sessions or obtained from the Allied Dental Programs Office.
The application period for the Dental Hygiene Program is from December 1 to February 1. A point system is utilized for the selection of the most qualified applicants. Applications may be obtained during the application period in the program office or by calling (405) 733-7336. Completed applications and all requested documents must be returned to the Allied Dental Program Office by February 1. All applicants are notified of their admission status by the end of May. Successful completion of coursework listed in General Education Requirements and Support & Related Requirements sections, with the exception of HSBC 2114 Human Anatomy and BIOL 2424 Human Physiology, is required before Program coursework begins.
Infectious/Contagious Disease Transmission
Bloodborne Infectious and Contagious Diseases: By law, when performing healthcare functions, dental assistants and dental hygienists must protect the health and safety of the public. The Allied Dental Programs written policy regarding treatment of individuals with bloodborne infectious diseases is available upon request. This policy is in accordance with the Guidelines on Infected Health Care Workers adopted by the Oklahoma State Department of Health, Occupational Safety and Health Administration Guidelines, and Oklahoma Board of Dentistry Rules and Regulations Chapter 35.
Dental and allied dental healthcare workers provide services in the oral cavity and come in contact with blood and saliva. Although diseases may be encountered, research indicates that risks are negligible when optimal infection control procedures are practiced. The Allied Dental Programs adhere to current OSHA Guidelines for infection control, based on input from the Center for Disease Control. Procedures undergo periodic review and are updated to meet the most current guidelines. All patients are treated following “standard/universal precautions.”
GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS (41 hours min)
Students must earn a “C” or better in General Education courses to be eligible for graduation.
English Composition (6 hours)
- ENGL 1113 English Composition I+
- ENGL 1213 English Composition II+
U.S. History/U.S. Government (6 hours)
- HIST 1483 U.S. History to 1877
or HIST 1493 U.S. History Since 1877 - POLS 1113 American Federal Government
Sciences (20-21 hours)
- BIOL 2424 Human Physiology+ ** ++
- CHEM 1114 Introductory Chemistry+ ++
- CHEM 1124 Introductory Organic & Biochemistry* + ++
- HSBC 1224 Introduction to Clinical Microbiology
or BIOL 2035 Principles of Microbiology+ ++ - HSBC 2114 Human Anatomy**+ ++
General Education Electives (9 hours)
- MCOM 1213 Public Speaking
- PSYC 1113 Introduction to Psychology
- SOC 1113 Introduction to Sociology+
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS (48 hours)
Permission of Program Director is required prior to enrollment in these courses.
Students must earn a “C” or better in these courses to be eligible for graduation.
- HSAD 1243 Advanced Clinical Procedures+
- HSDH 1105 Dental Hygiene I+
- HSDH 1113 Dental Embryology, Histology, & Anatomy+
- HSDH 1205 Dental Hygiene II+
- HSDH 1213 Dental Materials+
- HSDH 1222 Dental Radiography+
- HSDH 1241 Periodontics I+
- HSDH 2305 Dental Hygiene III+
- HSDH 2312 Community Dental Health I+
- HSDH 2323 Pathology for the Dental Hygienist+
- HSDH 2331 Periodontics II+
- HSDH 2343 Pharmacology/Anxiety & Pain Control+
- HSDH 2405 Dental Hygiene IV+
- HSDH 2413 Community Dental Health II+
- HSDH 2423 Practice Administration+
- HSDH 2431 Periodontics III+
SUPPORT & RELATED ELECTIVES (0-3* hours)
Completion of these courses may be required prior to program admission.
- HSBC 1113 Medical Terminology*
*Required for students taking HSBC 2114 at Rose State College.
**Course can be completed with Program Requirements.
+Check course description for prerequisites that must be met.
++Stale Credit Rule applies. Stale Credit Rule requires specific courses must be completed within 7 years of application.
Suggested Order of Enrollment
Consult with the Health Sciences division advisor each semester to verify that selected courses will fulfill degree requirements. Check the College Catalog and/or class schedule for course offering specifics. The “+” symbol represents a prerequisite for the course. Any course offering is subject to change without notice.
Year 1
Fall
| Spring
|
Summer
| |
Year 2
Fall
| Spring
|
Year 3
Fall
| Spring
|
The Rose State College Dental Hygiene program is an Associate of Applied Science degree program that leads to the National Board Certification Exam. Approximately 100,000 active dental hygienists in the U.S. work mainly for general dentists and specialists, often in chairside roles but also involved in business tasks. They may also work in hospitals, nursing homes, and public health clinics. With additional education and experience, hygienists can teach, conduct research, or manage offices. Employment may also be available with dental product companies. In Oklahoma, starting salaries typically range from $40 to $45 per hour (salary.com)
A Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) is a licensed professional who provides preventive, therapeutic, and educational services under a dentist’s supervision. Hygienists perform services such as patient screenings, taking radiographs, removing plaque, applying preventive materials, teaching oral hygiene, counseling on nutrition, making impressions for study casts, and handling office management tasks. Services vary by state, but hygienists are the only dental auxiliaries licensed for specialized patient care.
Students with a history of latex sensitivity or allergy are cautioned about selecting a career as an allied dental healthcare professional. Consultation with a physician is recommended if a history of allergy or sensitivity is present.
Admission to our programs is selective. For details, contact the Health Sciences Division at (405) 733-7359 or schedule an appointment with the Health Sciences Advisor by emailing [email protected] or using the HSAdvisor Calendar Tool.
Rose State College is accredited by the North Central Commission on Colleges. Rose State College awards Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees as well as Vocational Certificates.
Specialized accrediting agencies exist to assess and verify the quality of education in specific professions or occupations, ensuring that individuals are qualified to enter those disciplines. A specialized accrediting agency recognizes the course of instruction that comprises a unique set of skills and knowledge, develops accreditation standards by which such education programs are evaluated, conducts evaluations of programs, and publishes a list of accredited programs that meet national accreditation standards. Accreditation standards are developed in consultation with those affected by the standards, representing the broad communities of interest.
The Commission on Dental Accreditation is the specialized accrediting agency recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation and the United States Department of Education to accredit programs that provide basic preparation for licensure or certification in dentistry and the related disciplines. The Dental Hygiene Program has maintained accreditation through the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation since 1972. The Dental Assisting Program has maintained accreditation through the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation since 1982. Both Programs currently have A-1 accreditation with no reporting requirements. This status is the highest possible status. Site accreditation visits are scheduled every seven years. The most recent accreditation review was in September 2019.
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 educational programs, but 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 the following address:
Commission on Dental Accreditation
211 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60611-2678
http://www.ada.org
1-800-621-8099, Ext. 4653
Admission to the Dental Hygiene professional courses is by a special application procedure. Applicants are accepted for the fall semester each year. Specific instructions are provided on the official application. The application process is very specific, and admission to the Dental Hygiene Program is very competitive.
Rose State Health Sciences hosts Information Sessions to assist prospective applicants. Topics include:
- Program expectations
- Work/school balance
- Cost/expenses
- Patient/radiography requirements
- Attitude/ethics
- Exposure to bloodborne pathogens/communicable diseases
Fill out the Registration Form for the date you will be attending.
- October 25, 2024 – 1:00-3:00pm
- November 8, 2024 – 1:00-3:00pm
- December 6, 2024 – 1:30-3:30pm
Cost Information for the 2020-2021 Dental Hygiene Program
All costs are calculated for Oklahoma residents only and are subject to change.
Refer to Tuition & Fees for current resident or out-of-state rates.
Pre-Program Requirements - Estimated Costs
| Tuition – 44 credit hours x $158.50 (Textbooks not included) | $6,974.00 |
| Lab fees | 30.00 |
| Misc. Expenses (Complete medical exam required upon acceptance to program at student’s expense) | 300.00 |
| Total Pre-Program Costs | $7,304.00 |
Program Costs - Estimated
| Professional Program 1st year estimated costs as described below | $ 8,916.00 |
| Professional Program 2nd year estimated costs as described below | $ 9,784.00 |
| Total Cost of Program | $18,700.00 |
1st Year Professional Program Estimated Costs
1st Year, Fall Semester
| PRICE | |
| Tuition and Fees – 8 credit hours x $158.50 | $1.268.00 |
| Lab Fees | 30.00 |
| Textbooks: Dental Hygiene, other courses | 1,082.00 |
| Background Check | 49.00 |
| Drug Testing | 25.00 |
| Instruments/supplies | 1,500.00 |
| Uniforms | 300.00 |
| Clinic Shoes | 40.00 |
| SADHA Student Membership | 85.00 |
| Liability Insurance | 15.00 |
| Safety glasses | 15.00 |
| Hepatitis vaccine / Immunizations | 200.00 |
| Miscellaneous | 50.00 |
| 10.00 | |
| CPR Certification | Varies |
| Estimated Costs | $4,669.00 |
1st Year, Spring Semester
| PRICE | |
| Tuition and Fees – 14 credit hours x $158.50 | $2,219.00 |
| Lab Fees | 30.00 |
| Textbooks | 488.00 |
| Magnifying Loupes | 900.00 |
| Light | 600.00 |
| Student Parking/ID | 10.00 |
| Estimated Costs | $4,247.00 |
2nd Year Professional Program Estimated Costs
2nd Year, Fall Semester
| PRICE | |
| Tuition and Fees – 14 hours x $158.50 | $2,219.00 |
| Lab Fees | 30.00 |
| Textbooks | 776.00 |
| Uniforms | 150.00 |
| Instruments | 1,000.00 |
| SADHA student membership | 85.00 |
| Liability Insurance | 15.00 |
| Transportation (outside rotations) | 225.00 |
| Miscellaneous | 75.00 |
| National Board Review Course (optional) | 400.00 |
| Student Parking/ID (for 2 semesters) | 20.00 |
| Total | $4,985.00 |
2nd Year, Spring & Summer Semesters
| PRICE | |
| Tuition and Fees- 14 credit hours x $158.50 | $2,219.00 |
| Lab Fees | 20.00 |
| Textbooks | 225.00 |
| Class pin | 50.00 |
| National Board Exam fee | 440.00 |
| Western Regional Board Exam fee | 1,325.00 |
| Oklahoma Board Dental License fee | 100.00 |
| Photos and Medical exam | 125.00 |
| Transportation (outside rotations) | 225.00 |
| Miscellaneous | 50.00 |
| Student Parking/ID (2 semesters) | 20.00 |
| Total | $4,799.00 |
For more information, contact:
Health Science Division Advisor
Nicole Mitscher
(405) 733-7562
[email protected]
Dental Assisting/Dental Hygiene Program Director
Esmeralda Ornelas, Allied Dental Programs
(405) 733-7581
[email protected]