Program Overview
The Dental Hygiene program at Community College of Philadelphia prepares students to become licensed Dental Hygienists. The accredited program includes general education and major courses, and can be completed in four semesters of full-time study. Graduates are eligible to take national and state board exams to obtain a license to practice in Pennsylvania. The median salary for Dental Hygienists in the Philadelphia area is $85,273, with a projected job growth of 6.5% over the next decade.
Program Outline
Outline:
The Dental Hygiene program at Community College of Philadelphia is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become Dental Hygienists. The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association. The program consists of a total of 83 credits, including general education and major courses. General education courses include English, math, science, and social science. Major courses include oral anatomy, dental radiology, dental auxiliary practices, clinical dental hygiene, nutrition and biochemistry in dentistry, local anesthesia, oral pathology, dental pharmacology and pain management, periodontics, community dentistry, and intermediate algebra. The program is offered in a traditional format, with classes meeting on weekdays during the day. The program can be completed in four semesters of full-time study.
Careers:
Graduates of the Dental Hygiene program are eligible to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and the Pennsylvania State Board Examination. Upon passing these exams, graduates can obtain a license to practice as a Dental Hygienist in Pennsylvania. Dental Hygienists work in a variety of settings, including private dental offices, public health clinics, and schools. They perform a variety of tasks, including cleaning teeth, examining oral areas for signs of disease, and educating patients on oral hygiene. The median salary for Dental Hygienists in the Philadelphia area is $85,273. The job outlook for Dental Hygienists is expected to grow by 6.5% over the next ten years.