Dental Hygene
Associate of Applied Science Degree
Accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation American Dental Association
American Institute of Health Technology Dental Hygiene Program
As an Apollo College Dental Hygiene student, you will build upon a foundation of general education courses to learn a wide variety of knowledge and skills including, but not limited to the following:
Infection control and sterilization
Preventive dentistry and nutrition
Dental materials
Dental instrument and equipment care
Dental Radiography
Examination of patients' teeth and gingiva
Removal of calculus, stains, and plaque from teeth
Application of fluoride
Application of pit and fissure sealants
Patient instruction - maintaining good oral health
In some states hygienists are also licensed to perform the following skills, which students will learn in the program at Apollo College :
Administration of local anesthetics and anesthetic gas
Placement of temporary fillings and periodontal dressings of metal restorations
Program Length
In line with 90% of the ADA approved dental hygiene programs, the students at Apollo College earn an Associate of Applied Science degree. This five-semester program can be completed in 20 months and includes 83 credit hours (1860 clock hours) of academic and clinical training. Apollo College adheres to the standards set forth by the American Dental Association. Our training provides the opportunity to gain a high level of knowledge and clinical skill in a timely manner. Note: our semester programs run on a non-traditional semester schedule.
Program Goals
Upon graduation our Dental Hygiene students will be able to perform professionally at an entry-level competency. They will partner with other professionals in environments that ensure patient needs are being met through delivery of clinical services that are current, safe, preventative, and comprehensive. Our graduates will meet legal and professional requirements as well as expectation of the community and local dental professionals. This will result in a licensed, employed Apollo College Dental Hygiene and on-going Apollo College Dental Hygiene program support.
National Certification Exam
A national certification exam is administered by the Council of the National Board of Dental Examiners of the National Board of the American Dental Association. Students must pass State or Regional Board examinations and receive a state license to be employable as a Dental Hygienist. This can include jurisprudence exams for each state in which the hygienist elects to practice. The Western Regional Board exam is required for licensing in the state of Idaho.
