Associate of Applied Science - Program Map - 2022-2023
Health Sciences

Program Description

The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Dental Hygiene is a two-year program with competitive enrollment. Students accepted into the Dental Hygiene program attend classes in biological and dental sciences, as well as in specialized courses. This knowledge is then applied in the dental hygiene clinic where students perform dental hygiene services. Working collaboratively with dentists, dental hygienists provide oral preventive health and therapeutic services to the public. Successful completion of this program allows graduates to take the National Board, State and/or Regional Board Examinations for licensure as a Registered Dental Hygienist.

Career Opportunities

Potential Careers: Dental Hygienists (General Dentistry Practices, Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Dental Schools, etc.)

Potential Salary: $40/hour in El Paso and $70,850 to $80,340/year for the State of Texas, depending on career, education, location, and experience.

For more information on possible careers, education requirements, and salaries, please visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics: www.bls.gov

Dental Hygiene

Associate of Applied Science

Prerequisite Semester

Credit Hours

BIOL

2404

Anatomy & Physiology (Specialized, Single-Semester Course, Lecture + Lab) (C) (MNS)

4

CHEM

1306

Introductory Chemistry I (Lecture, Allied Health Emphasis) (C) (MNS)

3

CHEM

1106

Introductory Chemistry I (Lab, Allied Health Emphasis)

1

DHYG

1127

Preventive Dental Hygiene Care

1

Humanities or Fine Arts Elective (C) (HFA)

3

12

First Semester

Credit Hours

DHYG

1239

General and Oral Pathology

2

DHYG

1301

Orofacial Anatomy, Histology & Embryology

3

DHYG

1304

Dental Radiology

3

DHYG

1431

Preclinical Dental Hygiene

4

Speech Communication Elective

3

15

Second Semester

Credit Hours

BIOL

2420

Microbiology for Non-Science Majors (Lecture + Lab) or

BIOL

2421

Microbiology for Science Majors (Lecture + Lab)

4

DHYG

1319

Dental Materials

3

DHYG

1235

Pharmacology for the Dental Hygienist

2

DHYG

1261

Clinical-Dental Hygiene/Hygienist I

2

DHYG

1311

Periodontology

3

DHYG

2201

Dental Hygiene Care I

2

16

Third Semester (Summer)

Credit Hours

DHYG

2161

Clinical-Dental Hygiene/Hygienist II

1

ENGL

1301

Composition I (C)

3

PSYC

2301

General Psychology (C) (SBS) or

PSYC

2314

Lifespan Growth & Development (C) (SBS)

3

7

Fourth Semester

Credit Hours

DHYG

1207

General and Dental Nutrition

2

DHYG

1215

Community Dentistry

2

DHYG

2231

Dental Hygiene Care II

2

DHYG

2362

Clinical-Dental Hygiene/Hygienist III

3

9

Fifth Semester

Credit Hours

DHYG

2102

Applied Community Dentistry

1

DHYG

2253

Dental Hygiene Practice

2

DHYG

2363

Clinical-Dental Hygiene/Hygienist IV

3

SOCI

1301

Introduction to Sociology (C) or

SOCI

1306

Social Problems

3

9

Total Credit Hours

68

(C) Core Curriculum Course (F) Field of Study Course

Things To Know

  • BIOL 2401 & 2402 are mandatory ranking courses.
  • Please visit your counselor/advisor at the end of each semester to discuss your next semester courses.
  • All clinical education is supervised by the Dental Hygiene faculty.
  • DHYG 1304, 1261, 2161, 2362, & 2363 require students to recruit patients for dental hygiene preventative and therapeutic services (radiographs, periodontal treatment, sealants, etc.)
  • DHYG 1207 is an online course.
  • Graduates of the Dental Hygiene Program may go on to enroll in a BS degree in Dental Hygiene. These programs typically have specialized admissions requirements which vary depending upon the program you select. It should be noted that acceptance into most programs is based on a competitive ranking system, in which case, an associate degree is desirable. EPCC core curriculum and academic courses may transfer, but DHYG courses may not transfer, depending on the program requirements. Continuing your education toward another health career program may require additional core curriculum requirements. The admission requirements depend on the program and school of your choice. Please contact your counselor/advisor for your chosen program and college.
  • For more information and to view the Specialized Admissions Program Information Guide visit the Dental Hygiene program webpage.

Marketable Skills

By the completion of the Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene, students will have gained the following marketable skills:

  • Communication: Students are effective oral and written communicators and display the ability to listen to comprehend.
  • Critical Thinking: Students can interpret and understand complex ideas to solve problems and build connections.
  • Personal Health & Safety: Students are mindful of the importance of following health and safety standards for personal and professional safety.
  • Personal Responsibility: Students demonstrate professionalism and a strong, independent work ethic.
  • Teamwork: Students are efficient team members and maintain respect for diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Requirements

The Dental Hygiene Specialized Courses start only in the First Summer Session. You must be officially accepted into the program to enroll in these courses. If you have not ranked into the program, please refer to the current year online Program Information Guide for Dental Hygiene and keep in contact with the Dental Hygiene Program Counselor for guidance. BIOL 1306 & 1106 are the prerequisite courses for BIOL 2401 & BIOL 2402 which can be met through course completion or a biology placement exam. CHEM 1306 is a prerequisite for all Fall DHYG courses.
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