The Dental Hygiene curriculum prepares individuals with the knowledge and skills to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate dental hygiene care for the individual and the community.

Students will learn to prepare the operatory, take patient histories, note abnormalities, plan care, teach oral hygiene, clean teeth, take x-rays, apply preventive agents, complete necessary chart entries, and perform other procedures related to dental hygiene care.

Graduates of this program may be eligible to take national and state/regional examinations for licensure which are required to practice dental hygiene. Employment opportunities include dental offices, clinics, schools, public health agencies, industry, and professional education.

Coastal Carolina Community College offers an Associate in Applied Science Degree. This has been identified as a limited enrollment program and may involve certain deadlines. See an academic counselor for additional information. The appropriate coursework is listed below.

American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation

The programs in Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and have been granted the accreditation status of approval without reporting requirements.  The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education.  The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440‑4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611‑2678.  The Commission’s web address is: http://www.ada.org/en/coda.

Student 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 but does not intervene on behalf of individuals or act as a court of appeal for treatment received by patients or 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 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611‑2678 or by calling 1‑312‑440‑4653.  The Commission’s web address is: http://www.ada.org/en/coda.