Dental Hygiene
Associate of Applied Science Degree
The curriculum is designed to prepare students
as primary preventive oral health care professionals licensed to practice dental hygiene.
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be eligible to take the national,
regional, and state board examinations leading to licensure as a registered dental
hygienist (RDH).
Admission Procedures:
The Dental Hygiene program is open to qualified male or female applicants. Admission to the
Virginia Western Community College (VWCC)-(CVCC) Central Virginia Community College joint
venture distance program is offered to qualified applicants on a biennial basis during
even- numbered years. Deadline for submitting complete applications is February 15th.
Admission is highly competitive, extensive reading is required in all classes, and courses
are science based and academically challenging. It is recommended that a medical
terminology course be taken prior to admission.
Students Responsibilities after Acceptance:
Admission is contingent upon a satisfactory medical and dental examination indicating good
general health. The Heptavax vaccine is required. Current certification in Healthcare
Provider cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is required for both years of the program.
Students are responsible for providing their own malpractice insurance coverage during the
two years of the program. Insurance is available for purchase after admission to the
program. All students are required to purchase the instrument and supply kit, pay a lab
usage fee, and are expected to pay for uniforms. If a student withdraws from the program
these items are nonrefundable. Students are responsible for transportation to and from
agencies utilized for clinical and community health rotation experiences. Drug and alcohol
screening is required prior to rotating through certain clinical enrichment sites. Positive
screenings may jeopardize continuance in the program. Cost of the tests are the
responsibility of the student.
Accreditation Status:
The program is accredited through VWCC by the Commission on Dental Accreditations of the
American Dental Association, a specialized accreditation body recognized by the United
States Department of Education.
Employment:
Clinical dental hygienist may work in a variety of health care settings such as private
dental offices, schools, public health clinics, hospitals, managed care organizations,
correctional institutions, military installations and nursing homes or in a corporate
environment. In addition to the clinical role dental hygienist may also work in an
administrative capacity in any of the above locations.
Mission Statement:
The mission of the dental hygiene program is to prepare students to become self-directed
primary providers of oral health care services, capable of collaborating with the client
and other health care professionals to enhance the client’s oral and total wellness.
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