Dental Hygiene Program

Third Party Comments

The Dental Hygiene Program at Orange County Community College is preparing for a site visit by the ADA Commission of Dental Accreditation on October 21 and 22, 2008. Therefore, we are soliciting comments from students, patients and other interested parties pertaining only to the accreditation standards for the program or policies and procedures used in the Commission’s Accreditation Process. Comments must be received in the Commission Office 60 days prior to the site visit.

A copy of the accreditation standards and / or the Commission’s policy on third-party comments may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611 or by calling 1-800-621-8099 x4653.

Transcript (Plain Text)

Program Description

Accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, American Dental Association, 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago Illinois, 60611, (312) 440-2500

This program will prepare the student for licensing by the State Board of Dentistry of New York State to practice dental hygiene. Career opportunities are available to private solo and group practices, hospitals and other health service agencies, public schools, and other public institutions. Traditional and advanced functions in oral health are taught to clinical proficiency.

Each student actively participates in clinical dental hygiene experiences in the college dental hygiene clinic, as well as off-campus sites, including hospitals. Students are required to provide their own transportation to these off-campus facilities and are required to purchase their own instruments and related supplies. A yearly physical examination and TB (Mantoux) evaluation are required. In addition, upon initial entrance into the program, a 10 panel drug test will be required. Negative test results remain acceptable as long as the student is continuously enrolled. If a student tests positive, they would be eligible to reapply the next time the course is offered. If the student fails two drug tests there will be no re-admittance to the program.

A grade of 75% or better is required in all DNT___ series courses for progression in the program and graduation with an A.A.S Dental Hygiene degree.

Notes:

AAS degrees are primarily intended to prepare students for immediate employment; however, transfer opportunities exist in some areas. If you plan to pursue a four-year degree program, see department chair or faculty advisor as soon as possible
Also, Foreign students must have permanent residence status to obtain a Dental Hygiene license in New York State.

Admission Requirements

Academic Requirements:

High School Diploma or GED.

Eligible to take Freshman English 1 (Eng 101).

Eligible to take Intermediate Algebra (MAT 102), or have completed Elementary Algebra (MAT 101) or equivalent with a 2.0 or higher.

Completed High School AP Biology (score of 3,4, or 5); Introduction to Biology (BIO110); or General Biology (BIO 101-prior to Spring 2008); Human Biology(BIO 115) or Anatomy & Physiology I) (BIO 111), with a grade of 2.0 or better (Within 5 years of program entry).

Completed High School Regents Chemistry with a grade of 75 or better; Elements of Chemistry and Physics (CHM 120); or a college Chemistry course (with a lab) with a grade of 2.0 or better (Within 5 years of program entry).

Students must attain a minimum CQPA of 2.5.

Department Specific Requirements

Submit Dental Hygienist observation (16 hour minimum with documentation )

Attendance at a Dental Hygiene pre-admission orientation. At this orientation, student will receive and sign off on information pertaining to health forms, drug testing and criminal records policies.

Roberta Smith, Chair
(845) 341-4880
Email

Dental Hygiene Clinic
(845) 341-4315

SUNY Orange
115 South Street
Middletown, NY 10940