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IMPORTANT NOTE:
Thank you for your interest in the Dental Hygiene Program at RCTC. Dental Hygiene applications are accepted September 1st - March 15th.

Once minimum requirements have been met, admission is based on a point system. Points are given for completed general education requirements. Some courses are assigned higher point values (i.e. science courses).

If you are interested in applying, please submit all official documentation prior to the deadline.

Program Description

The dental hygiene program is four semesters in length and begins each August. The curriculum focuses on basic science, including microbiology, anatomy and physiology, and general education classes. The program provides essential technical and clinical skills in preparation for providing preventive dental hygiene services to the public. Graduates are eligible to take the Dental Hygiene National Board Examination, Regional and/or State board Licensing Examinations. The Dental Hygiene program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.

Dental Hygiene Program Philosophy

The Rochester Community and Technical College Dental Hygiene program is designed to provide academic and clinical educational opportunities for individuals to acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for the professional practice of dental hygiene. The philosophy of patient centered care is applied to each phase of the educational process. The integration of problem solving skills, clinical skills, and a theoretical knowledge base allow the student to accept responsibility for delivery of quality, ethical, and legal oral health care.

The dental hygiene program continuously strives to expand opportunities for student growth and development. The philosophy of the dental hygiene program embraces the belief that the life long learning is an integral part of responsible oral health care delivery.

Dental Hygiene Goals:

1. To provide a broad-based educational experience, which enables students to continue life-long learning.
2. To provide didactic and clinical experiences, which prepare students to become licensed dental hygienists.
3. To create an environment, which fosters student growth as an ethical and legal health care provider.
4. To emphasize the need for involvement, as a dental professional, in the education and treatment of the public.
5. To encourage commitment to the dental hygiene profession through professional organizations and continuing education.
6. To develop articulation agreements with transfer colleges and universities to provide the opportunity for student to continue their education.