Dental Hygiene
Health Sciences Pathway- at Lowry
CCD.edu/Dental-BAS
Dental Hygiene
Offered completely online, the Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) degree in dental hygiene is a degree-completion program. The program is designed to allow registered dental hygienists (RDH) an avenue to advance their dental hygiene education and increase their employment options. The RDH to B.A.S program will expand career options for individuals currently holding a certificate or associate degree in dental hygiene. The program offers flexibility in scheduling and the ability to continue working while advancing your education and ultimately your career opportunities.
Admission to the B.A.S. program requires an Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.), Associate of Science (A.S.) or certificate in dental hygiene from a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) accredited dental hygiene program from which Community College of Denver (CCD) will accept transfer credits.** Candidates for the B.A.S. degree program will decide where they would like to place the emphasis of their coursework. Candidates can choose either public health or clinical teaching/education. Regardless of the path chosen, the coursework and internship experiences will facilitate the development of skills in administration, planning, leadership and research.
**CCD will accept transfer credit from post-secondary institutions accredited by one of the six regional accrediting associations. Credits earned at nationally accredited or unaccredited institutions may be transferable to CCD on a case-by-case basis.
Dental hygienists who have earned a B.A.S. in dental hygiene may be employed in a variety of settings beyond the traditional private practice dental setting. Career opportunities are expanded and can include community dental health clinics, public schools, clinical and basic science research laboratories, state and federal health facilities, office management, dental hygiene education, sales and marketing representatives, and entrepreneurial ventures.
Bachelor degree trained dental hygienists can develop program plans for public health institutions and organizations, participate in research, educate entry-level dental hygiene students and community groups, be employed within dental sales, medical sales, marketing organizations and consulting firms. Dental hygienists with an entrepreneurial spirit can develop their own unique niche to support dentistry and dental hygiene through continuing education, practice management and publications.
Applications for the B.A.S. in dental hygiene program are available beginning February 1st. A maximum of 25 individuals who meet the following criteria will be accepted into the B.A.S. program. Applications will close once 25 students have been accepted into the program.
- Satisfactory completion of all CCD general admissions criteria and admittance to CCD.
- Completion of a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) accredited A.A., A.A.S., or certificate in dental hygiene, including 90 credit hours that can be accepted into Community College of Denver for transfer credit.
- A cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher in all transferring dental hygiene degree coursework and dental hygiene prerequisite courses.
- Dental hygiene licensure: You must have an active license to practice dental hygiene in at least one state within the United States.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Proof of Colorado residency or residency within a state under the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA).
- Completion of a writing sample. Specific directions and criteria for the writing sample will be provided with the application materials.
BAS Degree Dental Hygiene Prerequisites
Before applying, you must meet the prerequisites for this program.
- Graduation from a CODA Accredited Dental Hygiene Program.*
- Unofficial transcripts from your A.A., A.S., A.A.S., or certificate dental hygiene program, including prerequisite dental hygiene coursework, must be submitted with your application for evaluation and review.
- Satisfactory completion of all CCD general admissions criteria.
- Current dental hygiene licensure to practice within the United States.
- A cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher in all transferring dental hygiene degree coursework and dental hygiene prerequisite courses.
- Basic computer skills are necessary, including proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and Word, communication via email, and use of the Internet.
- Ready access to a computer with a stable Internet connection, Windows or Mac operating system, and webcam is mandatory as all coursework will be completed online
- Attend an orientation session on campus approximately one month prior to the start of the fall semester.
COURSE MAP
Eight Week: Summer Session- One Year Program Plan
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Eight Week: Summer Session- One Year Program Plan | ||
| MAT 1260 | Intro to Statistics: GT-MA1 | 3 |
First Eight Weeks: Fall Semester- One Year Program Plan
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| First Eight Weeks: Fall Semester- One Year Program Plan | ||
| DEH 3001 | Advanced Careers in Dental Hygiene | 3 |
| DEH 3002 | Research Methodologies | 3 |
Second Eight Weeks: Fall Semester- One Year Program Plan
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Second Eight Weeks: Fall Semester- One Year Program Plan | ||
| DEH 3055 | Social Issues in Oral Health | 3 |
| DEH 3026 | Oral Health Promotion | 3 |
First Eight Weeks: Spring Semester- One Year Program
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| First Eight Weeks: Spring Semester- One Year Program | ||
| DEH 4012 | Teaching Strategies and Methods for the Dental Hygiene Educator | 3 |
| DEH 4081 | Internship I | 2 |
| Choose One Elective | 3 | |
| Dental Hygiene Business Administration | ||
| Leadership & Administration | ||
| Diversity and Cultural Competence Research: Relationship to the Delivery of Oral Health | ||
Second Eight Weeks: Spring Semester- One Year Program Plan
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Second Eight Weeks: Spring Semester- One Year Program Plan | ||
| DEH 4082 | Internship II | 2 |
| Choose One Elective | 3 | |
| Dental Hygiene Business Administration | ||
| Leadership & Administration | ||
| Diversity and Cultural Competence Research: Relationship to the Delivery of Oral Health | ||
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS COMPLETED FOR THE DEGREE: 120 CREDITS AS PER STATE REGULATION.
One Year Program*
*The program can be extended to two years using the following recommended program plan.
Summer: Required: MAT 1260
Year One: Required: DEH 3001, DEH 3055, DEH 4012
Year Two: Required: DEH 3002, DEH 3026, DEH 4081 and DEH 4082
NOTE: to earn a degree, all students must:
• take a minimum of 24 credits at the 3000/4000 level from BAS Dental Hygiene courses including required and elective courses.
• complete a minimum of 30 credits in residence at the Community College of Denver.
• complete a combined total of 120 credits including AA, AS or AAS dental hygiene prerequisites; AA, AS or AAS dental hygiene course work; and BAS dental hygiene course work.
"Additional elective credit hours will be needed for transfer students when dental hygiene transfer credits are 60 credits or less and/or dental hygiene prerequisites (General Education and Science) are less than 28 credits. To satisfy these hours, these additional credits can be taken from general electives at the 1000/2000 level and/or from Program Electives** listed above. General elective credit hours from the following prefixes: ANT, COM, HPR, HWE, and SPA may not be substituted for 3000/4000 level coursework.
Health Sciences Pathway- at Lowry
CCD.edu/Dental
Dental Hygiene
The Associate of Applied Science (A.AS.) in dental hygiene prepares you to practice as a professional dental hygienist following successful completion of 28 credit hours of prerequisites and 63-credit hours of professional study. After successful completion of the program, you will be eligible to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam (NBDHE) and regional/state clinical board exams. These exams are necessary to become a licensed, registered dental hygienist. Successful completion of the prerequisite courses and the full dental hygiene curriculum results in an A.AS. in dental hygiene. This program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
Dental hygienists are licensed preventive oral health professionals who provide educational, clinical, and therapeutic services in dentistry. Dental hygienists perform procedures such as oral prophylaxis, application of preventive agents, exposure of dental radiographs, patient education and nutritional counseling. Career opportunities for hygienists are available in a variety of settings including private dental practices, community dental health clinics, public schools, clinical and basic science research laboratories, state and federal health facilities, and management positions.
Dental hygiene is a selective admissions program. Applications are available August 15 and must be submitted online no later than December 1 of each year to be considered for admission into the class beginning fall of the next academic year. Admission into the program is based upon a 100-point system, details of which can be found at CCD.edu/Dental.
To find out more information about the dental hygiene program requirements, prerequisites, and application process, visit CCD.edu/Dental.
COURSE MAP
Prerequisites
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 2101 | Human Anatomy & Physiology with Lab I: GT-SC1 | 4 |
| BIO 2102 | Human Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab: GT-SC1 | 4 |
| BIO 2104 | Microbiology with Lab: GT-SC1 4 | 4 |
| CHE 1009 | General, Organic, and Biochemistry 7 | 4 |
| ENG 1021 | English Composition I: GT-CO1 2 | 3 |
| COM 1150 | Public Speaking 6 | 3 |
| PSY 1001 | General Psychology I: GT-SS3 3 | 3 |
| SOC 1001 | Introduction to Sociology I: GT-SS3 5 | 3 |
Requirements
| First Semester | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||
| DEH 1005 | Introduction to Dental Hygiene 1 | 1 |
| Subtotal | 1 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| Fall | ||
| DEH 1001 | Preclinical Dental Hygiene Lecture | 2 |
| DEH 1002 | Preclinical Dental Hygiene Lab | 3 |
| DEH 1003 | Dental Anatomy and Histology | 3 |
| DEH 1004 | Dental Radiology | 3 |
| DEH 1011 | Dental and Medical Emergencies | 2 |
| DEH 1023 | Head & Neck Anatomy | 1 |
| Subtotal | 14 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| Spring | ||
| DEH 1022 | Periodontics I | 2 |
| DEH 1026 | Dental Materials | 2 |
| DEH 1053 | Clinical Theory of Dental Hygiene I | 2 |
| DEH 1070 | Clinical Practice of Dental Hygiene I | 4 |
| DEH 2002 | Applied Nutrition in Dentistry | 2 |
| DEH 2013 | General and Oral Pathology | 3 |
| Subtotal | 15 | |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| Summer | ||
| DEH 1035 | Pain and Anxiety Control for the Dental Hygienist | 2 |
| DEH 1050 | Dental Lasers: Theory and Practice | 1 |
| DEH 1071 | Clinical Practice of Dental Hygiene I-A | 2 |
| Subtotal | 5 | |
| Fifth Semester | ||
| Fall | ||
| DEH 1032 | Applied Pharmacology | 2 |
| DEH 2004 | Community Dental Health I | 2 |
| DEH 2042 | Periodontics II | 2 |
| DEH 2068 | Clinical Theory of Dental Hygiene II | 2 |
| DEH 2070 | Clinical Practice of Dental Hygiene II | 6 |
| DEH 1085 | Independent Study 8 | 1 |
| Subtotal | 15 | |
| Sixth Semester | ||
| Spring/Summer/Fall | ||
| DEH 2021 | Ethics and Practice Management | 2 |
| DEH 2025 | Community Dental Health II | 1 |
| DEH 2071 | Clinical Practice of Dental Hygiene III | 6 |
| DEH 2082 | Periodontics III | 1 |
| DEH 2085 | Clinical Theory of Dental Hygiene III | 2 |
| Subtotal | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 62 | |
- 1
The DEH 1005 course is taken after acceptance into the program the summer prior to the first semester.
- 2
ENG 1022 can be substituted.
- 3
PSY 1002, PSY 2221, PSY 2440, or PSY 2333 can be substituted if already completed prior to admission.
- 4
BIO 2108 can be substituted if already taken prior to admission (not offered at CCD).
- 5
SOC 1002, SOC 2018, or ANT 1001 can be substituted if already taken prior to admission.
- 6
COM 1250 or COM 1260 can be substituted if already taken prior to admission.
- 7
CHE 1009 can be substituted with CHE 1011 and CHE 1012 (both are required to substitute).
- 8
DEH 1085 Independent Study can be taken in fall semester OR spring semester (and must be taken in one of those semesters).
Health Sciences Pathway- at Lowry
CCD.edu/Dental
Associate of Science Tracks
Associate of Science Dental Hygiene Track
Students pursuing a CCD Selective Admission Health Sciences program begin their studies by completing a set of pre-requisite courses. The Associate of Sciences Health Sciences tracks ensure students complete the required pre-requisite courses before applying, streamlining their transition into specialized areas of study. These programs all meet the requirements for the General Associate of Science degree, students can either complete this general degree or convert to the CCD selective-admission Health Science program of their choice, once admitted. Students should choose the track that corresponds to the Health Science program they would like to pursue. Each track contains the pre-requisites for the health science program identified, contained generally in the first two semesters.
Course maps and pre-requisites can be found below. By taking these initial steps, students can position themselves for success in their chosen health sciences career paths.
| First Semester | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 1010 | Biology Foundations: Prep for Anatomy & Physiology and Microbiology | 2 |
| BIO 2101 | Human Anatomy & Physiology with Lab I: GT-SC1 | 4 |
| ENG 1021 | English Composition I: GT-CO1 | 3 |
| PSY 1001 | General Psychology I: GT-SS3 | 3 |
| CHE 1009 | General, Organic, and Biochemistry | 4 |
| Subtotal | 16 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| BIO 2102 | Human Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab: GT-SC1 | 4 |
| SOC 1001 | Introduction to Sociology I: GT-SS3 | 3 |
| BIO 2104 | Microbiology with Lab: GT-SC1 | 4 |
| COM 1150 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| Subtotal | 14 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| ENG 1022 | English Composition II: GT-CO2 | 3 |
| Choose One Arts & Humanities Course (GT-AH3) | 3 | |
| Art Appreciation: GT-AH1 | ||
| World Mythology: GT-AH2 | ||
| Humanities: Medieval-Modern: GT-AH2 | ||
| Logic: GT-AH3 | ||
| Introduction to Literature I: GT-AH2 | ||
| Philosophy of Death and Dying: GT-AH3 | ||
| Choose One Mathematics Course (GT-MA1) | 4 | |
| College Algebra: GT-MA1 | ||
| Math for Liberal Arts: GT-MA1 | ||
| Choose One Elective Course | 2-3 | |
| Medical Terminology | ||
| Medical Anthropology: GT-SS3 | ||
| Business Ethics: GT-AH3 | ||
| Leadership and Management in Health Professions | ||
| Communication in Health Care | ||
| Human Nutrition | ||
| Choose One History Course (GT-HI1) | 3 | |
| The World: Antiquity-1500: GT-HI1 | ||
| The World: 1500-Present: GT-HI1 | ||
| U.S. History to Reconstruction: GT-HI1 | ||
| Women in World History: GT-HI1 | ||
| 20th Century World History: GT-HI1 | ||
| Subtotal | 15-16 | |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| Choose One Arts & Humanities Course (GT-AH3) | 3 | |
| Intro to Philosophy: GT-AH3 | ||
| Ethics: GT-AH3 | ||
| Humanities: Medieval-Modern: GT-AH2 | ||
| Comparative Religions: GT-AH3 | ||
| Music Appreciation: GT-AH1 | ||
| World Literature to 1600: GT-AH2 | ||
| Choose One Elective Course | 3 | |
| Human Nutrition | ||
| Intro to Statistics: GT-MA1 | ||
| Communication in Health Care | ||
| Leadership and Management in Health Professions | ||
| Choose One Elective Course | 3 | |
| Cultural Anthropology: GT-SS3 | ||
| Introduction to Human Disease: GT-SC2 | ||
| Principles of Supervision | ||
| Principles of Management | ||
| Intercultural Communication: GT-SS3 | ||
| Interpersonal Communication: GT-SS3 | ||
| Choose One Elective Course | 3 | |
| Stress Management | ||
| Human Growth and Development: GT-SS3 | ||
| Spanish for the Professional I | ||
| Principles of Management | ||
| Sociology of Diversity: GT-SS3 | ||
| Interpersonal Communication: GT-SS3 | ||
| Choose One Elective Course | 3 | |
| Stress Management | ||
| Human Growth and Development: GT-SS3 | ||
| Spanish for the Professional I | ||
| Principles of Management | ||
| Sociology of Diversity: GT-SS3 | ||
| Interpersonal Communication: GT-SS3 | ||
| Subtotal | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 60-61 | |
