Dental hygienists are health care professionals. They are the only members of the dental health team, other than dentists, licensed to provide direct care to patients.
The Dental Hygiene Program is designed to meet educational requirements for a Registered Dental Hygienist professional license required for employment. Completion of the Dental Hygiene Program meets educational requirements for licensure in Missouri. Completion of the Dental Hygiene Program may not meet the educational requirements for licensure in other states. If you have questions about licensure requirements in a specific state, contact the program directly or view the information listed in 6 Consumer Information at https://www.sfccmo.edu/about/consumer-information/. The information will be reviewed and updated on an annual basis prior to the start of the fall semester. If a student is determined to be located in a state where the Dental Hygiene Program does not meet educational requirements to be licensed the student will be required to complete an attestation prior to starting the program indicating knowledge of the state requirements.
Is This Program Right for Me?
To be successful in this program you need strong critical thinking skills; excellent near vision, finger dexterity and arm-hand steadiness; attention to detail; active learning, listening and communication skills; and the ability to work in close proximity with people.
SFCC’s modern six-unit Dental Hygiene Clinic provides hands-on experience in patient assessment and treatment, from cleaning teeth and looking for signs of oral disease to educating patients. The Student American Dental Hygiene Association offers opportunities for conferences and community health activities.
The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Graduates are eligible to take the National Dental Hygiene Board Exam (NDHBE), practical skill examination (CRDTS) and the Missouri Jurisprudence exam required for licensure in Missouri. SFCC’s program has an extremely high pass rate.
Occupational Outlook
The demand for qualified dental hygienists is expected to continue to grow significantly over the next decade. Career opportunities include mostly private and public dental offices or dental product sales, and many work part time. Salaries can range from $65,110 to $118,400.
Data Source – U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-hygienists
The program starts in August, and application deadline is typically in early March. An additional application is required; admission is competitive and prerequisites also are required.
- This program is offered at the Sedalia campus.
