What salary can a dental hygiene graduate expect?
Entry level salary is $25.97 per hour or $54,000 annually. The median salary is $62,056.
How do students get real-life dental hygienist experience?
Students will work on patients to learn and practice skills in the on-campus Dental Hygiene Clinic. Though the program will work with students in the scheduling of patients; it is the responsibility of each student to recruit family and friends to come to the dental clinic. Ongoing recruitment of patients for the clinic is necessary for each student to meet his/her program requirements.
Is it possible for a student to be accepted into the Dental Hygiene program right out of high school?
Students may enter the program directly out of high school or having taken some college courses. Please contact your Health advisor to discuss how to become a competitive candidate for the selective admissions process.
Is there a waiting list for the Dental Hygiene Program?
The Dental Hygiene Program does not maintain a waiting list. Each year the top twenty-five students are offered admission based on admissions points. If a student is not accepted, he/she may apply in subsequent years. However, no preference is given to previous applicants.
For further information about admissions points, please contact the Admissions Office at (567) 661-7777 to request an appointment with an Admission Representative.
Is the Dental Hygiene Clinic open to the public?
Yes, the public is welcome and there is a nominal charge. The Dental Hygiene program operates the Clinic September through May. The 21-chair clinic, open to adults and children, is staffed by dental hygiene students supervised by licensed dental professionals. Owens Community College dental hygiene students participating in the clinic have had extensive education prior to their clinical experience. The Dental Hygiene Clinic provides an opportunity for members of our community to receive safe, quality dental services at a reasonable cost.
Generally, preventive treatment appointments are two to three hours in length and require several visits. For an appointment, call the Dental Hygiene Clinic Monday through Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at (567) 661-7294. The clinic is open various mornings, afternoons and evenings for appointments.
Are students part of a National Dental Hygiene Organization?
Yes, as a program requirement, students maintain student membership in the professional organization for dental hygienists through The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), 444 N Michigan Avenue, Suite 400, Chicago, Illinois, 60611, phone number 312-440-8900, web address www.adha.org
Is it possible to take the state licensing test and practice as a dental hygienist if one has a past felony conviction?
This is handled on a case-by-case basis. A student should contact the licensing board in the state in which he/she wishes to practice. In Ohio, contact the Ohio State Dental Board at www.dental.ohio.gov or (614) 466-2580.
Can a program graduate work as a dental hygienist without a license?
No, candidates must pass a national board dental hygiene exam to obtain licensure required in most states. Some states may have different requirements according to dental hygiene practice acts or state regulations. The states of Ohio and Michigan require candidates to pass national and regional licensure exams. More information about Dental Hygiene licensure/certification requirements can be found on the American Dental Hygienists’ Association website, Maintain Your Licensure.
Will classes taken at another college transfer in for the Dental Hygiene program?
Students should submit transcripts from all schools attended as part of their admissions application. It is important to get transfer credit prior to the admissions deadline so that admissions points are granted for completion of equivalent general education courses required by the Dental Hygiene Program. Course equivalencies can be found on Transferology. View the Transferology Student Guide for helpful information.
