Dental Hygiene, A.A.A.S.

Dental hygiene practice includes obtaining clients’ medical and dental histories, conducting extra-oral and intra-oral examinations, performing assessment procedures, providing complete oral prophylaxis (scaling and polishing teeth), taking radiographs, oral hygiene instruction, and placing pit and fissure sealants.

In addition to tuition, fees and books, there are additional costs for uniforms, safety glasses, clinic shoes, etc. in the GRCC Dental Hygiene program

The Dental Hygiene Associate Degree takes a minimum of three years to complete. The first year is “Pre-Dental Hygiene” and a grade of C or higher in the four science courses (BI 121, BI 122, BI 127, and CHM 210) is required.  Successful completion of these four science courses, however, does not guarantee students will begin the Dental Hygiene Program the following year. You are highly encouraged to complete all general education courses as you wait to begin the program.

In order to progress through your courses, you must earn a minimum of a 2.0 GPA in each DHY and DXX course. Students must successfully pass each DHY and DXX course in the sequence indicated in the first and second year of the professional curriculum.

To be eligible to graduate you must earn a C- (78%–according to the Dental Programs Grade Scale) in the prescribed associate degree dental hygiene curriculum and in each DHY and DXX course.

Additional Program Information

Health Admissions Process

1. Apply to GRCC
   • Submit an application as a degree-seeking student.
   • Select the Health and Exercise Sciences Pathway to identify your intent to enter a health program.
2. Apply for Health Admissions
   • Once you are a GRCC student, you complete the Health Admissions Application.
   • Select your Health program.

Need help? If you have questions about this secondary application, you can reach out directly to the Health Admissions team at healthprograms@grcc.edu to to the Nursing Department at nursingprograms@grcc.edu.

To be eligible for admission into the program, students must meet specific requirements, including completing foundational courses and maintaining a minimum grade point average. Please refer to the catalog for a full list of admission requirements.

Off-Campus Instruction Disclosure

Dental Hygiene Jobs and Salaries

This degree program will help prepare you for a rewarding career in Dental Hygiene. Explore local dental hygiene job trends, average salaries and more.

See Job and Salary Data