Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene

The Dental Hygiene (AAS) is offered at:

Vail Valley at Edwards: In-person

Program Learning Outcomes are what we expect each student will learn while earning a degree or certificate. Meeting these learning outcomes is how we assess our performance as a college. Our learning outcomes support both important career skills and future success as a student.

Upon completing the Dental Hygiene (AAS) - Pending Accreditation program, CMC students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate competence in providing dental hygiene care to individuals at all stages of life and for all types of periodontal classifications.
2. Apply the dental hygiene process of care (which includes assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating) to a diverse patient population.
3. Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and competence in the areas of interpersonal and communication skills when working with diverse population groups.
4. Demonstrate competence in applying ethical, legal and regulatory concepts in the process of providing oral health care services.
5. Apply problem-solving strategies and critical-thinking skills to provide comprehensive care and management of patients.
6. Participate in professional development activities while applying self-assessment skills.
7. Demonstrate preparedness, both academically and clinically, to take the written and clinical board examinations necessary to attain the dental hygiene licensure.
8. Apply the dental hygiene process of care in assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating oral health-related programs for the public.

PROGRAM PREREQUISITES - FALL

PROGRAM PREREQUISITES - SPRING

Dental Program starts each summer semester

SUMMER SEMESTER (Academic Year 1)

FALL SEMESTER (Academic Year 2)

SPRING SEMESTER (Academic Year 2)

SUMMER SEMESTER (Academic Year 2)

FALL SEMESTER (Academic Year 3)

SPRING SEMESTER (Academic Year 3)

Licensed dental hygienists enjoy vibrant careers in the following arenas:

• Clinician
• Corporate
• Public Health
• Researcher
• Educator
• Administrator
• Entrepreneur

The demand for dental hygienists is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of dental hygienists is projected to increase by 20% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by increased awareness of oral health, an aging population, and greater emphasis on preventive dental care.