Associate of Science – Dental Hygienist Degree

   Program Description

The Dental Hygiene Program consists of a sequence of courses that prepares students for positions in the dental profession as a dental hygienist. Learning opportunities develop academic, technical, and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. The program emphasizes a combination of didactic and clinical instruction necessary for successful employment. Program graduates receive an Associate of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene, and are eligible to sit for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and The Central Regional Dental Testing Services Examination, both of which are required for licensure to practice dental hygiene in the state of Georgia.

   Program Advisors

Dr. David Byers

Dental Hygiene Program Administrator Dental Hygiene
Work Phone: 770-533-7000 Ext: 6932

Kim Duncan

Dental Hygiene Administrative Assistant Dental Hygiene
Work Phone: 770-533-7000 Ext: 6936

Natalie Jones

Dental Hygiene Instructor Dental Hygiene

Vanessa Jones

Dental Hygiene Instructor & Clinical Coordinator Dental Hygiene
Work Phone: 770-533-7000 Ext: 6948

Dr. Deanne Collins

Dean of Allied Health Allied Health
Work Phone: 770-533-7000 Ext: 6924


Frequently Asked Questions

Program Accreditation

The program in dental hygiene is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of approval without reporting requirements. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. The Commission’s web address is https://www.ada.org/en/coda.

Program Mission

The mission of the dental hygiene program is to provide a comprehensive, quality education in the classroom, clinic, and community.

Program Goals

Goal 1 – Provide comprehensive dental hygiene education and training to meet community workforce needs.

  • Encourage professionalism and ethics in all endeavors.
  • Develop communication.
  • Develop motor skills to provide efficient and safe patient care.
  • Provide didactic training to create a knowledgeable graduate.
  • Introduce students to volunteer-based community services.

Goal 2 – Provide opportunities for students and graduates to advance technical training and research opportunities.

  • Pursue articulation agreements with institutions of higher learning.
  • Recognize diverse career pathways for dental hygienists.
  • Promote lifelong learning among students and graduates.
  • Develop evidence-based research skills through community service projects.

Goal 3 – Maximize student retention and program completion rates by maintaining the quality of healthcare graduates.

  • Recognize program candidates best suited for success in the program.
  • Provide advisement for student improvement.
  • Review and evaluate student pass rates on the National Board and Regional Board (CRDTS).
  • Monitor job placement rates

Goal 4 – Seek ongoing capacity development and quality improvement for the dental hygiene program.

  • Acquire and maintain equipment to provide learning opportunities in all aspects of dental hygiene care.
  • Participate in continuing education to maintain properly educated faculty and staff.
  • Manage an institutional effectiveness model including assessment, evaluation and planning for continuous improvement of the dental hygiene program.

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Students in Precision Machining and Manufacturing
Students in Precision Machining and Manufacturing
Students in Precision Machining and Manufacturing
Students in Precision Machining and Manufacturing
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