Most LCCC HSW students must complete clinical rotations for program completion. These clinical rotations occur in clinical settings with clinical sites that have agreed to provide these educational experiences for LCCC students. In order to ensure the safest environment possible for their patients and staff, many of these clinical settings have included COVID-19 in their list of clinical clearance requirements, with limited exemptions available for students and employees. Because all clinical hours and/or clinical competencies must be completed to meet program requirements, this means you may be required to receive the COVID-19 vaccination or have an approved exemption on file to enter and/or progress in the Dental Hygiene program. For additional information, regarding these requirements, please see the Health Sciences & Wellness Policies Handbook, Addendum and the Clinical Site COVID-19 FAQ’s.
What will I learn?
A dental hygienist is a preventive oral care professional licensed to provide clinical and educational dental hygiene services to the public. This may include:
- Patient screening which includes the assessment of oral health conditions, comprehensive review of the health history, taking and assessing vital signs, oral cancer screening, head and neck examination, dental charting and periodontal charting.
- Take and review dental x-rays (radiographs).
- Remove build-up from the teeth.
- Apply preventive materials to the teeth, such as sealants and fluorides.
- Provide patient education focused on each individual's needs.
- Provide nutritional assessment and counseling to improve the patient's oral health.
Dental Hygienists are passionate about helping and educating people, very patient-oriented. They have effective communication skills and enjoy working with a diverse group of people. Dental hygienists also are detail oriented and have excellent hand dexterity.
Associate of Applied Science
This unique 16-month program combines academic study with supervised clinical experience. Graduates of the program receive an Associate of Applied Science degree and are eligible to take the appropriate national, regional and/or state examinations. Applicants are encouraged to contact the state boards of dentistry in the states in which they wish to practice for individual licensing requirements and circumstances for licensure denial.
The dental hygiene program is a vigorous study of advanced science classes offered in an accelerated format. General education and basic science courses are essential to prepare students to succeed. Therefore, applicants are required to complete predental hygiene course requirements. Each prerequisite course must be completed with a grade of "C" or higher. Completion of the prerequisite course work does not guarantee admission into the dental hygiene program. Additionally, LCCC's academic skills assessment and placement policy apply.
Available at the Cheyenne main campus.
What can I do with this degree?
Dental Hygienists may work in private dental practices, community health settings, nursing homes and hospitals. Many hygienists work part-time in multiple offices, particularly in rural locations.
Visit Career Coach for additional information about Dental Hygienists.
Visit LCCC's Career Resources to find tools for selecting the right program for you and marketing yourself to future employers.
- Prepare dental hygiene graduates to be well-qualified, entry-level practitioners who
possess the knowledge and skills to provide evidence-based dental hygiene care, practice
informed decision making based on current research and function as integral members
of the dental health team through demonstrated competence as defined by Program Competencies.
- Promote the health and well being of the public by providing quality, clinical dental
hygiene care assured through a comprehensive, quality-assurance program.
- Support and promote the personal and professional development of faculty, staff and
students by fostering professional behaviors consistent with legal and ethical expectations
through professional activities, continuing education programs and community and college
service.
a. Participate in and support service activities and affiliations with organizations that advance the mission of the college, department and profession. - Practice teaching excellence reflective of current dental hygiene and educational
theories and practices.
a. Use faculty expertise and current educational methodologies to provide quality and contemporary didactic and clinical dental hygiene education through a competency-based curriculum.
The Dental Hygiene Program at Laramie County Community College is dedicated to educating students to serve the community as exceptional licensed Dental Hygienists.
This program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. 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, Illinois 60611.
Cost of Attendance
Students can visit the Cost of Attendance page specific for this program to learn more about additional costs.