Resources
In the dental office, the dentist and the dental hygienist work together to meet the oral health needs of patients. Each state has its own specific regulations regarding responsibilities, so the range of services performed by hygienists varies from state to state. Some of the services provided by dental hygienists may include:
- Patient screening procedures; such as assessment of oral health conditions, review of the health history, oral cancer screening, head and neck inspection, dental charting and taking blood pressure and pulse
- Taking and developing dental radiographs (x-rays)
- Removing calculus and plaque (hard and soft deposits) from all surfaces of the teeth
- Applying preventive materials to the teeth (sealants and fluorides)
- Teaching patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health;
(tooth brushing, flossing and tobacco cessation) - Counseling patients about good nutrition and its impact on oral health
- Making impressions of patients’ teeth for study casts (models of teeth used by dentists to evaluate patient treatment needs)
- Performing documentation and office management activities
Accreditation
The Dental Hygiene Program at Calhoun Community College is seeking initial accreditation by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education.
Commission on Dental Accreditation
211 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60611-2678
1-800-621-8099, ext. 4653
The dental hygiene program at Calhoun Community College meets the state education requirements fora dental hygienist certification in the state of Alabama. Calhoun Community College has not determined if the dental hygiene program at Calhoun Community College meets the state education requirements in any other state, any U.S. Territory, or the District of Columbia.
Info Sessions
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, all information sessions will be held on a virtual platform. To make this more convenient, we are offering sessions at multiple dates and times. Each session will be live and last between 60 and 90 minutes to allow time for any questions. You will need to register for the session to be sent the link to the meeting. Information sessions will be offered at the following times: