Dental Hygiene, AAS

Program Description

EIC is no longer accepting students for this Program.

The dental hygienist is a member of the oral health team who provides treatment to prevent oral health diseases. Clinical skills include performing oral health assessments, examining head, neck and oral regions for disease, exposing and processing dental radiographs, other diagnostic assessments, debridement (removing) of deposits from the tooth structures, applying sealants and fluoride to prevent decay, providing nutritional counseling for maintenance of the oral cavity, fabricate athletic mouth guards, and other patient services allowed by the State Board of Dentistry. Dental hygienists are oral health educators within the community and plan oral health promotion strategies to better inform and serve their patients. The curriculum covers a two-year program culminating in an AAS degree. The DH program teaches the student the essential theoretical and hands-on knowledge to compete for entry-level positions in the field.

The Associates Degree in Dental Hygiene in Jersey City, NJ has accreditation from the American Dental Association (ADA) and Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). In New Jersey, dental hygienists are required to be licensed by the NJ State Board of Registration and Examination in Dentistry (the Board) in order to practice. Graduates are eligible to apply to the Board for licensure to become NJ registered dental hygienists by taking the requisite examinations. However, since State licensure requirements are not controlled by the College and are subject to change without notice, Eastern International College cannot guarantee that graduates will be eligible for licensure in New Jersey, at all or at any specific time, regardless of their eligibility status upon enrollment.

The Eastern International College Associate Degree program in Dental Hygiene has accreditation from the American Dental Association (ADA) and Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). It is only offered only at our Jersey City main campus. Because each level of coursework builds on the knowledge gained in the last, students are required to successfully complete all courses in order to progress to the subsequent semester.

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program learning outcomes

Prepare yourself for a rewarding career as an allied health professional by earning your AAS degree through Eastern International College’s dental hygiene program. A dental hygienist is an integral member of the dental health community who frontlines preventative oral care and dental hygiene by performing diagnostic assessments, routine dental cleanings, examinations and more. Upon graduating from EIC, you will be eligible to apply to the NJ State Board of Registration and Examination in Dentistry for licensure to become a registered dental hygienist in the state of New Jersey.
  • Utilize the nursing process, critical thinking, and principles of advocacy as tools to make culturally-sensitive client-centered clinical decisions in all health care settings
  • Collaborate with clients and other members of the health care team using effective communication in the planning, coordination and provision of competent care.
  • Integrate the concepts of Orem’s Self Care Deficit Theory into nursing practice.
  • Promote client and staff safety utilizing the process of quality improvement based on evidence- based practice.
  • Use information and technology for communication, knowledge development, professional development and clinical-decision making.
  • Demonstrate leadership behaviors and professionalism when providing care to clients across the lifespan in all care settings.
  • Integrate legal, ethical, and professional standards into nursing practice.

General Education Coursework

Course Number Course Title Semester Credits
BIO 101 Anatomy and Physiology I 4
BIO 102 Anatomy and Physiology II 4
BIO 110 Microbiology 4
CHE 101 General/Organic/Biochemisty For Allied Health Professionals 3
ENG 101 English Composition 3
MAT 103 College Algebra 3
PSY 101 General Psychology 3
SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology 3
SPC 101 Interpersonal Communications 3
Total 30

Total Program Credits = 78 semester credits
Length of Program: 24 months

program major courses

Course NumberCourse TitleSemester Credits
DH 100Dental Hygiene PreClinical Sciences3
DH 101Dental Hygiene Clinical Sciences I4
DH 102Dental Radiology3
DH 103Dental and Oral Anatomy & Physiology2
DH 104General and Oral Pathology3
DH 105Oral Embryology and Histology2
DH 106Medical Emergencies in the Dental Office, Basic Life Support “C” AHA1
DH 200Dental Hygiene Clinical Sciences II4
DH 201Dental Hygiene Clinical Sciences III4
DH 202Pharmacology2
DH 203Periodontics I2
DH 204Periodontics II2
DH 205Law and Ethics for the Dental Hygienists: Ethics, Jurisprudence and Practice Management2
DH 206Foundations of Nutritional Science3
DH 207National Board and Case Review2
DH 208Community Dentistry & Health Study3
DH 209Dental Material & Lab2
DH 210Prevention and Control of Oral Disease2
DH 211Local Anesthesia & Pain Control2
Total 48

Total Program Credits = 78 semester credits
Length of Program: 24 months

ADMISSIONS

Applicants to all programs must follow program-specific criteria listed below. Each applicant will be interviewed and given a tour of the College by his/her assigned admissions representative. Information gathered during this meeting will be presented to the Campus Director for review. If said review results in a positive recommendation, the applicant is encouraged to proceed with the appropriate application process.

  • HS Diploma or recognized equivalency certificate (GED)
  • Take the HESI Exam with a minimum of 70
  • Complete Admissions Process

Take a tour of our Jersey City and Belleville campuses, or contact us to learn more about our available allied health academic programs.

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