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Programs & Courses > Dental Hygienist

This program will prepare students for a career as a dental hygienist. The dental hygienist is a member of the dental team and helps individuals maintain oral health and prevent oral disease. Under the supervision of a dentist, the hygienist inspects the mouth, removes deposits and stains from teeth, exposes dental x-rays, applies preventative agents, administers local anesthesia, counsels patients about preventative measures, and performs many other services related to oral care.

After completion of the program, dental hygienist graduates are required to successfully complete comprehensive written and clinical examinations given under the direction of the State Dentistry Examining Board, the American Dental Association's Joint Commission.

Tuition
& Potential Earnings

Estimated Tuition Cost

$11,741

Paying For College
View Cost of Attendance

Median Wage

$81,800

Based on Lightcast Occupational Employment Statistics

Academic Plan

  • General Anatomy and Physiology
  • Introduction to Biochemistry
  • Microbiology
For course credits and descriptions, visit the Blackhawk Catalog.

  • Dental Radiography
  • Dental Materials
  • Oral Anatomy, Embry, Histology
  • Dental Health Safety
  • Dental Hygiene Process I
For course credits and descriptions, visit the Blackhawk Catalog.

  • Dental Hygiene Process 2
  • Periodontology
  • Cariology
  • Nutrition & Dental Health
  • English Composition 1
For course credits and descriptions, visit the Blackhawk Catalog.

  • General & Oral Pathology
  • Dental Hygiene Process 3
  • Dental Pharmacology
  • Introduction to Psychology
For course credits and descriptions, visit the Blackhawk Catalog.

  • Introduction to Sociology
  • Dental Hygiene Ethics and Professionalism
  • Community Dental Health
  • Dental Hygiene Process 4
  • Dental Anxiety and Pain Management
  • Speech
For course credits and descriptions, visit the Blackhawk Catalog.

Flexible Learning Options

Many courses at Blackhawk are offered in one or more of these formats:

  • In-Person
  • Live Online (synchronous)
  • Online Anytime (asynchronous)
  • FlexLab (in-person when it fits your schedule)

For some courses, we offer a MyEdChoice option, allowing you to choose how to attend each class session. You can switch between online and in-person formats from week to week or even day to day, depending on your needs and schedule. More Information

In Person
MyEdChoice
Hybrid
FlexLab

Get Credit For Your Experience!

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Additional Program Information

Graduation from an accredited program is a requirement for dental hygiene licensure in the state of Wisconsin. Blackhawk Technical College's Dental Hygienist program has been accredited since August 2022, by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).

Petition for Entry

In order to be eligible to petition this program for entry, you must apply to the college, meet all program-specific eligibility requirements, and attend a Health Sciences petition meeting specific to the program you plan to petition.

Background Check

A background check is required prior to program admission.

Additional Requirements

Once admitted, students will be required to submit the following, prior to the program start date:
  • Acknowledgment of Risks Form
  • Functional Availability Form
  • Proof of current American Heart Association BLS-Provider CPR certification
  • Proof of current medical/health insurance coverage 
  • Proof of completion of OSHA Blood-borne Pathogens Training (e-learning course)
  • Proof of Completion of HIPAA Training (e-learning course)
  • Hepatitis-B vaccination series OR positive antibody titer
  • MMR vaccination series OR positive antibody titer
  • Varicella vaccination OR positive antibody titer
  • Tdap vaccination OR booster within the past 10 years 
  • Tuberculosis 2-step skin test completed within past 12 months
  • Proof of Influenza vaccination administered during the current flu season (renews September 1 each year)
  • Physician Signature Form
  • Student Information Release Form

Upon successful completion of this program, you will be able to:

  • Model dental hygiene professional code of ethics
  • Counsel clients/patients to reduce health risks
  • Provide community oral health services in a variety of settings
  • Manage infection and hazard control
  • Assess data on all aspects of patient/client health using methods consistent with dental hygienist scope of practice and legal principles
  • Formulate a comprehensive dental hygiene care plan in collaboration with the client and other health professionals
  • Provide preventive and therapeutic services that promote oral health according to the needs of the patient/client
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented client/patient dental hygiene care plan
Dental Hygienist students in lab

Highlights

Associate Degree

66 Credits

Beloit-Janesville Campus

6004 S. County Road G, Janesville, WI 53546

Related Offerings

Dental Assistant

Potential Careers

Dental Hygienist

Dental Office Administrator

Dental Hygienist student in lab

“It’s a very accommodating college, and there is always someone that is going to help you with any obstacle you have or answer any questions you have."

Brittany Oren

Dental Hygienist

Career Pathways

A Career Pathway is a step-by-step plan designed to lead you to career success and advancement.

1

Technical Diploma

Dental Assistant

2

Associate Degree

Dental Hygienist

3