Page 70 - 2012-2013 TMCC College Catalog

2012-2013 TMCC College Catalog B-49
Dental Hygiene Program
Dental Hygiene Program
The dental hygienist is dedicated to providing preventative
and therapeutic dental hygiene care. Some of the responsibilities
routinely performed by hygienists in Nevada include:
• performing oral cancer screening through examination of
soft tissues
• examining periodontal (gum and bone) structure around
and supporting teeth
• taking and interpreting radiographs
• removing stain, hard (calculus), and soft (plaque) deposits
from tooth surfaces above and below the gum line utilizing
scaling and rootplaning procedures
• administering topical fluoride treatments
• applying dental sealants
• administering local anesthesia and nitrous-oxide sedation
• designing and implementing treatment plans for
individuals
• designing and implementing oral health programs for
groups
• providing dental health education for individuals and
groups
Graduates of the TMCC dental hygiene program will be
prepared to complete the written Dental Hygiene National Board
Examination, the Nevada State Board Clinical Examination and
many other state/regional clinical examinations in the U.S.
The dental hygiene program is a two-year (four-semester)
program once the student has been accepted which does not
include the general education requirements for the Associate
of Science degree or the science prerequisite courses for dental
hygiene.
Dental hygiene students must meet certain technical standards:
• possess good hand/eye coordination and manual strength
and dexterity to perform instrumentation skills necessary for
direct patient care
• hold a current CPR card and be able to perform
emergency procedures required in the field
• be free from conditions which put other humans at risk
(i.e., active tuberculosis. Persons with blood borne pathogen
infections are not excluded from the program or clinic
facility.)
• possess ability to read, write, record and report
• be able to understand and react quickly to verbal
instructions and patient needs
• be able to effectively communicate with patients to
explain procedures, provide instructions and educate
Limited Entry
The dental hygiene program is a limited entry program with
a competitive admissions process. Twelve students will be
admitted each fall with a minimum GPA of 2.75 in prerequisite
course work. Applicants not selected will not be carried forward
to the next year, and must reapply for consideration. Additional
program information is available in the dental clinic office 775-
673-8247, located in the Red Mountain Building (RDMT) 415A,
the health sciences office 775-673-7115, located in RDMT 417,
Admissions and Records in RDMT 319, counseling in RDMT
325, and academic advisement in RDMT 111.
Student Selection
This is a limited-entry program. The division of sciences dean’s
office will be responsible for the initial screening of applicants
meeting minimum criteria. The final selection of students will be
conducted by the dental hygiene program screening committee.
Applicants will be ranked using selection criteria including
experience in the field, overall prerequisite GPA, prerequisite
science GPA and other criteria established by the screening
committee.
Accepted Students
Students accepted into the program will be required to show
proof of CPR certification, health insurance and adherence to the
dental hygiene program infectious disease/immunization policy,
prior to admission into the program. Please contact program
director for requirement information. Medical, eye and dental
exams must also be completed. Medical insurance is required
and may be purchased through TMCC.
Licensure
All states require that dental hygienists be licensed. In addition
to successfully graduating from the accredited dental hygiene
program and passing the written Dental Hygiene National
Board Examination, graduates must pass the Nevada State
Board Clinical Examination. The Nevada Dental Practice Act
(NRS 631.290) requires that candidates for licensure be of good
moral character and be citizens of the U.S. or lawfully entitled to
remain and work in the U.S. Prospective students are advised
that if they have felony or misdemeanor convictions or have a
history of substance abuse or infectious disease that this may
preclude subsequent licensure as a dental hygienist in Nevada
(NAC 631.050).