Dental Hygienist
Associate in Applied Science
Dental hygienists are healthcare professionals that play an important role in a dental office to help patients understand the importance of oral health and how to care for their teeth and gums.
24/7
support in the Academic Support Center
ICC’s Dental Hygienist Program has state-of-the-art equipment in the clinic as well as a simulation lab. Students will learn how to clean patients’ teeth, process x-rays to be interpreted by the dentist, and apply cavity-preventing materials such as flouride treatments and sealants.
Admissions Office
The ICC Dental Hygienist program is approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
Students have the opportunity to join student chapters of the American Dental Hygienist Association and the American Dental Educators Association.
Dental Hygienist
COMPLETION TIME
24 Months
if Full Time
6 Semesters76.5 Total Credit Hours
What if I attend part-time?
Our Student Success Advisors help with an academic plan that works for you.
ESTIMATED COST
$16,040
+ supplies & fees
Based on 2024-25
variable tuition
What financial assistance can I receive?
Find the plan right for you by connecting with our Financial Aid office.
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
20 Students
average per class
Small class sizes mean more individual attention and a higher rate of success.
View the College Catalog to see a complete list of classes for this program.
Meet Our Students and Alumni
As an instructor, seeing students work hard and achieve their goals with a shared passion for the dental hygiene profession is so rewarding and it is amazing to be part of that journey.
Nicole Breidel, Professor and Program Coordinator, Dental Hygienist
How Do I Get Into the Dental Hygienist Program?
Take your interest in biology, human anatomy, and healthcare into a rewarding career as a Dental Hygienist. Talk to an Admissions representative to learn how to get started.
- Complete our quick admissions application. It’s free and easy!
- Submit health science application.
- Apply for financial aid (FAFSA).
- Apply for ICC Scholarships. Just one easy application for over hundreds of scholarships.
- One year of high school algebra with “C” average or higher (See the ICC Catalog for additional information.)
- One year high school lab science including chemistry or biology with a “C” average or higher (See the ICC Catalog for additional information.)
What Can I Expect As a Dental Hygienist Student?
- Graduates of this program are eligible to apply to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and a regional clinical examination for registration and licensure as a Dental Hygienist.
- Students will learn how to interact and treat diverse patients with varying levels of dental disease.
- Students will learn communication skills working with a diverse patient population and dental professionals in the area.
- The program partners with the Peoria City-County Health Department’s Dental Clinic, the Community Dental Health Clinic in Normal, and the Peoria District Dental Society to provide students additional experiences in public health dentistry.
Program Outcomes
| Program Outcomes | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Graduates | 18 | 19 |
| NBDHE Pass Rate | 78% | 95% |
| CDCA WREB CITA Pass Rate | 89% | 100% |
| OSCE Pass Rate | N/A | 100% |
| Job Placement | 100% | 95% |
| Completion Rate | 75% | 79% |
Accreditation
The Dental Hygiene program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, a specialized accrediting body of the American Dental Association. Contact information for ADA/CODA, 211 East Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL, 60611-2678.Phone: 312-440-2500.
Additional Opportunities
Innovative Bridge to Health Careers
The Innovative Bridge to Health Careers Program is an 8-week program that will engage participants in training designed to introduce and academically prepare them for entry into the various health science career paths.
How Am I Going to Manage This?
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What if I am working while going to school?
We have you covered. Many of our students are working adults who balance life and school. We have great resources on campus to help keep you going!
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What are my options for funding my education?
Do this first: fill out and file your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Even if you don’t want federal aid, this document is used by many scholarship and grant programs to evaluate aid packages.
Look for scholarships and grants first because usually they don’t have to be paid back. The ICC Foundation sponsors some scholarships, and grants may be available from Illinois or federal programs. Other organizations also offer scholarships, and we can help you research those opportunities.
Federally guaranteed student loans can be a smart way to fund college. Think about your transfer plans and what your career looks like. Some sources recommend that you cap your borrowing at the level of what you (realistically!) can expect to earn at your first job after college. So, research careers and pay, too.
Of course, savings, jobs, and work-study are key parts of your budget. Your employer may offer tuition reimbursement. Find the tools to make a complete plan for paying for school.