The Athens Technical College (Athens Tech) Dental Hygiene Program is a highly respected and accredited program that prepares students for a rewarding career in dental hygiene. Located in Athens, Georgia, the program is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and clinical experience needed to succeed in this in-demand field.
Athens Tech's Dental Hygiene Program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and is one of the most popular programs at the college. The program is taught by experienced faculty who are dedicated to providing students with a comprehensive education in dental hygiene. Students who complete the program are eligible to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and the Clinical Licensure Examination, which are required for licensure in the state of Georgia.
Program Overview
The Athens Tech Dental Hygiene Program is a two-year associate degree program that includes both classroom and clinical instruction. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in dental hygiene, including the following areas of study:
- Oral health education and promotion
- Clinical dental hygiene procedures
- Community health and epidemiology
- Dental anatomy and morphology
- Dental materials and instruments
- Pharmacology and pain control
- Radiology and imaging
In addition to classroom instruction, students in the program participate in clinical experiences at the college's on-campus dental clinic, as well as at external clinical sites. This hands-on training provides students with the opportunity to develop their skills and gain practical experience in a real-world setting.
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for admission to the Athens Tech Dental Hygiene Program, students must meet the following requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Minimum GPA of 2.5
- Completion of prerequisite courses in biology, chemistry, and mathematics
- TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) score of 60 or higher
- Observation of a dental hygienist in a clinical setting
Students who meet these requirements are eligible to apply to the program. However, admission is competitive, and not all applicants may be accepted.
Curriculum
The Athens Tech Dental Hygiene Program curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in dental hygiene. The program includes both classroom and clinical instruction, as well as opportunities for hands-on training and clinical experience.
Some of the courses included in the program are:
- Dental Hygiene Theory and Practice
- Clinical Dental Hygiene
- Community Health and Epidemiology
- Dental Anatomy and Morphology
- Dental Materials and Instruments
- Pharmacology and Pain Control
- Radiology and Imaging
In addition to these courses, students also participate in clinical experiences at the college's on-campus dental clinic, as well as at external clinical sites.
Clinical Experience
Clinical experience is an essential part of the Athens Tech Dental Hygiene Program. Students participate in clinical experiences at the college's on-campus dental clinic, as well as at external clinical sites. This hands-on training provides students with the opportunity to develop their skills and gain practical experience in a real-world setting.
Some of the clinical experiences included in the program are:
- Patient assessment and treatment planning
- Clinical dental hygiene procedures
- Radiology and imaging
- Pharmacology and pain control
- Community health and epidemiology
Graduate Outcomes
Graduates of the Athens Tech Dental Hygiene Program are eligible to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and the Clinical Licensure Examination, which are required for licensure in the state of Georgia. The program has a high pass rate on these exams, with graduates consistently scoring above the national average.
Some of the graduate outcomes for the program are:
- Employment rate: 90%
- NBDHE pass rate: 95%
- Clinical Licensure Examination pass rate: 90%
Salary Range
The salary range for dental hygienists in the state of Georgia is competitive, with median salaries ranging from $60,000 to over $100,000 per year. Graduates of the Athens Tech Dental Hygiene Program can expect to earn a salary within this range, depending on factors such as location, experience, and employer.
Gallery of Dental Hygiene Program
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the admission process for the Athens Tech Dental Hygiene Program?
+To be eligible for admission to the Athens Tech Dental Hygiene Program, students must meet the following requirements: high school diploma or equivalent, minimum GPA of 2.5, completion of prerequisite courses in biology, chemistry, and mathematics, TEAS score of 60 or higher, and observation of a dental hygienist in a clinical setting.
What is the curriculum for the Athens Tech Dental Hygiene Program?
+The Athens Tech Dental Hygiene Program curriculum includes both classroom and clinical instruction, as well as opportunities for hands-on training and clinical experience. Some of the courses included in the program are: Dental Hygiene Theory and Practice, Clinical Dental Hygiene, Community Health and Epidemiology, Dental Anatomy and Morphology, Dental Materials and Instruments, Pharmacology and Pain Control, and Radiology and Imaging.
What are the graduate outcomes for the Athens Tech Dental Hygiene Program?
+Graduates of the Athens Tech Dental Hygiene Program are eligible to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and the Clinical Licensure Examination, which are required for licensure in the state of Georgia. The program has a high pass rate on these exams, with graduates consistently scoring above the national average.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the Athens Tech Dental Hygiene Program. If you have any further questions or would like to learn more about the program, please don't hesitate to contact us.