Program Description:  The Dental Hygiene program is a sequence of courses that prepare students for positions in the dental profession. Learning opportunities develop academic, technical, and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement.  Registered and licensed dental hygienists work in a variety of professional settings.  The public is most familiar with dental hygienists in the private dental office, where they perform numerous critical services designed to detect and prevent diseases of the mouth.  These include oral prophylaxis; examining the head, neck, and oral areas for signs of disease; educating patients about oral hygiene; taking or developing radiographs; and applying fluoride or sealants.  In this setting, registered dental hygienists play a vital role in protecting the oral health of the American public.  Program graduates receive an Associate of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene.
 
NOTE:  Criminal background checks and drug screens may be required based on the requirements for participation in clinical experiences.
 
Program Length:                               (6 terms)                                        82 Semester Credits
 
For more information contact the program advisor:
Dr. Suzanne Edenfield
phone:   912-344-2982
office:   308 Savannah Mall
Heather Valentine
phone:  912-443-5721
office:   2136D
  
Admissions Requirements
The Dental Hygiene program utilizes a competitive admissions process.Students wishing to enter the Dental Hygiene program must complete an application packet.  Applications are accepted through May 1st for admission to the Fall class.  Students will be ranked by the Admission Point Index System.  This system is based on college GPA, number of credits completed, science GPA, and certification in Dental Assisting or Dental Laboratory Technology.  Special emphasis is placed on grades earned in CHEM 1211, BIOL 2113, BIOL 2114, and BIOL 2117.  Penalty points are incurred for grades of D or F.  An on-campus writing sample may be required.

To be considered for admission students must:
  • be admitted to Savannah Technical College
  • be eligible to take ENGL 1101 and MATH 1111
  • have a minimum adjusted college GPA of 2.5
  • meet all legal requirements for licensure
Basic Skills Courses
Area I
Area II
Area III:
Area IV:
 ENGL 1101 Composition and Rhetoric
PSYC 1101  Introductory Psychology
 MATH 1100 or MATH 1111
Any Humanities/Fine Arts Elective       
SOCI 1101 Introductory Sociology
SPCH 1101 Public Speaking
 3 hours
3 hours
3 hours
3 hours
3 hours
3 hours
Fundamental Courses

Course Number Course Name Hours
CHEM 1211 Chemistry I 3
CHEM 1211L Chemistry I Lab 1
BIOL 2113 Anatomy and Physiology I 3
BIOL 2113L Anatomy and Physiology I Lab 1
BIOL 2114 Anatomy and Physiology II 3
BIOL 2114L Anatomy and Physiology II Lab 1
BIOL 2117 Introductory Microbiology 3
BIOL 2117L Introductory Microbiology Lab 1

Occupational Courses
Course Number Course Name Hours
DHYG 1000 Dental Anatomy 2
DHYG 1020 Head & Neck Anatomy 2
DHYG 1040 Pre-Dental Hygiene 2
DHYG 1050 Pre-Dental Hygiene Lab 2
DHYG 1110 Clinical Dental Hygiene I 1
DHYG 1111 Clinical Dental Hygiene I Lab 3
DHYG 1070 Radiology 2
DHYG 1090 Radiology Lab 1
DHYG 2050 Oral Pathology 3
DHYG 2200 Periodontology 3
DHYG 1010 Embryology/Histology 1
DHYG 1030 Dental Materials 2
DHYG 2010 Clinical Dental Hygiene II 2
DHYG 2020 Clinical Dental Hygiene II Lab 2
DHYG 1206 Pharmacology 3
DHYG 2080 Clinical Dental Hygiene III 2
DHYG 2090 Clinical Dental Hygiene III Lab 4
DHYG 2110 Biochemistry & Nutrition 3
DHYG 2070 Community Dental Health 3
DHYG 2130 Clinical Dental Hygiene IV 1
DHYG 2140 Clinical Dental Hygiene IV Lab
Total Credit Hours
 4
82