Dental Hygienist Program

The dental hygienist program at Iowa Central Community College prepares students for careers as a clinician, oral health care education, health promoter, consumer advocate, administrator, or researcher. The program focuses on cleaning teeth, providing oral health education and treatment counseling, identify oral pathologies and injuries, and manage dental hygiene practices. Program courses include: dental anatomy, microbiology, pathology, dental hygiene theory and techniques, equipment operation and maintenance, dental materials, radiology, office management, supervised clinical training, and professional standards. Get more details below including other Iowa colleges that offer dental hygienist program.

The Dental Hygienist program at IHCC is accredited by the American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation since 2006.

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Iowa Central Community College (IHCC)

525 Grandview Ave, Ottumwa, IA

Central Iowa Community College, located in Fort Dodge, Iowa, began operations in 1966 as a merge of 9 school districts in order to form a community college. Prior to its formation three area junior colleges provided educational opportunities to the various counties, each operated by the local school district. In 1971 a fourth location was added in Storm Lake, which at first offered career training but has since expanded into offering full community college programs. The school also has an agreement in place with Buena Vista College to allow students to pursue a bachelor's degree. Students on this track will complete the first two years of their education at Central Iowa Community College, then complete the last two years at Buena Vista College.

Academics

As with most community colleges, Central Iowa Community College provides a large number of programs that assist in the development of career and technical skills, or allow students to begin their academic education in a low cost two year transfer program. Career and technical programs provide the skills and experience necessary to enter the workforce as professionals capable of completing tasks and duties required of entry level employees in their field of study. Academic programs allow students to complete the first two years of a four year education then apply for transfer to another school in order to complete their bachelor's degree. Noncredit courses are also available to individuals who wish to return to school, or simply want to explore their interests in a classroom setting.

Programs offered include:

• Accounting
• Criminal Justice
• Culinary Arts
• Business
• Medical Assistant

Admissions and Financial Aid

Central Iowa Community College is an open enrollment institution, and as such has the barest minimum in regards to student enrollment requirement. Students interested in enrollment must complete the application and submit all pertinent test scores and transcripts. Some students may need to take a placement exam to determine which general education course levels they will begin with. If all requirements are met, students will be eligible for registration at the start of the subsequent semester.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans and grants. Students in need of aid must obtain a Federal PIN number then complete and submit a copy of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The school will receive information regarding one's financial status, and may in turn request additional documentation in order to make a determination on need, eligibility and awards.

Athletics

Central Iowa Community College participates in a number of intercollegiate athletics through the National Junior College Athletic Association and the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference. Athletic provides students with a variety of skills, including discipline and teamwork, which is beneficial for academic and professional success.  The school's Mascot is the Triton.

Athletic programs offered:

• Basketball
• Bowling
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Marching Band
• Rodeo
• Soccer
• Swimming
• Track and Field
• Baseball (Men Only)
• Football (Men Only)
• Wrestling (Men Only)
• Softball (Women Only)
• Volleyball (Women Only)
• Cheer Squad (Women Only)

Students Enrolled in the Dental Hygienist Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. IHCC offers an associate's degree program in dental hygienist.

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Description

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

Dental Hygienists

Description

Clean teeth and examine oral areas, head, and neck for signs of oral disease. May educate patients on oral hygiene, take and develop x rays, or apply fluoride or sealants.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, dental hygienists employment is expected to grow at a rate of 18.6% from 2014 to 2024

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).