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Dental Health Sciences

Sinclair's Dental Health Sciences Department offers programs in Dental Hygiene, Expanded Functions for Dental Auxiliaries and a Dental Assisting Program. Additionally, we offer several Continuing Education courses throughout the year. We hope the information you find here on our website is informative and useful.

Mission

To provide a dynamic learning environment that facilitates diverse educational opportunities reflective of current theory and practice in the preparation of entry-level dental hygienists. Learning experiences are designed to engage students in the acquisition of knowledge and skills, and in a development process that includes assuming responsibility for professional judgment and ethical conduct in the provision of patient centered care. To provide opportunities to further student skills in the areas of expanded functions for the dental auxiliary and with the basics of dental assisting.

Philosophy

The goal as dental hygiene educators is to provide students with a foundation of knowledge and skills through the facilitation of quality learning experiences. The Dental Hygiene Program at Sinclair Community College prepares students who are able to assess, diagnose, plan, implement, evaluate and document contemporary dental hygiene care. Additionally, the program strives to motivate students to become community-minded citizens and life-long learners. The goal in Expanded Functions for Dental Auxiliary is to promote growth in the skills of the dental assistant. In our Dental Assisting program we are working to provide students with the basic skills of dental assisting.

Why major in Dental Health Sciences?

The field of Dental Health Sciences offers various career options at multiple educational and professional levels. The professionals that support the Dentist consist of Dental Hygienists, Expanded Function Dental Auxiliaries and Dental Assistants. Health Science is concerned with the development of knowledge and programs related to oral health and well-being. Programs equip students with a variety of educational tools and techniques to use in their health professions by emphasizing both health behavior theories and practical application.

This area of study might be for you if:
  • You are interested in working in the dental field.
  • You would like to work with a variety of people and perform multiple tasks.
  • You are looking to gain hands-on, practical experience while gaining a valuable education.

Dental X-ray Dental Student working on patient Dental Student in sterilization Dental Student viewing an patients x-rays

Information:

How to Enroll
 
Academic Advising
 
Paying for College
 

Book Icon Available Programs

For program specific information click on the program below:

Associate of Applied Science

Working as part of a dental team, dental hygienists treat patients needing non-surgical periodontal therapy and radiographs, apply preventive agents, provide intra- and extra-oral exams and oral hygiene instructions. Registered dental hygienists work in private dental offices, public health settings, and in higher education.

The Dental Hygiene program is designed to be completed in five (5) semesters on a full-time basis when the student begins the technical portion of the program. The degree program consists of open enrollment courses (general education and division specific) and program specific courses with limited enrollment. The open enrollment courses may be taken prior to entry into the limited enrollment courses. To qualify for entry to limited enrollment courses, please see the Applicant Information packet located on the webpage.

In order to be invited into the Dental Hygiene Program all students must have a GPA of 2.7 with an overall TEAS score of 60 and a score on the sciences portion of the test of 50. You have three opportunities to successfully take the TEAS. For any students applying under the Accelerated Admission for Academic Achievement (AAAA) you must have a GPA of 3.0 with an overall TEAS score of 65 and a science score of 55. A student may take the TEAS test two times for consideration. In addition, you must earn an "A" or "B" in all required biology and chemistry courses.

Note: For students under age 18 there may be restrictions on participating in certain Health Sciences programs. Any student under age 18 must contact the program director/department chair to discuss whether he or she may enroll.

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Short-term Technical Certificate

The student will be introduced to the fundamentals of working in a dental office as a chair-side dental assistant. Concepts and techniques of basic equipment, four-handed dentistry, oral evacuation, instrument identification, and proper use are discussed. Introduction to dental specialties are discussed. Oral examination, charting, medical and dental histories, sterilization, lab, and infection control procedures are emphasized. You are encouraged to complete Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for the Health Care Provider (or ALH 1130 Basic Life Support Training) prior to entry to the Dental Assisting program. However, you can take it the first semester. Note: ALH 1130 will be waived for anyone with proof of American Heart Association Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support, see Academic Advising. Upon completion of this short-term certificate the graduate will be eligible to sit for the Ohio CDA examination. Note: For students under age 18 there may be restrictions on participating in certain Health Sciences programs. Any student under age 18 must contact the program director/department chair to discuss whether he or she may enroll.

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Expanded Functions for Dental Auxiliaries Go to Program Details Display Program Description

The Expanded Functions Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) Certificate is designed to prepare graduates for positions in private practice dental offices, dental clinics, federal, state and municipal health facilities. The Ohio State Dental Board allows Certified Dental Assistants, Registered Dental Assistants, and Registered Dental Hygienists to enroll in this training. Emphasis is placed on sealants, amalgam restorations, composite restorations and temporary restorations. Students will receive instruction and hands-on experience in restorative dentistry as it relates to expanded functions in Ohio. Once the training is complete, the student must take a state written and practical exam to demonstrate proficiency in placement of dental restorations. Note: For students under age 18 there may be restrictions on participating in certain Health Sciences programs. Any student under age 18 must contact the program director/department chair to discuss whether he or she may enroll.

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Important Information about Health Sciences Programs: The Health Sciences (HS) Programs consist of open enrollment courses (general education and division specific) and program specific courses with limited enrollment. The open enrollment courses may be taken prior to entry into the limited enrollment courses. To qualify for entry to limited enrollment courses, please see the program specific information packet located on each HS program's webpage.

It is very important that you meet with an Academic Advisor by calling 937-512-3700, or visiting Building 10, Room 301, to make sure you are scheduling the correct classes for your program choices. They can also direct you to financial services for any information you require about finances.

 

Continuing Education Programs/Workshops

  • Local Anesthesia for Dental Hygiene: This course provides the dental hygienist with essential skills and knowledge necessary to safely and effectively administer local anesthesia. It consists of lecture, demonstration and clinical experiences. Completion of this course prepares the dental hygienist to take the CDCA examination required for dental hygiene local anesthesia credentialing in Ohio. This course meets the ODBC standards for administration of local anesthesia by dental hygienists in Ohio.
  • Nitrous Oxide for Dental Hygiene and Dental Assistants: A four hour didactic and two hour clinical instruction course for dental hygienists on the administration of nitrous oxide sedation and for dental assistants on the monitoring of nitrous oxide sedation. This course adheres to the standards established by the Ohio State Dental Board. Sinclair Community College is a permanent sponsor for Continuing Education as recognized by the Ohio State Dental Board.
  • Coronal Polishing: This 7 hour continuing education course will prepare the Certified Dental Assistant for coronal polishing techniques on the clinical crowns of the teeth. There are specific indications and contraindications for doing a coronal polish. Participants who successfully complete the course may obtain coronal polishing certification in the State of Ohio.
  • Medical Emergencies in the Dental Office:  A Continuing Education Course for the Dental Hygienist, Certified Dental Assistant and Expanded Functions Dental Auxiliary to practice under general supervision.  Ohio State Dental Board approved 4-hour lecture presentation/discussion course on the prevention, recognition and treatment of medical emergencies in the dental office.
  • Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF):  This course satisfies the education & training requirements set by the O.S.D.B. and includes one-hour didactic portion and one-hour clinical hands-on training.
 

Accreditation

A copy of the standards and Commission’s policy on third-party comments may be obtained on the internet at www.ada.org. 

Or contact:

Commission on Dental Accreditation 
American Dental Association 
211 East Chicago Avenue Chicago, IL 60611 
312-440-4653 | 800-621-8099 x4653 

Download the PDF version Dental Health Sciences Dental Hygience Self Study 2020

The program in Dental Hygiene at Sinclair Community College is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of Approval (without reporting requirements). The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at 800-621-8099 or 312-440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611-2678.

Click here for the Dental Hygiene Program Advisory Committee


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