Dental Hygiene Program

The Dental Hygiene Program

The Dental Hygiene (DHY) Program educates dental assistants to become hygienists with a high degree of clinical competence and knowledge of the dental practice. Upon completion of the Dental Hygiene Program, students will be awarded an Associate in Applied Science degree. The dental hygienist is an integral member of the dental health care team who works directly with the dentist to maintain optimum oral health for the patient. Duties include cleaning teeth, exposing x-rays, providing dental care instructions to patients, and maintaining patient records. Additional duties may be found within the Illinois Dental Practice Act.

The high demand for the dual-trained Certified Dental Assistant/Licensed Dental Hygienist offers the graduate the opportunity to choose the type of practice, the area, and the environment in which to work. Flexible scheduling is a distinctive feature of this job, with full-time, part-time, evening, and weekend work widely available.

The Associate in Applied Science degree in dental hygiene is sufficient for practicing in a private dental office. A bachelor’s or master's degree is usually required for research, teaching, or clinical practice in public or school health programs.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security rates dental hygiene as a "Best Bet" occupation combining a high growth rate with a large number of annual openings. Starting salary for southern Illinois ranges between $16.00 – $18.00 per hour.

Thank you for your interest in the Dental Hygiene (DHY) Program at John A. Logan College (JALC). The College has an open admission policy; however, there are some programs which have additional entrance requirements. Attached you will find an information packet about the DHY Program at JALC, an application for the DHY program and an application for the pre-entrance examination. You must contact the Admissions Office to obtain information about general admission to John A. Logan College.

Back to the top of the page

Desired Qualities

The student should work well with others and must have good manual dexterity to use dental instruments within a patient’s mouth. Students in high school should take courses in biology, chemistry, and communications if interested in becoming a dental hygienist.

Back to the top of the page

Accreditation Status

The program has received accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Graduates are eligible to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examinations, the examination for registration as a dental hygienist in Illinois, and other state and regional licensing examinations.

Back to the top of the page

Tuition and Fees

For further information, consult the College Catalog and application packet. Within this program, students will be responsible for:

  1. Admission Examination Fees
  2. Tuition
  3. Program Fees
  4. Books/Instruments
  5. Immunization/Tests/Physical
  6. Lab Supplies/Lab Jackets
  7. Costs for CPR Certification
  8. Student American Dental Hygienist Association membership and/or conference fees.

Back to the top of the page

Additional Resources

You must have Adobe Reader to view PDF's.
Click here for a free version of the software.

Back to the top of the page