Degree Type: Associate of Applied Science Degree, AAS
Pathway: Health Sciences
Dental hygiene at PPSC prepares you to be a licensed healthcare professional that is skilled and an essential member of the dental health care team in the delivery of preventive & therapeutic dentistry. The educational requirements for licensure are an associate degree from a CODA accredited institution and successful completion of a national and a clinical board examination.
Video by PPSC Journalism student MJ Orioste
The program in dental hygiene is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation
and has been granted the accreditation status of “initial accreditation”. The Commission
is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education.
The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211
East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. The Commission’s web address is: http://coda.ada.org/
You may be employed in any of the following areas upon completion of a Dental Hygiene Associate of Applied Science degree:
Video by PPSC Journalism student MJ Orioste
To deliver a preeminent Dental Hygiene Program for the State of Colorado, that will inspire students to maximize their potential in serving their patients and their communities.
The Dental Hygiene Program at the Pikes Peak State College strives to provide high quality education by employing learner-centered, evidence-based curriculum that will produce competent and confident leaders in the dental hygiene field who will meet the needs of a culturally & ethnically diverse population. The program will cultivate life-long learners who will strive for ethical personal and professional excellence.
Upon completion of the Dental Hygiene Program at the PPSC students will be able to:
Establish dental hygiene diagnosis and treatment planning along with the dental hygiene process of care in providing comprehensive, quality patient care.
Provide individualized, culturally competent patient educational services to promote health maintenance and disease prevention.
Plan and provide oral health programs to the public in collaboration with stakeholders and other health care professionals and promote oral and general health.
Critically evaluate the validity of foundational knowledge, information, products and/or techniques and their relevance to the practice of dental hygiene using evidence-based research.
Apply principles of ethical behavior in the decision-making process, and critical thinking skills as they pertain to the academic environment, research, patient care and dental hygiene practice.
Report on professional responsibilities as it applies to the legal and regulatory concepts in the provision and/or support of oral health care services.
Report self-assessment to monitor knowledge and performance in order to foster personal and professional growth.
Practice cultural sensitivity and interpersonal communication skills required for effective collaboration with diverse population groups and other professionals in the health care system.
Report professional growth from participation in professional activities and continuing education.