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Home > Current Students > Academics > Dental Hygiene Auxiliaries Department > FAQs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTONS

1. Briefly, what are the duties of a dental hygienist?
• monitoring patient's health history.
• thorough examination of the teeth and oral structures.
• removing deposits from the teeth (scaling, root planning, polishing).
• exposure and processing of dental x-rays.
• oral cancer and blood pressure screenings.
• applying sealants and fluoride  to prevent decay.
• providing Nutritional analysis and counseling.
• educating the individual patient and the general public about the importance of good oral hygiene habits.
• performing a variety of expanded functions such as making temporary crowns, polishing amalgams, taking dental impressions, and placing temporary restorations.
2. When does the program begin?

The program starts in September at the beginning of the Fall semester.
3. Is there selective admission to the program?

Yes, admission to the Dental Hygiene program is limited. The College does not have space in this program for all people who apply, therefore a selective admission process is administered based on science grades, overall grade point average, and standardized test scores. Please refer to the applicant information for specific admission requirements.
4. How many people are selected each year?

30 students are accepted into the program each year. A few applicants are also selected for the waiting list in case an accepted student declines admission.
5. When will I know if I've been accepted into the program?

The application deadline is January 15th. Applicants are notified of their acceptance on or around April 15th.
6. What is the length of the program?

Two years (4 semesters). Students successfully completing all course work as scheduled should graduate in May, of their 4th semester.
7. What courses must I take before being admitted to the program?

The prerequisites courses for the program include a minimum of High School laboratory Biology and laboratory Chemistry with a grade of "C" or better, and proficiency in English and Math as determined by the College Placement test. If any of these areas are deficient, you will need to complete developmental courses. Prerequisite developmental courses in laboratory biology (MCC course BIO 010) and laboratory chemistry (MCC course CHM 010) and Algebra (MAT 013) are offered at MCC throughout the year. Please see admission procedures for more details.
8. What courses do you recommend I take before being admitted to the program?

General education and science courses may be completed prior to admission to the program or concurrently with the dental hygiene program courses. Completing courses prior to admission to the program will enable a student to concentrate on the dental hygiene courses once they start the program.
9. Will any of my previous college courses transfer to this program?

An accurate answer can be obtained once MCC has evaluated an official copy of your transcript. Remember, only courses completed with a grade of “C” or better are transferable.
10. Can this curriculum be used to further advance my education towards a baccalaureate degree?

Yes, selected colleges and universities, such as Thomas Edison University, Montclair State University, UMDNJ, and New Jersey City University, will apply the courses you have taken for your degree towards a bachelor’s degree. There are also many on-line Bachelors degree completion programs developed specifically for dental hygiene majors.
11. What time of day are classes offered?

Dental Hygiene classes are generally held during the day between the hours of 8 am – 5 pm. Science support courses and general education requirements may be taken during the evenings, or on weekends, or possibly through televised or online courses. Refer to the MCC course schedules for availability during a specific term.
12. Must I take the courses in a certain sequence?

Yes. All dental hygiene specific courses are offered only once a year. A student must successfully complete each semester before advancing to the next semester. Please refer to dental hygiene curriculum to see specific course sequencing.
13. Can I attend the program part time?

No, Dental Hygiene is offered as a full-time program only.
14. What is the cost of the program?

Tuition is charged per credit hour. There are 73-75 credit hours of required course work in the program. Additional costs include course fees, books, uniforms, instruments, liability insurance, and accident insurance. Refer to the current fee schedule for the specific amounts and lab fees. Tuition and Fees