Frequently Asked Questions

The students can become a licensed professional who works under the supervision of a dentist and performs services that detect, prevent and treat diseases of the mouth. Services include performing oral examinations, oral cancer screenings, scaling, root planning, polishing, applying decay preventing agents, taking and processing dental x-rays, and providing patient education in preventive dentistry.

• monitoring patient's health history
• completing a thorough examination of the teeth and oral structures
• performing an oral cancer screening and blood pressure screening
• removing deposits from the teeth (scaling, root planning and polishing)
• exposing and processing of dental x-rays
• applying sealants and fluoride to prevent decay
• providing a dental dietary 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

The program starts in September at the beginning of the fall semester.

30 students are accepted into the program each year. A few applicants are also selected from the waiting list in case an accepted student declines admission.

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 cumulative GPA, laboratory science grades, and standardized Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) scores.  Please refer to the Applicant Information for specific admission requirements.

The application deadline is January 30th. Applicants are notified of their acceptance on or around April 15th.

Yes. The Dental Hygiene program is open only to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

It takes two years (4 semesters and possible summer sessions). Students successfully completing all course work as scheduled should graduate in May, of their 4th semester.

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.

Dental Hygiene classes are generally held during the day between the hours of 8 am – 5 pm. There are a few Dental Hygiene course offered in the evening during the third and fourth semester. 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.

No, the Dental Hygiene curriculum is offered as a full-time program only.

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.

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.

An accurate answer can be obtained once Middlesex County College has evaluated an official copy of your transcript. Remember, only courses completed with a grade of “C” or better are transferable.

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.

Yes, there are practical considerations, health considerations and legal considerations that you should review before making the decision to choose dental hygiene as a career.  Please refer to the Applicant Information.

All students must meet the Academic Standards of Progress outlined to progress through the curriculum.

Students will study comprehensive didactic, laboratory and clinic courses in dental hygiene and the dental sciences presented by highly qualified dental hygiene faculty and dentists. State-of-the-art equipment is used in our on-site dental hygiene clinic and laboratories. Students will have additional clinical experiences in local hospitals and public schools. Basic science and general education requirements complete the course of study.

Students who complete the program earn a Dental Hygiene Associate Degree of AppliedScience. Dental Hygienists are licensed professionals and are required to successfullycomplete the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and the ADHLEX National Examination for Licensure.

Dental hygienists can be employed in general and specialty dental practices, research programs, professional education, community health, and hospital and institutional facilities, as well as federal programs, the armed services, and dental product promotion.