The OTC Dental Hygiene program focuses on equipping and developing students into dental professionals. The student must complete basic health science and math courses prior to making application to the program. The dental hygiene curriculum is structured to incrementally attain specialized knowledge and skills to perform a variety of services. This experience includes training in the OTC Dental Clinic on the OTC Springfield campus. The dental hygiene graduate receives an Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS). This degree can bridge into a Bachelor’s Degree in Dental Hygiene or Health Sciences and into a Masters of Public Health.
Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the dental hygiene profession will experience a much faster than average job outlook. This high demand field is projected to be one of the 30 fastest growing occupations according to the American Dental Association (ADA). It is a profession that offers flexible work schedules and excellent prospects. A variety of career opportunities exist for a licensed dental hygienist including general and specialty dental practice, community health clinics, hospital-based clinics, public health agencies, research, public schools, dental/dental hygiene education programs, and dental equipment/product sales.
The OTC Dental Hygiene Program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) of the American Dental Association. This body is recognized by the United States Department of Education and serves to prove dental programs uphold continuous quality education and adhere to set standards. The graduate from an accredited dental hygiene program is permitted to sit for the national dental hygiene board examination and a regional clinical board examination.
OTC Dental Hygiene Program
A registered dental hygienist is a licensed dental professional that focuses on preventive oral health care, therapeutic treatment, and patient education. In the state of Missouri, a registered dental hygienist can also receive permits to administer local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, and expanded functions as outlined in the State Dental Practice Act. The OTC Dental Hygiene curriculum includes five semesters of specialized training delivered in a hybrid format. The program uses CANVAS to deliver online content as well as enhance the in person educational experience.