Dental Hygiene AAS Degree Courses

Program Details
Award Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Credits 86
Program Start Fall

As a student in a health program at Hawkeye Community College, and to participate in clinicals, you will be required to complete the following screenings: Criminal background check, sex offender registry, child abuse registry, and dependent adult registry. The outcome could possibly affect your opportunities to participate in the clinical setting.

Bloodborne Pathogens, Infectious Disease, and Ionizing Radiation

As a student of the Allied Dental Programs at Hawkeye Community College, individuals may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens, infectious disease, and ionizing radiation. The Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene Programs both educate students in policies which are outlined in the school catalog, student and faculty handbooks, and program policies and procedures manuals, which are effective in ensuring a safe environment. These items are clearly stated verbally and in written form and given to students, faculty, and staff of Hawkeye Community College through set exposure control guidelines.

Safety regarding ionizing radiation is effective and remains a primary focus, including the design of the radiology facilities, the monitoring of potential radiation through the use of the quarterly TLD badge system, and the registration and monitoring of all equipment in compliance with the State of Iowa regulations for safety. The units used for patient exposure allow for the least amount of radiation exposure when used on the film speed E or the phosphor plate sensors.

The Allied Dental Programs accept responsibility for assuring compliance with federal and state regulations regarding bloodborne pathogens standards and hazardous materials/communications. The Programs recognize the potential for bloodborne infectious disease in patients presenting for care in clinic, sterilization, radiology, and in the dental laboratory. Protocols in all clinic and support areas have been established to integrate the ethical, legal, and regulatory considerations.

2024–2025 Suggested Sequence of Study

The following suggested sequence of study is for new full-time students starting the program Fall 2024.

When registering for classes refer to Self-Service > Student Planning to view your specific program requirements, your progress, and ensure proper registration. See Registering for Credit Classes for registration information and instructions.

Courses and costs are subject to change. See what's included in the cost calculation.

Students must achieve a minimum "C" grade in all courses that are required to complete the program.

Course Descriptions: Show All | Hide All

Term 0 — Prerequisites *
BIO-168 Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4 credits $900.00
BIO-173 Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4 credits $900.00
BIO-186 Microbiology 4 credits $900.00
CHM-122 Introduction to General Chemistry 4 credits $900.00
HSC-113 Medical Terminology 2 credits $450.00
Total Credits: 18
Total Tuition + Course Fees: $4,050.00

* All prerequisite courses must be completed with a minimum grade of C- and a minimum cumulative prerequisite GPA of 3.00. Students are not eligible for the Iowa Vocational Technical Tuition Grant while taking prerequisite courses.

Term 1
DHY-111 Head and Neck Anatomy for Dental Hygiene 2 credits $450.00
DHY-116 Tooth Morphology 1 credits $475.00
DHY-121 Oral Histology and Embryology 2 credits $450.00
DHY-160 Oral Radiology 3 credits $1097.00
DHY-175 Fundamentals of Clinical Dental Hygiene 6 credits $5664.00
Total Credits: 14
Total Tuition + Course Fees: $8,136.00
Remaining course fees after the Last-Dollar Scholarship is applied: $4,986.00

Term 2
CHM-132 Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry 4 credits $945.00
DHY-141 General and Oral Pathology 3 credits $675.00
DHY-187 Clinical Dental Hygiene II 3 credits $1800.00
DHY-188 Clinical Dental Hygiene II Seminar 1 credits $225.00
DHY-210 Introduction To Periodontology 1 credits $225.00
DHY-227 Biomaterials for the Dental Hygienist 2 credits $700.00
DHY-240 Ethics and Jurisprudence 1 credits $225.00
DHY-264 Special Needs Patient Education 2 credits $450.00
Total Credits: 17
Total Tuition + Course Fees: $5,245.00
Remaining course fees after the Last-Dollar Scholarship is applied: $1,420.00

Term 3 — Summer
PSY-111 Introduction to Psychology 3 credits $675.00
SOC-110 Introduction to Sociology 3 credits $675.00
Total Credits: 6
Total Tuition + Course Fees: $1,350.00
Remaining course fees after the Last-Dollar Scholarship is applied: $0.00

Term 4
BIO-151 Nutrition 3 credits $675.00
DHY-131 Pharmacology 2 credits $450.00
DHY-211 Periodontology 2 credits $450.00
DHY-254 Community Oral Health I 2 credits $450.00
DHY-271 Pain Control 2 credits $450.00
DHY-297 Clinical Dental Hygiene III 4 credits $3927.00
DHY-298 Clinical Dental Hygiene III Seminar 2 credits $520.00
Total Credits: 17
Total Tuition + Course Fees: $6,922.00
Remaining course fees after the Last-Dollar Scholarship is applied: $3,097.00

Term 5
DHY-259 Community Oral Health Service Learning Experience 1 credits $285.00
DHY-272 Interdisciplinary Health Care 2 credits $480.00
DHY-307 Clinical Dental Hygiene IV 4 credits $3800.00
DHY-308 Clinical Dental Hygiene Seminar IV 1 credits $880.00
DHY-901 Independent Study Clinical Dental Hygiene (optional) 1 credits $225.00
ENG-105 Composition I 3 credits $675.00
SPC-101 Fundamentals of Oral Communication 3 credits $675.00
Total Credits: 14
Total Tuition + Course Fees: $7,020.00
Remaining course fees after the Last-Dollar Scholarship is applied: $3,870.00

Cost Calculations

Calculations are based on 2024–2025 resident tuition and fees and course fees.

Cost calculations are provided for informational purposes only and are not a guarantee of charges.

Course Cost Calculation

Resident tuition and fees per credit hour × course credits + course fee (if applicable).

Total Tuition + Course Fees Calculation

Sum of tuition and course fees for all courses for the term.

If more than one course can be taken to fulfill the requirement, the first course listed is used in the total tuition and fees calculation.

Remaining course fees after the Last-Dollar Scholarship is applied Calculation

Remaining course fees after tuition has been subtracted.

Students must apply for, be awarded, and meet the ongoing eligibility requirements for the Last-Dollar Scholarship.

See the Last-Dollar Scholarship Award Calculation

Additional costs not included in the cost calculations:

Contact Information

Program Director

Karen Wolf
Grundy Hall 124
319-296-4302
Email Karen Wolf

Faculty Advisors

Last Names A – M

Katie Gisleson
Grundy Hall 135
319-296-2329 ext.1359
Email Katie Gisleson

Last Names N – Z

Tonya Obermire
Grundy Hall 133
319-296-2329 ext.1360
Email Tonya Obermire

Administrative Assistant

Vickie Bogart
Grundy Hall 204A
319-296-4010
Email Vickie Bogart

Dean

Science and Health Sciences

Dr. Ginger Cameron
Grundy Hall 204E
319-296-4457
Email Dr. Ginger Cameron

Back to top