Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting

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Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting

Make Smiles Shine

As a dental assistant, you play a vital role in supporting dentists by providing chairside assistance during procedures and contribute to exceptional patient care. As a dental hygienist, you transform lives by providing professional dental cleanings and periodontal treatment, patient education, and oral health prevention services.

Apply at Hawkeye Today

" Hawkeye is a very welcoming environment. They really open doors and welcome you in and help you with what you need. I would recommend it to anyone. "

Brianne Martin
Dental Hygiene '22

Choose Your Dental Pathway

Dental Assisting Diploma (1 year)

Dental terminology
Preventative and oral health education
Oral and dental anatomy
Digital dental radiography
Dental procedures
Computerized charting and record keeping
Dental equipment and materials
Infection control

Explore the 1 year Dental Assisting Diploma

Dental Hygiene Associate of Applied Science Degree (2 years)

Medical terminology
Oral and dental anatomy
Digital dental radiography
Oral disease and health
Computerized charting and record keeping
Dental equipment and materials
Infection control
Oral and dental hygiene practices
Patient education
Dental pharmacology
Pain control techniques
Public health systems

Explore the 2 year Dental Hygiene AAS Degree

Dental Assistant vs. Dental Hygienist

A dental assistant works closely with the dentist to set up instruments, prepare the treatment area, take X-rays, and help care for patients. A dental hygienist examines patients' teeth, takes X-rays, gives thorough cleanings, treats gum problems, teaches good oral care, and provides other services to help keep teeth and gums healthy.

Hawkeye's Dental Clinic

Patient Chairs

800+

Patients Annually

$3.79M

College Investment

Intraoral Radiograph Suites

Program Overview

Dental Clinic: Train in the state-of-the-art clinic featuring 25 patient chairs, computerized patient record software, and a complete digital X-ray system under the supervision of licensed dentists and dental professionals.

Clinical: Gain many hours of real-world work experience, ensuring you have the skills you need to succeed in your future career. Dental Assistant students complete 320 hours of clinical rotation. Dental Hygiene students complete 528 hours.

This is a partial list of employers who hire Hawkeye graduates:

Delta Dental of Iowa, Johnston, IA
Dental Associates of Manchester, Manchester, IA
Henry Schein Dental, Melville, NY
Iowa Department of Public Health, Des Moines, IA
Kimball & Beecher Family Dentistry, Waterloo, IA
Patterson Dental Supply, Inc., Des Moines, IA
Peoples Community Health Clinic, Inc., Waterloo, IA

This program qualifies for the Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship and will pay up to 100% of your tuition.

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

The Future of Healthcare Education

A High-Tech Learning Lab Grundy Hall

A $21 million renovation transformed Grundy Hall into a state-of-the art healthcare and science education center. The building was redesigned from the ground up to meet the ever-changing needs of modern healthcare careers.

State of the Art Van Gerpen Patient Simulation Center

Practice with high-tech equipment in realistic hospital setups. Advanced simulators help you learn how to care for patients and prepare for real medical jobs with confidence.

Explore the Sim Lab