What resources would provide useful information to me about the profession?
Visit www.adha.org, www.odha.net, www.ada.org and www.state.oh.us/den to learn much more about the dental professions.

Will I get a degree upon completion of the program?
Yes. The Associate of Applied Science degree is awarded.
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If I am past the traditional college age, am I too old to enter dental hygiene?
Certainly not. There is a growing trend for people to change careers, or to choose to enter the dental hygiene field later in life.
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Is financial aid available?
Yes. SSCT’s financial aid office can provide information concerning available grants, loans and scholarships. Call 330-494-6170 to make an appointment.
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Is experience as a dental assistant helpful?
Yes. Familiarity with the dental work setting and terminology is helpful. Program eligibility requirements are the same, however, for dental assistants. Applicants seeking to “test out” of any courses will be evaluated individually.
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What exactly is a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)?
A licensed professional who works under the direction of a dentist to promote optimal oral health, prevent oral diseases and intervene with therapeutic services. Typical responsibilities include: instructing patients in oral health education, scaling and polishing the teeth, exposing, processing and mounting x-ray films, administering fluoride treatments, applying sealants, taking impressions, assisting the dentist, collecting medical/dental history data from the patient and managing the recall system.
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Is dental hygiene a field for women only?
No. While the majority of dental hygienists are women, men are welcome in the profession and are as successful as women in securing employment.
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Where are most dental hygienists employed?
Most dental hygienists are employed in private dental offices, but many are employed in public health settings, dental hygiene education programs, public schools, hospitals, and by private industry.
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Are there any personal attributes I should consider when thinking about dental hygiene as a career?
Yes. Prospective students should have the ability to succeed in a science-based curriculum, relate well to people on a one to one basis, feel comfortable working in close proximity with people of all ages and backgrounds, be patient, and have good time management skills.
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Are there any specific physical requirements necessary to perform dental hygiene functions?
Yes. A dental hygienist must have use of both hands, dexterity in the fingers and tactile sensitivity to manipulate dental instruments, materials, dental handpieces, and operate dental equipment. The use of feet is necessary to manipulate rheostat for handpieces and other adjunct dental equipment. The body must be able to work from dental operator’s stool in order to perform dental hygiene procedures. The ability to sit and stand for a duration of time is also necessary.

Other specific requirements include: color discrimination (differentiation of various shades of color and gradations from black to white); manual dexterity/motor coordination (discern changes in surface textures by manipulating dental instruments, control exertion of hand/finger pressure); hand-eye coordination (transfer of visual input into motor output); physical communications (perceive sound through telephone, hear commands through operator’s face mask, discern blood pressure sounds); visual acuity (identify the working ends of various dental instruments and implements at a 2 foot distance); form/spatial ability (view in 3 dimensional relationships, distinguish subtle changes from one form or shape to other, discriminate intricate measurements); language development (speak clearly so that patient understands his/her dental condition).
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Do I have to be licensed to practice dental hygiene?
Yes. To apply for a license in any state, one must graduate from an accredited program, pass the written National Board, a regional or state clinical / written board and a written state exam typically focusing on the state laws and rules and regulations of dental hygiene practice.
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Is it easy to find a job once graduated?
The employment picture is bright and is predicted to be for the next decade. SSCT’s Career Services office is ready to assist students in their job search before and after graduation. Currently, that office receives significantly more requests for grads than individuals available. Surveys of the 2000 and 2001 graduating classes show 100% of grads who wish to be in the field are employed and wages are excellent.
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Is the program accredited?
Yes. The program in dental hygiene is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation may be contacted at 312-440-4653 or at
211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611.
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Can credits earned in the program be transferred or applied to a baccalaureate degree?
General studies courses included in the program were selected in part, because they are transferable. Dental hygiene courses are technical courses which must be evaluated by the institution to which you are transferring. Contact the Program Director for information about degree completion programs.
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When do classes begin?
Students are admitted once per year. A summer or fall semester start date will be announced during the enrollment year. Details will be provided to students who apply to the program.
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Are there any special requirements for enrolling in the dental hygiene program?
Yes. Enrollment is limited. Therefore, acceptance by SSCT does not automatically mean acceptance into the dental hygiene program. Candidates must become eligible by meeting specific requirements and must apply to the program. Formal notification of acceptance into the program is required.
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What does eligibility mean?
It means that a candidate has met the special pre-application requirements and may apply for admission to the program.
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What is the PAX Test? When is it given? Is there a fee for the test?
The PAX test is a standardized exam which, in combination with other indicators, is helpful in predicting the academic success potential of candidates. It tests verbal ability, mathematics and science and takes about three hours. Tests are administered approximately 2 times per month. Registration for the Pre-Admission Examination (PAX Test) will be online through the National League for Nursing (NLN) Web site. Students should not go to Registration, Admissions, or the Cashier Office to register or pay for the examination.

The PAX Test fee is $ 80.00. Note: This is subject to change by the NLN. The fee and dates are posted online. If you reschedule three weeks or less than three weeks in advance of the test, NLN will charge an additional $15. NLN will not refund your money if you cancel or do not show the day of the test.
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Do all eligible applicants get into the program?
Yes. Acceptance to the program is based solely on meeting the special requirements and submitting a complete application. Applicants are not placed in competition with one another. However, because the number of eligible applicants often exceeds the number of openings for a class, admission is granted on a space available basis. Eligible applicants are guaranteed admission but may be placed on a wait list for a succeeding class.
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How long might I wait to begin classes after being accepted?
Your start of dental hygiene courses will be delayed one or more years depending on the number of applicants who have preceded you. When you are accepted, you will be informed of your start date. If spaces open earlier, you will be notified. You are encouraged to apply as soon as you are eligible and may use the waiting period to complete your non-dental hygiene courses.
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Is there an application deadline?
Not specifically. Applications will be accepted when a candidate completes the eligibility {pre-application} requirements (Note: applications cannot be submitted BEFORE the date stated for the particular PAX test period).
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How many students are in each class?
A full class includes 18-20 students. The actual number of applicants admitted to class may be less however, if circumstances require a previously enrolled student to return.
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How long is the program?
A minimum of two years is required to complete the 71 credit hour program. The 4 eligibility {pre-application} courses are part of the dental hygiene program but are taken before being admitted.
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Do most students complete the program in the minimum time?
No. Most students take some or all of the required general studies courses before starting the dental hygiene sequence. This strategy is highly recommended to strengthen your academic background and lighten the load to allow for full focus on the dental hygiene courses.
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Are there any non-dental hygiene courses that should not be taken too far in advance?
Yes. BIO 221, Principles of Microbiology, must not be taken earlier than three (3) years prior to enrolling in the first dental hygiene course (DHY 121). Also, the two science eligibility courses (BIO 121 and CHM 121) have specific timelines. Refer to the section on eligibility course limitations / rules on page 7.
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What hours will I be in attendance at school while enrolled in the dental hygiene program?
The schedule varies during the year. Lecture and lab classes are generally scheduled between 8:00 - 5:00 (M-F). All students must accept assignments to both day and evening clinical sessions. Students are encouraged not to schedule other activities until the schedules are posted each semester.
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Can I work while going to dental hygiene school?
It is recommended that part-time employment be limited to 8-10 hours per week. However, the actual number will vary depending on individual student circumstances.
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Can I attend part-time?
Not at this time. You must enroll in all courses scheduled for the semester. However, students who complete all or most of their non-dental hygiene courses prior to enrolling will have reduced course loads roughly equivalent to part-time study.
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Can I visit the program facilities?
Certainly. (Please call to make arrangements). In fact, students are welcome to experience the clinic more directly by becoming a patient. Call 330-305-6610 if you wish to make an appointment.
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I am currently enrolled in a dental hygiene program at another college. What must I do to transfer to SSCT?
SSCT’s program may or may not be able to accept “in progress” dental hygiene students depending on space availability and the curriculum match between the two colleges. Please contact the dental hygiene program director for assistance.
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What expenses can I expect to incur related to my dental hygiene education?
Expenses include, but may not be limited to: tuition, College fees, special dental hygiene course fees, instrument kits, textbooks and supplies, liability insurance, health insurance, physical examination and immunization costs, uniforms, transportation to and from off-campus clinical experiences, and the graduate pin. In addition, board exams and state license application related fees should be expected. NOTE: Students should expect fees to be greater than for other SSCT programs. Please see page 10 for more details about costs.
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Do I have to take the four eligibility {pre-application} courses during the summer semester as shown on the curriculum sequence?
No. The 14 credit hours may be taken during one or more semesters and at any time as long as you meet the eligibility course time limitations and rules.
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Are dental hygienists at risk for infectious diseases such as AIDS?
Dental hygienists practice according to infection control guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control, and by doing so are at no greater risk than any other health care professional.
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If I have an infectious disease, can I still apply to the Program?
You should request a copy of the program’s “Bloodborne Infectious Disease(s) Policy” from the Dean of Students. It addresses this issue with respect to your status as an applicant and student.
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Can out of state students apply and be accepted?
Yes. The same criteria and procedures apply.
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Exactly what courses are included in the curriculum?
Students will follow the sequence shown. Non-dental hygiene courses may be taken before beginning the dental hygiene course sequence.
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