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Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene

CAMPUSES South College Nashville Programs
SCHOLARSHIPS Tennessee PromiseYellow Ribbon

What You’ll Learn

The ten quarter dental hygiene program curriculum provides a strong foundation in the Biomedical Sciences, Dental Sciences, Dental Hygiene Science, and Basic Clinical Education providing the biological basis of the health of the teeth and oral cavity, decay prevention, and dental health maintenance. Upon the completion of the Dental Hygiene program, students will be a member of the healthcare team who provides patient education, clinical and therapeutic services that support and facilitate the maintenance of oral health.

Through quality, comprehensive, evidence-based education, patient-centered clinical care, and community outreach experiences, the mission of the South College Dental Hygiene program is to equip future dental hygienists with the skills necessary to reach their potential as a dental healthcare provider. The program faculty seeks to instill the desire to continue education, become life-long learners, and contribute to the enhancement of the dental professional.

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What can I do with an Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene?

Dental Hygienist Oral Hygienist Registered Dental Hygienist

19.7%* Estimated Job Growth

Keys to Success

Patients can be uneasy about trips to the dentist, so empathy and understanding are vital components to succeeding in dental hygiene. Attention to detail and dedication to careful, precise work are everyday job requirements as well.

In addition to the practical aspects of succeeding as a dental hygienist, it’s important for students to be passionate about the work they are taking on.  Because the dentist is frequently a stressful situation for many patients, the ability to show how much you care and how important dentistry is to their health can make all the difference. A positive attitude will also help you succeed in your studies and your career.

Continuing Education

The Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene is the highest level of education offered in the Dental Hygiene track at South College.

Additional Information

Helpful Links

Accreditation or Approval

The program in Dental Hygiene is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation statuses of “Initial Accreditation”. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL  60611-2678. The Commission’s web address is:  http://www.ada.org/en/coda.

Admission Requirements

Consumer Information

Amounts for tuition, fees, books, and supplies are subject to change. South College follows the required methodology provided by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission for the reporting of employment information for graduates. This information is compiled on an annual basis and submitted to the Commission by October 15 each year for graduates during the most recently completed reporting year (July 1-June 30). For more detailed information related to the calculation of graduate employment rates, please click here.

*The career options listed above are a small sample of potential job titles, and are not meant to be comprehensive. Students may or may not find employment in these positions. Job growth statistics are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2016–2026 projections. Note that the Bureau does not publish estimates for all job titles, so in some cases these numbers are an approximation based on similar job titles.

Success at South College

South College Knoxville

I am a constant question person and their office hours are very flexible. If they are not here they make an effort to meet you. There is a very positive environment here.

- Jennifer Milam, Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant
Stephanie Sienkiewicz, OTA program at South College

South College is providing me the opportunity to be a part of a wonderful program and receive the education and training I need to be a successful occupational therapy assistant.

- Stephanie Sienkiewicz, Occupational Therapy Assistant
South College Knoxville

It was not something I needed to learn to do, it was something I was supposed to do [becoming a nurse]. After 38 years it was just something that was kicking in.

- Charlie Lee, Bachelor of Science in Nursing
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