Dental Hygiene: Career Associate

The Dental Hygiene: Career Associate program at Harrisburg Area Community College is designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in oral health care. This comprehensive program combines rigorous academic coursework with hands-on clinical training, equipping students with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel as licensed dental hygienists. Throughout the curriculum, students learn about oral anatomy, periodontology, radiography, dental materials, and community health principles, creating a solid foundation for their future professional practice. Emphasizing both theoretical understanding and practical application, the program enables students to perform dental cleanings, take x-rays, apply preventive treatments, and educate patients on maintaining optimal oral health. The program also prepares students to work effectively within dental teams, communicate clearly with patients, and stay updated on advances in dental technology and procedures. Harrisburg Area Community College provides state-of-the-art laboratories and clinical facilities to ensure students gain real-world experience in a controlled environment. Admission requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent, completion of prerequisite coursework, and satisfactory scores on entrance assessments. Graduates of this program are eligible to sit for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and state licensure, opening pathways to employment in dental practices, clinics, community health agencies, and public health programs. The program fosters a supportive learning environment with dedicated faculty who are experienced dental professionals, committed to student success. With a focus on student-centered education, the Dental Hygiene: Career Associate program aims to produce competent, compassionate, and ethical dental hygienists ready to contribute positively to community health and individual patient care.

General Education   
ENGL 101 English Composition I  3 
ENGL 102 English Composition II  3 
COMM 101 Effective Speaking  3 
Core A Elective  3 
Core B (PSYC 101 General Psychology)  3 
Free Elective  3 
Physical Education & Wellness  1 

Major Requirements   
DH 101 Theory & Clinical Experience I  6 
DH 110 Dental Radiology I  3 
DH 111 Dental Radiology II  1 
DH 112 Dental Hygiene Theory II  3 
DH 113 Clinical Experience II  2 
DH 120 Dental Anatomy  2 
DH 121 Periodontics I  2 
DH 130 Medical/Dental Emergencies  1 
DH 150 Dental Materials  3 
DH 170 Techniques in Pain Control  2 
DH 211 Dental Hygiene Theory III  3 
DH 212 Clinical Experience III  2 
DH 221 Periodontics II  2 
DH 223 DH Theory IV  2 
DH 224 Clinical Experience IV  2 
DH 230 Oral Pathology  2 
DH 233 Community Dental Health I  1 

Other Required Courses   
BIOL 121 Anatomy & Physiology I  4 
BIOL 122 Anatomy & Physiology II  4 
BIOL 221 Microbiology (Core C)  4 
BIOL 245 Anatomy & Histology of the Head and Neck  4 
NUTR 104 Nutrition  3 
SOCI 201 Introduction to Sociology (D)  3 

This curriculum is designed to prepare students to:

Utilize the dental hygiene process of care (assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation) in the provision of comprehensive treatment to all clients without discrimination

Demonstrate accountability in dental hygiene practice

Apply the roles of dental hygiene to various practice settings - demonstrating competence, ethical behaviors, and professionalism

Participate as an integral member of the dental health team  providing expertise in the area of preventive health care

Perform to the level of competency specified by the faculty, the state board of dental examiners, employers, and those oral health services legally approved for a dental hygienist in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and other states and territories

Value a commitment to professional organizations and life-long learning

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Apply for a Full-Ride Scholarship

Are you a future student and ready to apply to HACC? 
By applying to HACC, you have the opportunity to apply for a full-ride scholarship! HACC will fund two years of your education – enough to complete your associate degree.

Thanks to the support of the HACC Foundation, the College is able to offer FREE money to support future students, like you, in reaching your educational goals. Six full-ride scholarships are available – one from each of the five campuses and one through HACC’s Virtual Learning Program. 

Please note that current students are not eligible for the full-ride scholarships. However, there are more than 250 scholarships available for current students.

What should you know about the full-ride scholarship?

The scholarship covers tuition, books and fees for a full academic year. 

The scholarship will automatically renew each term for up to six consecutive terms if you maintain your eligibility.

Once you apply to the College and receive a HACC ID and email address, you may apply for the full-ride scholarship. You do not have to register for classes before applying for the scholarship.

Are you eligible?

To be eligible, you must:

Apply to HACC

Take 12-15 credits each term for no more than six consecutive terms (two years)

Live in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, Schuylkill or York county

Have a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.0

Provide a 480 SAT reading score, 21 ACT or comparable scores on the College’s placement test

Maintain a GPA of 3.0 while enrolled at HACC

Participate in at least two HACC student organizations