Dental Hygiene
LATC Dental Hygiene Program Begins Fall 2025
Application window:
November 18, 2024 – February 1, 2025
The 1 + 1 design of the new Lake Area Technical College Dental Hygiene Associate of Applied Science degree is unique. Dental Hygiene graduates from Lake Area Tech will earn two degrees, an AAS degree in Dental Assisting and an AAS degree in Dental Hygiene, in only three years. This provides our graduates more flexibility in their job role by providing both dental assisting and dental hygiene skills.
Once the student successfully completes the Dental Assisting AAS degree, they can apply to continue for an additional year of instruction to obtain their Dental Hygiene AAS degree. The program will comprise of comprehensive curriculum, including advanced oral anatomy, periodontology, preventative dental health, radiography, instrumentation, ethical conduct and community dental health issues. The Dental Hygiene curriculum will equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required of a dental hygienist to examine patients for signs of oral diseases and provide educational and preventive care.
The new Dental Hygiene program will uphold the high standards of LATC and the profession by providing curriculum that utilizes the newly renovated state-of-the-art LATC Dental Clinic. The clinic facilities include 14 simulation stations for pre-clinic skills and 10 dental operatories with nitrous oxide, radiography equipment, a sterilization center, and a full dental laboratory. Students will also gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations, allowing them to apply their learning in real-world settings under the supervision of local experienced professionals.
Admission Criteria
Acceptance to the Dental Hygiene program will be based on the following criteria:
- Select Associate of Applied Science course grades
- Cumulative college GPA
- Dental employment experience
- Letters of reference
- Personal interview
Applications are ranked using a points system. Highest ranking applicants will be contacted to participate in the Dental Hygiene interview process. Selection is dependent on the pool of applicants each year. Applicants will be notified of acceptance or denial by letter.
Accreditation Status
The Dental Hygiene program is seeking initial accreditation by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Dental Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 221 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. To view their website, visit https://www.ada.org/en/coda.
Professional Licensure
To obtain licensure, graduates of the Dental Hygiene program must successfully complete the Dental Hygiene National Board Examination and a regional clinical examination such as CRDTS. Professional licensure and certification requirements often vary from state to state. Prospective or current students considering an academic program that leads to a professional license or certification are strongly encouraged to seek guidance from the appropriate licensing agency in the state you plan to work before beginning an affiliated academic program. Read more here regarding Professional Licensure Disclosures.
Please note: if a prospective student has been convicted of a felony, he/she could possibly be denied licensure in their state of practice.
Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Lightcast, the employment of dental hygienists in South Dakota is projected to grow 6.9 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. When upcoming retirements and natural job turnover is factored in, there will be a 13.61% increase in the employment of dental hygienists in South Dakota between 2020-2030 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
