Dental Hygiene Associate Degree Program

Boost your career in dental healthcare.
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Program Type

Associate Degree

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Delivery Method

On Campus

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Course Length

Approximately
23 months

Program Objective

At Pima Medical Institute, this program is designed to give you the personal and professional skills needed to work as a dental hygienist on a dental team and within the larger dental community. The program’s curriculum includes didactic, laboratory and on-site clinical training that will prepare you with the valuable knowledge and abilities to practice ethical and comprehensive dental hygiene care that follows established standards.

Locations Near Me

Find this program at one of the following Pima Medical Institute campuses.

Careers in Dental Hygiene

When you’re a Pima Medical Institute student, you get access to our Career Services team—here for you when you need extra help with finding the right job opportunities, building a resume, strengthening your interview skills or just looking for general guidance.

Program Outline

Learn more about the courses in this program.

Program Outline for Albuquerque

Semester l

CCM 145
Communications and Composition
BIO 115
Anatomy and Physiology
BIO 145
Microbiology and Immunology
PSY 125
Psychology
SOC 110
Sociology

Semester II

CHM 125
Chemistry/Biochemistry
RDH 186
Dental Anatomy
RDH 105
Introduction to Dental Hygiene
RDH 106
Head and Neck Anatomy
RDH 107
Nutrition and Oral Health

Semester III

RDH 110
Preclinical Dental Hygiene
RDH 118
Medical Emergencies
RDH 211
Radiology
RDH 218
Periodontics

Semester IV

RDH 161
Dental Hygiene I
RDH 162
Clinical Dental Hygiene I
RDH 219
Biomaterials
RDH 220
General/Oral Pathology
RDH 260
Pharmacology for Dental Hygiene

Semester V

RDH 171
Dental Hygiene II
RDH 172
Clinical Dental Hygiene II
RDH 214
Patient/Pain Management
RDH 216
Treatment of Special Needs Patients
RDH 217
Community and Dental Health Promotion

Semester VI

RDH 221
Dental Hygiene III
RDH 222
Clinical Dental Hygiene III
RDH 226
Review of Dental Hygiene
RDH 291
Principles of Dental Hygiene Practice
RDH 292
Ethical Decision-Making

Program Outline for Houston and Seattle

Semester I

PSY 125
Psychology
CCM 145
Communications & Composition
BIO 115
Anatomy & Physiology
BIO 145
Microbiology & Immunology
RDH 101
Introduction to Dental Hygiene
RDH 186
Dental Anatomy

Semester II

SOC 110
Sociology
CHM 125
Chemistry/Biochemistry
BIO 136
Head & Neck Anatomy
RDH 118
Medical Emergencies
RDH 116
Preclinical Dental Hygiene
RDH 120
Preclinical Clinical Dental Hygiene
RDH 211
Radiology

Semester III

RDH 150
Dental Hygiene I
RDH 155
Clinical Dental Hygiene I
RDH 215
Biomaterials
RDH 218
Periodontics
RDH 260
Pharmacology for Dental Hygiene

Semester IV

RDH 175
Dental Hygiene II
RDH 180
Clinical Dental Hygiene II
RDH 209
Nutrition & Cariology
RDH 214
Patient/Pain Management
RDH 220
General/Oral Pathology
RDH 223
Restorative Lab I*

Semester V

RDH 200
Dental Hygiene III
RDH 205
Clinical Dental Hygiene III
RDH 251
Treatment of Special Needs Patient Seminar
RDH 259
Community & Public Dental Health
RDH 233
Restorative Lab*

Semester VI

RDH 226
Review of Dental Hygiene
RDH 230
Dental Health Promotions
RDH 240
Dental Hygiene IV
RDH 245
Clinical Dental Hygiene IV
RDH 285
Restorative Clinic*
RDH 291
Principles of Dental Hygiene Practice

*Represents the Seattle program

Interested In Starting This Program?

Find out more about our Admissions Requirements or view our How to Apply page.

Success Is Within Reach

We are truly invested in making sure our students succeed.

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“After 12 years as a dental assistant, I knew there was more for me in the dental profession. When I heard Pima Medical was offering a Dental Hygiene program, I jumped at the opportunity. I am a 35-year-old parent of two boys and the thought of quitting my job to attend school was quite daunting, but I forged ahead and was committed. The Dental Hygiene program was an accelerated, challenging opportunity and despite the sweat, tears, countless study sessions, long nights of studying and many other sacrifices, I completed the program and became a Board Certified Registered Dental Hygienist!”

Monica Candelaria-Wright, Dental Hygiene Graduate

Pima Medical Blog

Check out our blog posts on Dental Hygiene. We provide insights, information, alumni spotlights, news and other valuable articles to keep you updated.
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The Top 5 Skills of a Dental Hygienist

Dental hygienists are highly valued members of the dental care team. They interact directly with patients, helping them properly care for their oral health. Melissa…

Disclosures And Accreditations

Start Your Future as a Dental Hygienist