What is a Dental Hygienist? A Dental Hygienist is a licensed member of the dental health team who provides dental health education, promotes and encourages preventative aspects of dental care, administers local anesthesia.

They remove stains and deposits from teeth, exposes and processes dental X-rays, takes impressions and prepares diagnostic study models, polishes teeth and restorations, applies topical fluorides and assumes other responsibilities in a dental office or public health environment.

How long will the Dental Hygiene Program be? The Dental Hygiene Program will be 20 months – consisting of four full semesters and a summer semester – with 65 credit hours required (not including pre-requisites) for successful completion of the Dental Hygiene Program requirements.

When are applications due for the Dental Hygiene program? The application period runs from December - March of each year. 

Do all prerequisites have to be completed at the time the application is submitted? No.  A student may complete prerequisites during the Spring semester.  Final transcripts must be submitted following the completion of Spring semester.

How many students are accepted into the program each year? Eighteen students will be accepted each Fall semester.

What are the criteria for acceptance into the Dental Hygiene Program? A weighted point system is used to calculate an applicant's standing. 

Points are assigned for the following categories

1. Grades in prerequisite courses
2. HOBET exam score 
3. Residency in Arizona
4. Residency in Mohave County
5. Work experience in the dental profession
6. Graduation from the MCC Dental Assisting Program or an ADA Accredited Program

Top candidates based on the items above are invited to interview.

What are the residency requirements for MCC? Please refer to pages 7 and 8 of the college catalog or online HERE. Go to page 15 in the catalog for tuition and fees schedule, or download the .pdf here. 

When will students be notified if they have been accepted? Students will be notified by July 1st if they have been accepted into the program.

Do you keep applications on file from previous years? Yes.  Yes, certain aspects of the application will be kept from year to year. This includes official transcripts, RDH Observation and Work Experience. A new application is required each year. You must call the Dental Programs at 928.704.7797 to activate your previous application materials.

Who determines if course work transfers to MCC? The MCC registrar makes all decisions regarding transfer of courses and will only evaluate official written transcripts.  The Dental Hygiene Department may be able to offer guidance.

Can a student improve their GPA? Yes.  A student can always retake a class and we will accept the higher of the grades.

Where will the Dental Hygiene Program be offered? All of the prerequisite course requirements for completion of the Dental Hygiene AAS Degree will be offered at all of MCC’s campuses. Some may also be offered via distance learning, online and via ITV (Interactive Television).  All of the Dental Hygiene Program classes, labs, and clinic sessions will be offered at the Legacy Foundation Allied Health Building on the Bullhead City campus.

How can I prepare now for enrollment in the Dental Hygiene Program? Students interested in pursing a career as a dental hygienist must take all of the Dental Hygiene general education prerequisites prior to final admission to the Dental Hygiene Program. Many of the general education requirements are offered each semester at MCC. 

How much will the Dental Hygiene Program cost? A one-time Dental Hygiene program fee will cover all clinical and specialty fees associated with this program. The fee will also include student insurance, instruments, required board examinations, and uniforms. The program fee is competitively positioned at $2,650 per full semester ($10,600 total). Students are also responsible for general tuition, textbooks and living expenses. The college works closely with each student to secure student financial aid and assistance in locating competitive financing.  Financial Aid advisors are available on all campuses or can be contacted at 928.758.8407.

What financial aid options do I have for the Dental Hygiene Program? Financial aid in the form of grants and loans may be available to assist students with the costs of this program.  Students who are interested should apply for aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if they qualify. This form is available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov or at your local MCC campuses.

Can I transfer my MCC Associate of Applied Science, Dental Hygiene Emphasis, to a four-year program at a university? The Dental Hygiene Program has achieved initial accreditation staus from the Commission on Dental Accreditation. This Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Unites States Department of Education. Students who successfully complete the Associate of Applied Science Degree, Dental Hygiene Emphasis, will be eligible to transfer their credits to universities.

How Can I Find Out More About the Dental Hygiene Program? Contact MCC Dental Hygiene Office at 1.928.704.7797 or contact us at dentalhygiene@mohave.edu to find out more.