Dental Hygiene
Career Degree (Wallace Linkage)
Available: Phil Campbell and Shoals Campuses
Advisors: K. Sheppard (5331) [email protected]
B. Smith (5379) [email protected]
S. Watson (6253) [email protected]
Wallace State Community College offers this course of study leading to an Associate in Applied Science Degree in
Dental Hygiene. Individuals who have received a Certificate or A.A.S. in Dental Assisting from an accredited
program may receive advanced standing for previously completed courses including DHY 103 (Radiology) and DHY
102 (Dental Materials). The DHY Program requires a minimum of five semesters for completion.
As a practicing member of the dental health team, the dental hygienist acts as an educator and motivator in
maintenance of oral health and the prevention of dental disease. There are many professional roles the dental
hygienist may assume: participation in community health programs, dental office managerial roles, and participation
in research activities. Since many dentists employ one or two dental hygienists, employment opportunities in this
field are wide. Hygienists are in demand in general dental practices as well as in specialty practices such as
periodontics or pediatric dentistry. Hygienists may also be employed to provide dental hygiene services for patients
in hospitals, nursing homes, and public health clinics.
See program website for accreditation information. Graduates are allowed to take National Dental Hygiene Boards.
Students who successfully complete the National Board Exam are qualified to take any State or Regional licensing
examination.
General Required Courses to be completed at Northwest- Shoals Community College.
Entering students are required to complete ORI 107. Transfer students are exempt from this requirement.
Students must complete specialized courses at Wallace State to receive this degree. Wallace State enrolls students
in this program competitively and only in certain terms. See your advisor.
WSCC Program Director: Barbara Ebert 256.352.8380
Program:
Allied Health Linkage Programs
Entrance Requirements
• Submit a completed application;
• High School diploma or equivalent required:
• Age Requirement:
• Submit official high school/high school equivalent transcripts, if applicable;
• Submit official college transcripts, if applicable;
• Satisfy Placement Testing requirements.
1 Northwest-Shoals Community College 2023-24 Catalog
Required Courses
* BIO 103 highly recommended before BIO 201, 202 and 220.
Item # Title Credits
BIO 201 Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4
BIO 202 Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4
CHM 104 Introduction to Chemistry I 4
ENG 101 English Composition I 3
MTH 116 Mathematical Applications 3
PSY 200 General Psychology 3
SPH 107 Fundamentals of Public Speaking 3
SOC 200 Introduction to Sociology 3
WL Humanities and Fine Arts Elective 3
Minimum Credit Hours for Graduation: 35
2 Northwest-Shoals Community College 2023-24 Catalog
