The document summarizes the dental hygiene program at Colby Community College. It outlines the roles and responsibilities of dental hygienists, including focusing on preventing dental disease, removing deposits from teeth, taking x-rays, and educating patients. It notes that hygienists typically work in dental offices or clinics. The program awards an Associate of Applied Science degree and takes about two years to complete with prerequisites and program courses. It boasts a 100% pass rate on certification exams and regional clinical exams in recent years.

1. Dental Hygiene Program
Colby Community College

2. What does a dental
hygienist do?
• Focus on the control and prevention of dental disease
• Inspect the mouth and remove deposits and stains from
teeth
• Expose and process dental radiographs and counsel
patients in preventive dental care
• Apply cavity-deterring agents such as fluoride and
sealants

3. Where do hygienists
work?
• Offices of general practice dentists and dental specialists
• Public health agencies, hospitals, and community health
clinics
• Public school systems, dental schools, and dental hygiene
education programs
• Dental equipment and product sales and research

4. Job Growth & Income
• The median annual wage for dental hygienists is around
$45,000-$60,000.
• Employment of dental hygienists is projected to grow 33
percent from 2012 to 2022, much faster than the average
for all occupations. Ongoing research linking oral health
to general health will continue to spur demand for
preventative dental services, which are often provided by
dental hygienists.

5. Study at CCC
• Dental Hygienist Program
• Associate of Applied Science
• All courses to be taken prior to sending in portfolio
• Have to pass each class with a “C” * or better
• Hours
• Prerequisites: 32-40 credit hours
• Program Specific: 43credit hours
• Graduation Total: 70 credit hours
• *The weight of a “C” differs in program specific courses

6. Program Contacts
Colby Community College
Attn: Dental Hygiene Department
1255 South Range Ave.
Colby, KS 67701
Carol Custard, Application Liaison
carol.custard@colbycc.edu
785-460-5438
Bobette Maier, Program Site Director
bobette.maier@colbycc.edu

7. Why choose Colby?
• Above average national certification exam pass rate 100
percent pass rate for the past 4 consecutive years
• Above average regional clinical exam pass rate
• Low faculty-to-student ratio
• Governed by the Board of Regents of Kansas
• Accredited by the American Dental Association
Commission on Dental Accreditation

8. City Perks

9. Come Visit!
• Scheduled tours Monday – Friday
• One in the morning and one in the afternoon
• Schedule a visit and see Colby for yourself!
The Mission of Colby Community College is engaging others in learning and service opportunities to positively
affect their world.

10. Sources
• http://dentalhygienists.com/what-does-a-dental-hygienist-
do.html
• http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-hygienists.htm
• http://www.colbycc.edu/academics/associate-of-applied-
science/dental-hygienist/index