Des Moines Area Community College.

Dental Hygiene Skills Guide

Recommended High School Level Background Courses

  • *Algebra
  • *Biology
  • *Chemistry

* Courses available in the Academic Achievement Center or High School Completion Center

Basic Skills in the Program and on the Job

Reading

In addition to textbooks, reading materials both in the program and on the job include journal articles, patient charts, and specific procedures manuals. Textbooks are written at the upper college level. Written tests are based on a combination of textbook material and lectures. In some cases, students' skills will also be tested by performing specific clinical procedures.

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Language

Speaking activities, both in the program and on the job, include communicating with patients on an individual basis and giving oral presentations to various groups of children and adults in the community.

Writing activities in the program include outlines to accompany oral presentations, research papers, and maintaining patient charts. On the job hygienists maintain patient charts, treatment plans, insurance forms, schedules and perform other recordingkeeping duties.

Required English courses: Composition I (ENG 105) and Fundamentals of Oral Communication (SPC 101) or Interpersonal and Small Group Communication (SPC 126)

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Math

Knowledge of basic math skills is essential for success in the program and on the job. These skills include fractions, decimals and percents, ratio and proportions, the metric system and basic statistics.

Required Math course: NONE

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Learning

Both in the program and on the job, thinking skills are utilized throughout patient care. Knowledge of the scientific process is necessary in solving individual patient-related problems.

View more information on learning skills in the Dental Hygiene program.

Computer

Computer skills are utilized throughout the program. Assigned activities are available on the DMACC intranet. Campus computers are available for student use.

View more information on computer skills in the Dental Hygiene program.