Why Oakland Community College’s Dental Hygiene Program is an Excellent Choice for Aspiring Registered Dental Hygienists

Are you considering a career as a registered dental hygienist? Oakland Community College’s dental hygiene program might be the perfect launching pad for your professional journey. Here’s why OCC stands out as an excellent choice for students pursuing this rewarding healthcare career.

1. Accredited Program

Oakland Community College’s dental hygiene program is fully accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). This accreditation ensures that the program meets rigorous national standards, providing students with a high-quality education that prepares them for licensure and professional practice.

2. Comprehensive Curriculum

The program offers a well-rounded curriculum that covers all crucial aspects of dental hygiene, including:

• Dental anatomy and physiology
• Oral pathology
• Radiography
• Periodontics
• Pharmacology
• Clinical dental hygiene practices
• Patient education and communication

This thorough approach ensures graduates are well-prepared for the diverse challenges of their future careers.

3. State-of-the-Art Facilities

Students at OCC benefit from learning in modern, well-equipped dental clinics and laboratories. These facilities mirror real-world dental office environments, allowing students to gain hands-on experience with current dental technology and equipment.

4. Experienced Faculty

The program boasts a team of experienced dental professionals who bring their real-world expertise to the classroom. This ensures students receive practical, up-to-date instruction in all areas of dental hygiene.

5. Extensive Clinical Experience

A standout feature of OCC’s program is the extensive clinical experience offered to students. The on-campus dental clinic provides supervised opportunities for students to treat real patients, honing their skills and building confidence in a supportive environment.

6. Affordable Education

As a community college, OCC offers high-quality education at an affordable price point. This makes it an attractive option for students looking to minimize educational debt while still receiving excellent training.

7. Strong Community Partnerships

OCC has established strong relationships with local dental practices and healthcare facilities. These partnerships often lead to internship opportunities, job shadowing experiences, and potential employment connections for graduates.

8. Focus on Technological Advancements

The program keeps pace with the rapidly evolving field of dental hygiene by incorporating the latest technological advancements into its curriculum. This ensures graduates are familiar with cutting-edge techniques and equipment used in modern dental practices.

9. Emphasis on Preventive Care

OCC’s program places a strong emphasis on preventive dental care and patient education. This aligns with the growing focus on preventive healthcare in the dental industry, making graduates well-positioned for success in their careers.

10. Preparation for National Board Examination

The curriculum is designed to thoroughly prepare students for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, a crucial step in becoming a licensed dental hygienist. OCC’s program has a track record of graduates performing well on this important exam.

11. Flexible Learning Options

Understanding the diverse needs of its students, OCC offers flexible scheduling options. This allows students to balance their education with work or family commitments.

12. Career Services Support

OCC provides comprehensive career services to support students in their transition from education to employment. This includes assistance with job searches, resume writing, and interview preparation.

13. Diverse Student Body

Oakland Community College boasts a diverse student population, providing opportunities for students to interact with peers from various backgrounds. This diversity enriches the learning experience and prepares students for working with a wide range of patients in their future careers.

14. Continuing Education Opportunities

OCC offers continuing education courses for dental hygienists, allowing graduates to stay current with the latest developments in the field and maintain their licensure requirements.

In conclusion, Oakland Community College’s dental hygiene program offers a comprehensive, affordable, and high-quality education for aspiring dental hygienists. With its accredited status, experienced faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and focus on practical experience, it equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in this growing healthcare field. If you’re passionate about oral health and seeking a rewarding career, OCC’s dental hygiene program could be the perfect stepping stone to your professional success.