Printed on 4/16/2025 Fox Valley Technical College

Dental Hygienist

10-508-1 | | 70 Credits | Financial Aid Eligible
Appleton | Full Time

Be the one who helps people achieve and maintain a healthy smile. Dental hygienists are licensed oral health professionals who focus on the prevention and treatment of oral diseases. As a dental hygienist, you’ll work as a member of a dental health team, focusing on prevention, assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, implementation, evaluation and documentation of oral disease. In this program, your training will include assessing patients for signs, symptoms and risk factors of oral disease. You’ll get the skills needed to expose x-rays for diagnoses of oral disease and will learn how to administer local anesthesia and nitrous oxide/oxygen sedation. You’ll also get training in counseling patients about nutrition, oral hygiene and dental care, and will gain skills in maintaining patient records. Upon completion, you’ll be eligible to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and the Central Regional Dental Testing Service Practical exam to become a licensed registered dental hygienist.

Due to program demand, licensure and certification requirements, and Wisconsin laws relating to residency, this program is currently not accepting out-of-state applicants. [Learn more about professional licensure](https://www.fvtc.edu/about-us/facts/student-consumer-information/professional-licensure-and-certification-disclosure) for this program.

Note: We are currently not accepting applications for the Dental Hygienist program. Please sign up for updates below and we will notify you when applications re-open.

dental student with dental tool sitting next to dentist chair

Estimated Cost
Admissions
Program Outcomes
Accreditation

Estimated Cost

Costs may not include all books or all materials and supplies. Some textbook costs may be included in the estimated program cost.

$17,094.56*

Cost based on current tuition and fees

$2,980.00*

Additional materials and supplies

$3,089.85*

Textbooks

* Tuition and fees are subject to change. For more details, see Cost of Attendance (PDF).

Admissions

High School Transcript

Submit a final, official high school transcript or an official copy of GED/HSED certification scores. Current high school students must submit an official in-progress transcript and a final official transcript after graduation.

Multiple Options

Multiple options for admissions are available for this program: High School GPA of 3.0 or higher or higher OR TEAS 58.7 or higher OR Previous Associate Degree or higher OR ACT of 18 or higher in English & Math AND 20 or higher in Reading; student must provide copies of the applicable option.

Additional Information

Students entering an FVTC Dental Program should understand the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens. For more information, please review the [Bloodborne Pathogens document](https://www.fvtc.edu/Portals/0/PDFs/Programs/Bloodborne-Pathogen-Information.pdf). 

The first year of core classes in Dental Hygiene is part-time (1-2 classes a semester). If all general education coursework is complete, the remainder of the program will also be part-time. You'll work directly with your advisor during your New Student Registration session and/or Master Advising Plan appointment to discuss details.

There is an estimated wait time of approximately 1 -2 years AFTER your admit term to enter CORE DENTAL courses; while waiting to start CORE courses, you may choose to take general education (3 science classes are required for core) required for your program.

Viewpoint Account – When entering into the second year of the three year Dental Hygiene program, students will be required to purchase a viewpoint account; this program document tracking account is where you will upload your program requirements (immunization records, program forms, CPR, etc.). You will be communicated to about the requirement through your FVTC account closer to the start of your second year. All requirements must be met and uploaded into the student’s account prior to the beginning of the fall semester of their second year.

Students must purchase a dental instrument kit for the fall semester of their second year. The instrument kit fee will be attached to the Pre-Clinical course.

Before entering the Pre-clinical Dental Hygiene Course- Dental Hygiene Process 1, evidence of CPR certification that includes 2-person Healthcare Provider CPR must be submitted to your viewpoint account.

Program Outcomes

Assess data on all aspects of patient/client health using methods consistent with dental hygienist scope of practice and legal principles
Counsel clients/patients to reduce health risks
Evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented client/patient dental hygiene care plan
Formulate a comprehensive dental hygiene care plan in collaboration with the client and other health professionals
Manage infection and hazard control
Model dental hygiene professional code of ethics
Provide community oral health services in a variety of settings
Provide preventive and therapeutic services that promote oral health according to the needs of the patient/client

Accreditation

The Dental Hygiene associate degree program at Fox Valley Technical College is accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation (ADA), which means your program completion is recognized in all 50 U.S. states and you will be eligible for the Dental Hygiene National Board examination and the Central Regional Dental Testing Center (CRDTS) practical exam. The national pass rate in 2016 was 95%. In 2016, FVTC graduates had a pass rate of 100%.

Start anywhere. Many credits can apply toward future programs.

College Credit Transfer Options

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)

Graduate Employment Facts

Beyond The Classroom

students sitting on FVTC campus in the yard

Student Clubs

There are over 35 different clubs and organizations available for students. Many clubs are directly related to programs offered at FVTC, so you can develop professional connections while meeting other students.

student talking with counselor or advisor

Student Services

We’re here to help you succeed. You’ll find a broad network of support at Fox Valley Tech. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need help.

Career Services

Career Services is here to help you with your employment needs. Our services begin when you enroll as an FVTC student and continue throughout your employment career.

Need Help?

Contact Enrollment Services for questions about admissions, financial aid, registration, tuition and credit transfer.

Admissions Center

Email: admissionsspecialist@fvtc.edu
Phone: 920-735-4740
Text: 920-294-1738

Credit Transfer Options

They're your credits. Take them with you!

Whether you’re an incoming student, transferring to another two-year college or pursuing your bachelor’s degree, we make it easy for you to seamlessly transfer your credits. With full accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission, we offer credit transfer agreements with more than 65 two-and four-year colleges.

Transfer In

Many students come to Fox Valley Tech with credits they’ve already earned, either while in high school or at other colleges and universities. It’s also possible to be granted credit for career-related knowledge and skills you’ve already mastered.

Transfer Out

Is a four-year degree in your future? Save time and money by starting here. You can earn your associate degree at Fox Valley Tech, then apply your credits toward a bachelor’s degree. Or easily transfer your credits to other two-year colleges.

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Undecided

Not sure what career is a good fit for you? Let us help you decide on a program. Fox Valley Tech staff members can help you identify skills, values, interests, and occupational and education opportunities to determine the best pathway to meet your goals.

Find out more

One-on-One Help

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