Dental Hygiene

The philosophy of the Prairie State College Dental Hygiene program is to provide an educational experience for a diverse student population that begins with a fundamental basis of course work that promotes written and verbal communication skills, competency in both math and sciences and fosters an understanding of societal and interpersonal communication interactions.

The curriculum focuses on developing the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor skills necessary for delivery of preventive, educational, and therapeutic services in the public. 

Students in the dental hygiene core curriculum will progress through a series of courses and clinical experiences that will begin with simple concepts and move to complex critical thinking applications that culminate in the preparation of a competent individual eligible for licensure. Students will be introduced to the conceptual framework comprising the major conceptual threads. These threads will be woven throughout the curriculum and will serve as the underpinnings of the development as a competent professional practitioner. At the conclusion of the program the student will have demonstrated an acceptable level of competency in their theoretical concepts and patient care (assess, plan, implement, and evaluate) with work-place ready skills and abilities to provide for Dental Hygiene human needs. 

The program competencies identify the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors that graduates of the program must possess prior to entering the profession of dental hygiene. The purpose of the program competencies is to define the intent for our curriculum and provide the program with a means for self-evaluation of outcomes. The competencies are identified throughout the core curriculum and are evidenced in the course syllabi. 

Specific learning experiences in each course are associated with the program’s competencies. Students are required to demonstrate their competence through course assessments in order to progress to the next level of the curriculum. Early in the first year students gain knowledge and develop an understanding of the role of the dental hygienist. As the student continues, the use of this knowledge and acquired competence is integrated into the dental hygiene process of care. Assessment of competence is evaluated through a daily client evaluation, weekly reflection papers, critically thinking dialogue and portfolio development. 

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Quality, Affordable Dental Care for the Community

Our dental hygiene clinic provides preventive dental services to the public at reduced rates. Services are delivered by PSC dental hygiene students under the direct supervision of licensed dental professionals.

Services Include:

• Cleanings, sealants, and fluoride treatments
• Oral health education
• Dental X-rays
• Periodontal assessments and care

Prairie State College Dental Hygiene Clinic
Health-Tech Building (North side of Vollmer; across the street from the main campus)
910 Vollmer Rd. Chicago Heights, IL 60411

Schedule an appointment today!

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Program Leadership

• Desiree Schierholz, RDH, BA, M.Ed – Program Coordinator/Chair
• Rebecca Buckle, RDH, BSDH, MEd
• Kathleen Karwoski, RDH, MA
• Gail Szewczyk, RDH, BHA, MHA
• Dawn Piper, PHDH, BS, RDH, CDA – Dental Assisting/CDHC Coordinator

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Faculty

• Ahmad, Magida – RDH, BS
• Bintz, Sara – RDH, BS
• Galvin, Samantha – RDH, BS
• Hipke, Nicole – RDH, PHDH
• Lenart, Amanda – RDH, BS
• Malzone, Megan – RDH, PHDH, BS, MS
• McHenry, Elvina – RDH, BS, PHDH
• Miller, Jennifer M. – Dental Clinic Assistant
• Paltanavicius, Kristina – RDH, BHA, MHA
• Petty, Lynn – RDH, BS, MS
• Reiser, Maureen – RDH
• Ryan, Gina – RDH, BS
• Ryan, Kevin – RDH, BA
• Scott, Charlesetta – RDH, BA, PHDH
• Terrence, Sara – RDH, BS
• Tuscher, Ann – MPA, BSDH, RDH, PHDH
• Walsh, Krista – RDH, BS, MA
• Wessler, Laurie – RDH Adjunct

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Program Overview

• Degree: Associate in Applied Science (Dental Hygiene)
  Length: 2 years, full-time (summer start)
• Location: PSC Main Campus – Dental Hygiene Clinic
• Format: Classroom instruction, lab training, and clinical experience

 

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Sample Course Sequence

 

View Full Curriculum and Course Descriptions
Estimated Total Program Cost: $30,411 (tuition, fees, supplies, exams)

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Estimated TOTAL Program Cost ($30,411.04)
*Including tuition, fees, supplies, and board exams

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Estimated Summer Costs ($5114.25)
Summer textbook & supply costs ($3936.25)
Summer Fees ($1178.00)

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Estimated Total Fall Costs ($5541.79)
Fall textbook & supply costs ($1748.29)
Fall Fees ($3793.50)

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Estimated Total Spring Costs ($4059.00)
Spring textbook & supply costs ($350)
Spring Fee ($3709)

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Estimated Total Summer Costs ($1692.50)
Summer textbook & supply costs ($60)
Summer Fees (1632.50)

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Estimated Total Fall Costs ($3744.50)
Fall supply costs ($365.00)
Fall fee costs ($3379.50)

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Estimated Total Spring Costs ($4865.00)
Spring textbook & supply costs ($2805)
Spring Fees (2060.50)

 

 

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This is a selective admission program.

Prerequisites:

• Math: PSC’s MATH 091 or higher (or placement equivalent)
• English: ENG 099 or higher (or placement equivalent)
• Anatomy & Physiology I (BIOL 221 within the last 7 years)
• Grade of C or better in all prerequisite courses

After Acceptance:

• Background check
• Drug screening
• Physical & dental exam
• Vaccination verification (no exemptions)
• Proof of health insurance

View DH Application Guide

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The Dental Hygiene program at Prairie State College is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and has been granted “approval without reporting requirements.” Graduates are eligible to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and required clinical licensure exams.

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Students have the right to raise concerns about their educational experience in the Dental Hygiene program. Concerns may be handled informally or formally.

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Students displeased with any aspect of their academic experience, outside of final grades are encouraged to address the issue with their instructor, if the issue is regarding the program in general the student is encouraged to first contact the program coordinator.  If remedy cannot be achieved the student is directed to the Dean, Allied Health & Emergency Services or Administrator of the division for reconciliation of the concern. The Dean works closely with the student and related faculty to resolve the informal complaint.

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A complaint is not considered formal until a student has completed a student complaint form. Formal student complaints are triaged and investigated by the Manager of Compliance and Effectiveness. The Manager of Compliance and Effectiveness presents recommendations for remediation to the Dean or Administrator. Complaints about course delivery including rigor or alleged faculty misconduct are redressed directly by the subject area Dean.

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Concerns related specifically to the program’s compliance with CODA accreditation standards should follow the official CODA Complaint Guidelines

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