HORRY GEORGETOWN TECHNICAL COLLEGE
DENTAL HYGIENE PROGRAM
Dear Prospective Dental Hygiene Student:
Thank you for your interest in the Dental Hygiene Program at Horry Georgetown Technical
College.
The Dental Hygiene Program curriculum has four prerequisite courses that MUST
be completed prior to admission to the clinical phase of the program. For the
remaining curriculum general education courses, the student has the option of
completing these prior to entering the program, or taking the courses as printed
on the curriculum guide.
It is STRONGLY recommended that the curriculum
general education courses be completed prior to entering the program.
If you elect to take the courses prior to entering the clinical phase of the curriculum, you will be
enrolled in the Associate of Science Health Science track with a dental emphasis. PLEASE
NOTE THAT COMPLETION OF THESE COURSES DOES NOT MEAN AUTOMATIC
ACCEPTANCE INTO THE DENTAL HYGIENE PROGRAM. Once you are accepted into
the Dental Hygiene major, all courses will be taken as scheduled and will take five semesters to
complete.
New students begin the Dental Hygiene Program ONLY in Fall semester; however, you may
begin taking the general education courses at any time following acceptance to the College.
Acceptance to the program is on a weighted point scale – there is no wait list for this program.
For detailed admission procedures, please refer to the enclosed Admission Policies.
For your convenience, this packet includes an expense statement that will help you plan your
budget once you are admitted into the program. Please review this carefully as the Dental
Hygiene program is an expensive program to enter.
For information regarding financial aid and/or student scholarships or loans, write directly to:
Financial Aid Dept.
Horry Georgetown Technical College
2050 HWY 501 East
Conway, SC 29526
843-349-5251
www.hgtc.edu
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (843-839-1060) or the
Admissions Office at (843-349-5277). We look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve
your goal of becoming a Dental Hygienist.
Sincerely,
Alice S. Derouen, RDH, MEd
Chair, Dental Sciences Department
Director, Dental Hygiene Program
alice.derouen@hgtc.edu
Information Packet
Page 1
THE DENTAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT
DENTAL HYGIENE PROGRAM
The Dental Hygiene program was established in January 1998 and is fully accredited by
the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation. This program
is an Associate Degree program with 5 semesters of course work. Students graduating
from this program are eligible to take national and clinical board examinations. Once
these are completed, the dental hygienist will be licensed and recognized as a Registered
Dental Hygienist.
Dental Hygienists are the only other licensed professional in the dental office. They are
qualified to evaluate patient medical histories, take and record blood pressure, chart
conditions of periodontal disease and decay for diagnosis by the dentist, conduct oral
cancer screening examinations, educate the patient on the latest techniques of oral
home care, and perform a thorough cleaning of the patients' teeth. The dental hygienist
is also qualified to administer infiltration anesthesia, apply sealants and fluoride for the
prevention of decay, expose and develop radiographs, polish dental restorations,
provide nutritional counseling for dental patients, and fabricate whitening trays for the
tooth whitening process.
Students receive their education in a state-of-the-art dental facility, where the latest
treatment modalities and infection control measures are practiced. The students treat
patients under the direct supervision of licensed dentists and hygienists in the on-site
dental clinic that is open to the public.
Students wishing to enter the dental hygiene program must have completed certain prerequisite courses prior to admission.
EXPANDED DUTY DENTAL ASSISTING PROGRAM
The Expanded Duty Dental Assisting program was established August 1999 and is also
fully accredited under the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental
Accreditation. The program is a one-year diploma program with 3 semesters of course
work. Students receive their education in the same dental facility as the dental students.
Area dental offices participate in the office rotation portion of the curriculum by
allowing students to observe and work in their offices. Students need a high school
diploma or a GED to apply for admission; however, it is strongly recommended that the
students complete the general education courses within the curriculum prior to entering
the program. Appropriate scores on the College entrance exam are required for
admission to the program.
Expanded Duty Dental Assisting students have the opportunity to take a certification
examination, and upon successful completion, will receive the title of Certified Dental
Assistant. The majority of the dental assisting graduates are employed in private dental
offices within the community, while some of the students have continued their
education in the dental hygiene program.
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Page 2
Expanded Duty Dental Assistants are responsible for assisting the dentist with a variety
of treatment procedures, taking and developing radiographs (x-rays), taking
impressions to make study models of patients' teeth, instructing patients in appropriate
oral hygiene techniques for optimal oral health, and making patients feel comfortable
during dental visits. As a graduate of an accredited program, dental assistants are also
able to apply sealants and fluoride for the prevention of decay.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Many career opportunities are open to Dental Hygienists and Assistants:






Private dental offices
Marketing and sales for various dental companies
Health insurance companies
Educators in accredited dental programs
Hospital dentistry
Public health departments
HONORS AND AWARDS of the DEPARTMENT

Outstanding Dental Hygiene Student in the State of South Carolina from the South
Carolina Dental Association
1999, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2012, 2013

Outstanding Expanded Duty Dental Assisting Student in the State of South Carolina
from the South Carolina Dental Association
2001, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2010

Recipient of the Alpha Nu Sigma Service & Leadership Award to the Dental Hygiene
classes of 2002 & 2004; and to the Expanded Duty Dental Assisting class of 2008.
Information Packet
Page 3
DENTAL HYGIENE CURRICULUM
Students interested in transferring to a senior institution to complete a Bachelor's degree may elect to take
the following courses: MAT 110 in lieu of MAT 101 and CHM 110 in lieu of CHM 105. BIO 210 has a prerequisite of BIO 101 or CHM 110. CHM 110 may be substituted for CHM 105. STUDENTS MUST
COMPLETE BIO 211 AND 225 BY THE END OF THE SECOND SEMESTER. IF NOT, THE
STUDENT WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PROGRESS IN THE CURRICULUM.
PRE-REQUISITE COURSES:
BIO
210
Anatomy and Physiology I
CHM 105
General, Organic, & Biochemistry
ENG 101
English Composition
MAT 101
Beginning Algebra
FIRST SEMESTER (Fall 1st Year)
BIO
211
Anatomy and Physiology II
BIO
225
Microbiology
AHS
113
Head & Neck Anatomy
DHG 125
Tooth Morphology
DHG 151
Dental Hygiene Principles
SECOND SEMESTER (Spring 1st Year)
DHG 121
Dental Radiography
DHG 141
Periodontology
DHG 165
Clinical Dental Hygiene I
DHG 243
Nutrition
SPC
205
Public Speaking
THIRD SEMESTER (Summer 1st Year)
DHG 175
Clinical Dental Hygiene II
DHG 239
Dental Assisting for Dental Hygienists
PSY
201
General Psychology
FOURTH SEMESTER (Fall 2nd Year)
DHG 140
General & Oral Pathology
DHG 230
Public Health Dentistry
DHG 243
Dental Pharmacology
DHG 241
Integrated Dental Hygiene I
DHG 255
Clinical Dental Hygiene III
FIFTH SEMESTER (Spring 2nd Year)
DHG 242
Integrated Dental Hygiene II
DHG 265
Clinical Dental Hygiene IV
SOC
101
Introduction to Sociology
Humanities
(Choose from existing list of accepted courses)
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS IN CURRICULUM:
Information Packet
Class
3
3
3
3
12
Lab/Clinic
3
3
0
0
6
Credit
4
4
3
3
14
3
3
1
1
3
11
3
3
0
3
6
15
4
4
1
2
5
16
2
1
2
2
3
10
3
3
9
0
0
15
3
2
5
2
3
15
2
1
3
6
9
3
0
12
5
2
3
10
2
2
2
0
1
7
0
3
0
3
12
18
2
3
2
1
5
13
0
0
3
3
6
3
15
0
0
18
1
5
3
3
12
80
Page 4
COURSES THAT SATISFY THE
HUMANITIES REQUIREMENT

Art Appreciation Series
ART 101* and 108*

English Series (*)
ENG 201, 202, 203, 205, 206, 208, 209, 214

Foreign Language Series
FRE 201*, GER 201* or 202*, SPA 107, 201* or 202*

History Series (*)
HIS 101, 102, 201, 202

IDS 201

Philosophy Series
PHI 101*, 103, 110* or 201*

Religion Series
REL 103

Music Series
MUS 105*, 111 or 112

THE 101*
NOTE:
* Denotes that the course or series of courses is transferrable to
an institution of higher learning.
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ADMISSION, PROGRESSON, REACCEPTANCE & GRADUATION
POLICIES
NOTE:
Criminal background checks and drug testing are required of all
students enrolling in this program. Felony or misdemeanor
convictions could result in an applicant/student being ineligible
for licensure following completion of the program. Please
contact the Admissions Office for more information.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants will be accepted into the Dental Hygiene program by completing a weighted
admission form. Students with the highest scores will receive admission to the program.
A “wait list” of applicants will not be maintained for future admission. An applicant who
receives notification that he/she was not admitted to the program must notify the
Admission Office IN WRITING by the program application deadline date to be considered
for admission to the next available class. Weighted admission forms are available in the
College’s Admission office. (A copy is provided at the end of this section)
ACCEPTANCE REQUIREMENTS:
The following requirements for a completed application to the program MUST be
submitted to the Admissions Office the application deadline date:
1.
Meet the criteria for admission to Horry Georgetown Technical College. This
includes submission of application fee of $30; official high school transcripts,
including graduation date or copy of GED; and official college transcripts.
2.
Minimum placement test scores from one of the following tests: SAT, ACT, or
COMPASS test (College Placement Test).
 The Developmental Studies course sequence will be required if
minimum placement test scores are not achieved.
3.
Transfer students must meet the college transfer student admission requirements.
4.
Completion of the following pre-requisite courses with a grade of "C" or higher:

BIO 210 - Anatomy and Physiology I (5 year time limit)

CHM 105 - General, Organic, and Biochemistry

MAT 101 – Beginning Algebra

ENG 101 - English Composition
NOTE:
BIO 210 has a pre-requisite of BIO 101 or CHM 110. CHM 110 may be
substituted for CHM 105.
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Page 6
5.
Cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher in all required Dental Hygiene curriculum general
education courses. A minimum grade of “C” is also required in all DHG courses.
6.
View the online information session and return the signed verification form
stating that you have view the session. THIS MUST BE COMPLETED
PRIOR TO COMPLETING THE OBSERVATIONS.
7.
Complete 15 hours of clinical observation in a private dental office observing a
dental hygienist. (Observation forms will be available after the student has
viewed the online information session). PROFESSIONAL ATTIRE IS
REQUIRED DURING THE OBSERVATIONS.
8. Review and acknowledge the Technical Standards of the Dental Sciences
Department.
9.
Complete the online Program Application (located on the Program web site).
10. Payment of a non-refundable tuition deposit.
11. All applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of admission to the
program.
COURSE SEQUENCE AND PROGRESSION FOLLOWING ADMISSION:
1.
Maintain a minimum grade of "C" in all Dental Hygiene curriculum courses.
Failure (receiving a grade of “D” or “F”) of one Dental Hygiene course, or any part
of a course (lecture/laboratory/clinical) will result in the student being dropped
from the curriculum with eligibility for readmission upon reapplication.
Readmission will be on a space available basis and the student will also be required
to meet all admission requirements for readmission. (Refer to Re-Acceptance
section below).
2.
Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
3.
Submit evidence of and maintain current CPR certification throughout the Dental
Hygiene curriculum.
4.
Submit a completed Health Sciences Division physical examination record at the
beginning of the curriculum.
5.
Meet all course requirements, including attendance, according to the policies
stated in the course syllabus (required to pass each course). 100% attendance is a
goal that every student should strive for as there is a tremendous amount of
information that is provided during each lecture period.
6.
Certain general education courses have credit time limits. For the Associate
Degree in Dental Hygiene, the following course time limits apply: DHG courses - 2
years, BIO 210, and 225 - 5 years, Math courses - 10 years. (Refer to the transfer
credit time limit section of the College catalog).
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Page 7
REACCEPTANCE POLICIES:
A student may not be readmitted to the Dental Hygiene program more than
once. Each candidate for readmission to the Dental Hygiene program will
be considered on the basis of space availability in both theory and clinical
courses. Students who receive a W, D, or F in the curriculum course may
request consideration for readmission to the Dental Hygiene Program.
Readmission is not automatic. The following policies and procedures for
readmission must be followed:
1.
Submit a written request to the Dental Hygiene Director.
2.
Have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher to include all curriculum and general
education courses within the major.
3.
Schedule and attend a conference with the Dental Hygiene Director to discuss the
student's written plan of activities related to successful completion of the program.
4.
Dental Hygiene courses older than two years will not be accepted.
NOTE:
Students readmitted to the curriculum will be expected to update
competencies prior to re-entering the program. The Department Chair in
collaboration with the entire Dental Science faculty makes decisions
regarding readmission of students to the Dental Hygiene program.
TRANSFER POLICIES:
Students seeking transfer of credit from Dental Hygiene programs at other
institutions will be considered on an individual, space available basis.
Candidates for transfer must:
1.
Submit a written request to the Dental Hygiene Department Chair.
2.
Meet all requirements for the completed application to the Dental Hygiene
program.
3.
Meet all minimum requirements for acceptance to the Dental Hygiene program.
4.
Not have repeated a Dental Hygiene course more that once.
5.
Not have repeated a Dental Hygiene curriculum general education course more
than twice.
6.
Have earned a grade of "C" or better in all Dental Hygiene and support courses
taken at the institution from which he/she is seeking transfer credit.
7.
Submit a letter of recommendation from the previous Dental Hygiene program.
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Page 8
8.
Complete at least the last two semesters in the Dental Hygiene program in order to
receive a Dental Hygiene degree from Horry Georgetown Technical College.
NOTE:
Students transferring to the Dental Hygiene program may be expected to
update competencies prior to entering the program.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT:
The Dental Hygiene program does not currently admit advanced placement students.
GRADUATION POLICIES:
The following must be completed for the student to graduate from Horry Georgetown
Technical College:
1.
Successful completion of all courses in the Dental Hygiene curriculum with a grade
of "C" or better.
2.
Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
3.
All fees and financial obligations due the College must be paid.
4. An "Application for Degree" must be filed with the Registrar one semester prior to
graduation.
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TECHNICAL STANDARDS
The Dental Sciences Department is comprised of the Dental Hygiene and Expanded
Duty Dental Assisting programs that require specific technical standards. These
standards refer to all non-academic admissions criteria essential to participate in the
program. In order to be considered, admitted, or retained in the program after
admission, all applicants with or without accommodations must possess the following
abilities:
Physical Requirements:
The student must have use of both hands and dexterity in the fingers to manipulate
dental instruments, materials, dental handpieces, and operate dental equipment. The
use of the feet is necessary to manipulate the foot pedals for handpieces and other
adjunct dental equipment. Body build must fit into dental operator’s stool in order to
perform dental hygiene procedures. The ability to stand for duration of time is also
necessary.
Data Conception:
The student must possess the ability to gather, classify, and interpret information about
data, people or things. Must be able to carry out appropriate actions in relation to the
data received.
Visual Color Discrimination:
The student must be able to differentiate various shades of colors in a limited
environment and space in the oral cavity. Must be able to carry out appropriate actions
in relation to the data received.
Manual Dexterity/Motor Coordination:
The student must be able to manipulate dental instruments to discern changes in
surface textures, manipulate dental instruments without causing trauma to dental
tissues, and to control pressure exerted by dental handpieces on dental tissue to prevent
injury to those tissues.
Physical Communications:
The student must be able to perceive sound through telephone, hear commands through
operator’s face mask, and discern blood pressure sounds through a stethoscope.
Reasoning Development:
The student must be able to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to define
problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Visual Acuity:
The student must be able to identify the working ends of various dental instruments and
other dental implements at a 2-foot distance.
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Page 12
Language Development:
The student must be able to read and comprehend complex information from scientific
and/or technical journals, papers, textbooks, etc. Requires the ability to communicate
the same type of complex information through speech and in writing using proper
format, punctuation, spelling, grammar, and using all parts of speech. Must be able to
communicate technical information to patients at a level so the patient understands
his/her dental condition. Must speak clearly with correct pronunciation of dental and
medical terms.
Numerical Ability:
The student must be able to determine percentages, convert fractions, ratio, and
proportions as well as basic subtraction, addition, multiplication, and division. Must
have the ability to understand and interpret the implications and meanings of the
numerical values.
Form/Spatial Ability:
The student must be able to view in 3-dimensional relationships, distinguish subtle
changes from one form or shape to another, discriminate intricate measurements.
Personal Temperment:
The student must be able to maintain a professional attitude and appearance. Must be
able to deal with stress produced by course load, clinical requirements, and patient
attitude. Must have the ability to adapt to change and be able to function and focus in
an environment with multiple extraneous stimuli.
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Page 13
EXPENSE STATEMENT FOR ENTERING DENTAL HYGIENE
STUDENTS
The following are the major expenses that a student will incur during enrollment in
the dental hygiene curriculum. Please keep in mind that these figures are only
approximations; additional expenses may be incurred, and due dates for
expenditures may occur earlier than semester costs indicate.
Students will also be required to purchase items such as gloves, face masks, clinical
lab coat, and other minor clinical items necessary for patient treatment. Vendor
names may be obtained from the program office.
NOTE: Tuition is based on a full time load of 12 credit hours.
ITEMS
NEED PRIOR TO STARTING CLASSES:
 Complete medical examination (form provided by program)
 CPR Certification (Must be Healthcare Provider and must be kept
current
throughout the entire curriculum).
 Hepatitis Vaccine (Must have all 3 shots by middle of Second Semester)
TOTAL COST
FIRST SEMESTER, FALL FIRST YEAR
 Tuition (Horry & Georgetown County residents)
 Books
 Enrollment Fee
For the following
 Liability Insurance
semesters, this will
 Student Activity Fee
be noted as “Student
 Technology Fee
Fees” at $139.00

Parking Fee
 Instrument Kit
 Uniforms, lab coat and clinic shoes
 Items for Pre-clinic (gloves, glasses, face masks, disinfecting wipes, etc.)
 Name tag
 Student Association Dues
TOTAL
SECOND SEMESTER, SPRING FIRST YEAR
 Tuition (Horry & Georgetown County residents)
 Books
 Student Fees
 Magnification Loupes
 Stethoscope & Blood Pressure Kit
 Radiology Lab Kit (1 set of Phosphor Plates)
 Clinic Items (gloves, face masks, etc.)
TOTAL
Information Packet
APPROXIM
ATE
COST
$75.00
40.00
150.00
$265.00
$1793.00
800.00
25.00
5.00
24.00
50.00
35.00
1200.00
300.00
100.00
15.00
85.00
$4432.00
$1793.00
500.00
139.00
800.00
50.00
500.00
50.00
$3832.00
Page 14
THIRD SEMESTER, SUMMER FIRST YEAR
 Tuition (Horry & Georgetown County residents)
 Books
 Student Fees
 Items for Clinic (gloves, face masks, etc.)
TOTAL
FOURTH SEMESTER, FALL SECOND YEAR
 Tuition (Horry & Georgetown County residents)
 Books
 Student Fees
 Ultrasonic Instrument Kit
 Items for Clinic (gloves, face masks, etc.)
 Student Association Dues
 National Board Review Course Registration Fee (optional, but strongly
recommended
TOTAL
FIFTH SEMESTER, SPRING SECOND YEAR
 Tuition (Horry & Georgetown County residents)
 Books
 Student Fees
 Replacement Instruments for clinical exam (optional)
 Items for Clinic (gloves, face masks, etc.)
 National Board Review Course
Hotel & Meals for 3 nights (students sharing rooms)
Transportation
 National Board Licensing Exam Fee (Mandatory for licensure)
 Clinical Board Licensing Exam (Mandatory for licensure)
Registration Fee
Facility Usage Fee
 South Carolina Dental Hygiene License Fee (Mandatory for licensure )
 Dental Hygiene Pin
 Dental Hygiene Class Picture (optional)
TOTAL
TOTAL COST FOR TWO YEARS
Information Packet
$1793.00
100.00
139.00
50.00
$2082.00
$1793.00
700.00
139.00
250.00
100.00
85.00
400.00
$3467.00
$1793.00
100.00
139.00
100.00
100.00
300.00
100.00
450.00
995.00
125.00
150.00
50.00
50.00
$4452.00
$18,530.00
Page 15
CLINICAL DRESS GUIDELINES
ALL STUDENTS WILL BE EXPECTED TO FOLLOW THE STATED
PROGRAM GUIDELINES FOR CLINICAL DRESS. The dress regulations for
the dental hygiene clinic have been established to promote maximum infection
control for all clinical operations and present the most professional appearance for
the dental hygiene student. Student and faculty adherence is expected. Anyone not
adhering to the following guidelines will be asked to leave the clinic area and
remedy the problem with a deduction points corresponding to the appropriate
section on the grade sheet. If the problem cannot be resolved, the student will
receive one unexcused absence for the infraction. THESE GUIDELINES APPLY
WHENEVER THE STUDENT IS WEARING A UNIFORM, EVEN IF IT IS
DURING CLASSTIME!
1. The designated clinic uniform must be a cotton/poly blend and will meet the
following guidelines: Uniforms must be clean, neatly pressed, and of proper fit
with the appropriate undergarments. Scrub tops will be pull-over style. NO TSHIRTS OR SHIRTS OF ANY KIND SHOULD BE WORN UNDER THE
SCRUB TOP.

Scrub Top: Pull-Over (no button or snap front tops)
 Camisole or tank top can be worn for warmth as long as it cannot be
seen at neck and sleeves.
 Must be long enough to cover the top of the uniform pants when
seated

Scrub Jacket: Round neck with long sleeves that are cuffed
 This will be worn to and from school over the uniform or when giving
professional presentations.

Scrub pants:
 Hemmed to proper length so they will not touch the floor
 Pant legs cannot be rolled up
 No sweat or stretch pants
 No ribbed band on the cuff

Clinic jacket/overjacket: (Will be ordered through the school)
 Will be worn during patient treatment only
 MUST meet OSHA requirements with long sleeves that are cuffed,
round necks and knee length
 MUST be fluid resistant
 MUST be laundered and kept at school.
 MUST NOT be worn outside of the clinical facility.
2. White clinic shoes (with no laces) are to be worn with uniforms. Shoes must be
cleaned and polished including the heels and side of soles. White leather clogs
are acceptable.
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Page 16
3. Hair must be off the collar and away from the face. Bangs MUST NOT fall into the
eyes and obscure vision. Long hair must be put up in a neat manner or worn in a
washable lace net. Barrettes or headbands matching hair color may be worn.
Ponytails MUST be secured and not allowed to hang down. Scrunchies the color of the
hair or matching the uniform may be worn around the secured bun. Extreme hair
colors and hairstyles will not be allowed. If hair does not meet the regulations, the
student MUST wear a clinical hair covering. NO OTHER HAIR COVERING
WILL BE ALLOWED.
5. Hose should be white, clean, and without runs. Trouser socks or white cotton socks
should be long enough to avoid showing bare legs. Heavy white socks and ankle socks
are not acceptable as part of the clinic uniform.
6. Nails MUST be clean, short (when your hand is held up toward the light with palm
toward you, the nails should not extend beyond the end of the fingers), and polish free.
False nails must not be worn. Even though gloves are being worn, micro-pores do exist
in the gloves and bacteria could penetrate and cause a serious infection around the
false nails. This can also happen if there are any cuts on the cuticle or hand area.
7. Jewelry
a.
SMALL single, solid design stud earrings in gold, silver, or pearl may be
worn. Gem stone settings will collect and harbor microbes during aerosol
production. (ONLY 1 EARRING PER EAR IS ALLOWED). HOOP
EARRINGS OF ANY STYLE/SIZE ARE NOT ALLOWED.
b.
NO OTHER PIERCINGS OF ANY KIND ARE TO BE WORN IN
THE CLINICAL AREA. THIS INCLUDES PIERCINGS IN THE
NOSE, TONGUE, EYEBROW, etc.
b.
Gem rings must not be worn. A metal wedding band is permitted as long it
is smooth and will not puncture gloves.
c.
Watches can be worn if they are completely covered by gloves. Waterproof
watches are recommended.
8.
Name tags will be worn at all times. If lost, contact Department Chair.
9.
When not in uniform, the clinic jacket/coat must be worn during all laboratory and
clinic sessions. If a student needs to enter the clinic when patients are
being seen, this jacket must be worn over street clothes. This rule also
applies when taking x-rays during non-clinic times.
10.
Perfume, scented lotions and sprays should NOT be worn during clinic sessions.
The fragrance may be pleasant to you, but may not be pleasing to the patient. Also,
some patients are highly allergic to fragrances.
11.
Students with tattoos must have them covered during clinical experiences.
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12.
Chewing gum and/or tobacco products are not allowed during clinical/laboratory
experiences. A uniform that smells of smoke is offensive to patients – remember,
you are a dental healthcare professional and should be a setting an example.
Students will be asked to change uniforms or leave the clinic with an unexcused
absence if tobacco odor is noticed.
13.
Make-up should be in moderation for clinic sessions.
14.
No sweaters/sweatshirts are to be worn over uniforms in clinic. Scrub jackets are
for this purpose.
15.
SAFETY GLASSES WITH SIDE PROTECTION OR FACE SHIELDS ARE
TO BE CONSIDERED PART OF THE CLINICIAN'S UNIFORM AND
MUST BE WORN DURING ALL LABORATORY AND CLINICAL
SESSIONS.
NOTE:
When in uniform, whether on or off of the clinical floor, ALL
dress regulations still apply.
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Page 18
RISKS OF A DENTAL
HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL
As part of the clinical education in the program, dental hygiene students will be working
with sharp instruments as well as needles when administering infiltration anesthesia.
Treatment with these instruments is in an environment of human saliva and blood. There
is a slight risk of an instrument/needle stick during clinical procedures; as well as a risk of
exposure to bloodborne diseases, such as HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.
Although there are no documented cases of the occupational spread of HIV to dental
workers, students enrolled in the Dental Hygiene Program are at a slight risk of
exposure to blood and body fluids and the potential does exist for transmission of
bloodborne and other infectious diseases, such as Hepatitis B and C and HIV/AIDS,
during patient treatment. The risk of HIV and Hepatitis C transmission from dental
patients to members of the dental team is very low. However, there is some small
potential for this to occur. The Americans with Disabilities Act forbids discrimination
against patients with HIV; therefore, students are required to treat all patients assigned,
regardless of the disease state of the patient. The risk for Hepatitis B is much higher and
students are required to have the vaccine series prior to patient/student treatment or
sign a declination form for not taking the vaccine. (These forms are included in the
Personal Medical Form). Unfortunately, there is no vaccine for Hepatitis C.
All students will receive appropriate education on the Bloodborne Standards and
Infection Control (per OSHA and CDC guidelines) utilized in the treatment of dental
patients. Students will be tested on this material and must demonstrate laboratory and
clinical competency prior to patient treatment.
Students will be expected to provide services for patients with bloodborne/infectious
diseases as part of the routine clinical experiences.
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LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS
According to the State Board of Dentistry Rules and Regulation #4015-190, any person convicted of a felony or other crime involving
moral turpitude or controlled substance may not be granted a
license to practice dental hygiene in the State of South Carolina even
if the dental hygiene curriculum is successfully completed. Questions
regarding this regulation can be directed to the South Carolina State
Board of Dentistry, Koger Office Park, Kingstree Building, 110
Centerview Drive, Suite 306, Columbia, SC 29211 or telephone 803896-4599.
The South Carolina Board of Dentistry will not issue a dental
hygiene license unless the candidate possesses a VALID SOCIAL
SECURITY NUMBER!
Information Packet
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GUIDELINES FOR OBSERVATIONS
The student wishing to observe in the Dental Hygiene clinic of HGTC to
complete admission requirements, must meet with the Director of the
Program to complete the information session PRIOR to completing the
observations. The following guidelines must be completed to receive credit
for the observations:
1. Meet with the Program Director prior to completing observations to
receive instructions on completing the admission requirements.
2. Obtain the information packet that will specify the dress code and
procedure for the observations.
3. At the completion of each observation session, the student will be
responsible to obtain the appropriate signatures of a clinical faculty
member in the HGTC Dental Hygiene clinic and the private practice
dental hygienist on the observation form as verification of the
observations.
4. Once all 10 hours with signatures have been completed, THE
STUDENT WILL TAKE THE OBSERVATION FORM TO THE
ADMISSION’S OFFICE FOR PROCESSING.
5. Dress Code for observations. As both our clinic and the private dental
practice are health facilities, we ask that you comply with these
regulations for the protection of yourself, the clinical operator, and
the patient. We ask that you dress professionally and adhere to the
following:
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Hair must be pulled back and away from the face.
No large earrings or rings.
No sandals or flip-flops, closed-toe shoes are required.
Wear nice slacks (no shorts or jeans) and a nice shirt (no tshirts). No type of dress that will expose any body parts other
than face, neck, arms, and legs. Lo-rise jeans, bare midriffs,
and extensive cleavage are not allowed during observations.
Please refrain from wearing strong perfumes as some patients
may be highly allergic.
If you have glasses, please wear them. Otherwise, please bring a
pair of safety goggles with you to wear during the observation.
You will be in an environment that will produce splatter and
your eyes need to be protected.
No chewing gum during observations.
Information Packet
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HORRY GEORGETOWN TECHNICAL COLLEGE
DENTAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT
Dental Hygiene Program Observation Form
Complete and return no later than May 15th of the Spring Semester to:
HGTC Admissions Office, 2050 Hwy. 501 East, Conway, SC 29526
Sample Form Only
Student
Name:____________________________________________________________H#:_________________________________
Information Session Completed on: ________________________________________________________________
To the student applicant:
Horry Georgetown Technical College’s Dental Sciences Department requires that each
prospective dental hygiene student observe for 15 hours in a dental office to gain an
understanding of the dental hygiene profession and the expectations of a private practice
dental hygienist.
Preparing for Your Observation:
 Make an appointment to observe a Registered Dental Hygienist;
 Dress appropriately and maintain proper decorum during the observation
(guidelines for dress are found in the information packet that is posted on the
program’s web site).
 At all times, observe confidentiality of the patient.
During the Observation You Must:
 Observe the various procedures performed by the dental hygienist;
 Observe the interaction of the dental hygienist and the patient;
 Ask questions of the dental hygienist so that you can gain an increased
understanding of both the rigors and responsibilities of the profession as well as the
education needed to become a dental hygienist.
Please answer the following:
Responsibilities of the Dental Hygienist
1. List some of the daily responsibilities of the dental hygienist you observed.
2. What are other job duties related to dental office management and teamwork?
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Sample Form Only
Patient Scheduling
1. How many patients are seen in a day by the dental hygienist?
2. How much time is allocated for each patient?
3. How often are patients seen for recare appointments?
Work environment
1. What is the length of the work week?
2. What is the length of the work day?
3. Who are the other members of the dental team and what are their general
responsibilities?
Dental Hygiene as a Profession
1. What are the advantages of this profession?
2. What are the disadvantages of this profession?
3. What did you value most about this observation experience?
Observations completed on:
DATE
# OF HOURS
Information Packet
OFFICE NAME
HYGIENIST SIGNATURE
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