Dental Hygiene

LATC Dental Hygiene Program Begins Fall 2025

Application window:
November 18, 2024 – February 1, 2025

The 1 + 1 design of the new Lake Area Technical College Dental Hygiene Associate of Applied Science degree is unique. Dental Hygiene graduates from Lake Area Tech will earn two degrees, an AAS degree in Dental Assisting and an AAS degree in Dental Hygiene, in only three years. This provides our graduates more flexibility in their job role by providing both dental assisting and dental hygiene skills.

Once the student successfully completes the Dental Assisting AAS degree, they can apply to continue for an additional year of instruction to obtain their Dental Hygiene AAS degree. The program will comprise of comprehensive curriculum, including advanced oral anatomy, periodontology, preventative dental health, radiography, instrumentation, ethical conduct and community dental health issues. The Dental Hygiene curriculum will equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required of a dental hygienist to examine patients for signs of oral diseases and provide educational and preventive care.

The new Dental Hygiene program will uphold the high standards of LATC and the profession by providing curriculum that utilizes the newly renovated state-of-the-art LATC Dental Clinic. The clinic facilities include 14 simulation stations for pre-clinic skills and 10 dental operatories with nitrous oxide, radiography equipment, a sterilization center, and a full dental laboratory. Students will also gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations, allowing them to apply their learning in real-world settings under the supervision of local experienced professionals.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Lightcast, the employment of dental hygienists in South Dakota is projected to grow 6.9 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. When upcoming retirements and natural job turnover is factored in, there will be a 13.61% increase in the employment of dental hygienists in South Dakota between 2020-2030 (Bureau of Labor Statistics). 

More information including the program course outline and admission requirements will be available on this page by November 18, 2024.

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