Dental Hygiene

No longer accepting applications for Fall of 2026. Fall of 2027 applications open September 1, 2026.

The tentative 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 a AAS degree in Dental Hygiene.

Once the student successfully completes a Dental Assisting program accredited by the Commission on Dental accreditation (CODA), they can apply to continue their Dental Hygiene AAS degree. The Dental Hygiene curriculum will equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required of a dental hygienist.

The new Dental Hygiene program will uphold the high standards of LATC and the profession of Dental Hygiene by providing curriculum that utilizes the newly renovated state-of-the-art LATC Dental Clinic.

Accreditation Status

The Dental Hygiene program is seeking initial accreditation by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Dental Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at  (312) 440-4653 or at 221 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. To view their website, visit https://www.ada.org/en/coda.

Professional Licensure

To obtain licensure, graduates of the Dental Hygiene program must successfully complete the Dental Hygiene National Board Examination and a regional clinical examination such as CRDTS. Professional licensure and certification requirements often vary from state to state. Prospective or current students considering an academic program that leads to a professional license or certification are strongly encouraged to seek guidance from the appropriate licensing agency in the state you plan to work before beginning an affiliated academic program. Read more here regarding Professional Licensure Disclosures.

Please note: if a prospective student has been convicted of a felony, he/she could possibly be denied licensure in their state of practice.

Job Outlook

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). 

Questions About the Dental Hygiene Program

For questions about the Dental Hygiene program, please contact Dr. Darlene Bogenpohl – Email: darlene.bogenpohl@lakeareatech.edu or Emily Olson – Email: emily.olson@lakeareatech.edu

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