Greater responsibility.
Dental Hygiene
No longer accepting applications for Fall of 2026.
Fall of 2027 applications open September 1, 2026.
Lake Area Tech’s Dental Hygiene Associate of Applied Science degree offers a unique 1 + 1 pathway for students looking to advance their role in dental care. After completing a Dental Assisting program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), students can apply to continue into the Dental Hygiene program.
The curriculum builds on foundational knowledge and prepares students with the advanced skills required of a dental hygienist, combining clinical practice with the theory behind patient care, prevention, and treatment.
Students train in a newly renovated, state-of-the-art dental clinic on campus, gaining hands-on experience in an environment that reflects current industry standards. The program is designed to uphold the expectations of both Lake Area Tech and the dental hygiene profession.
If you plan to continue your education, tools like Transferology can help you understand how your coursework applies toward a four-year degree and explore your next steps.
Admissions Process Checklist
The program is awaiting initial accreditation.
_____ Complete the LATC admission process by submitting a high school transcript.
_____ Submit an official college (LATC or other) transcript with a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Required pre-requisite courses must have a passing grade of “C” or higher and taken within the last 5 years.
_____ Completion of Lake Area Technical College’s Dental Assisting Associate of Applied Science Degree or a dental assisting program accredited by the ADA Commission on Dental Accreditation within 5 years of applying. If you have not graduated from one of these programs, you should first apply to the LATC Dental Assisting program to complete the necessary requirements.
_____ Proof of taking and passing all three sections of the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam. DANB certification must be maintained and current. Those applicants that will graduate from an ADA accredited dental assisting program in May of the year they apply, must provide a copy of their DANB application for the June testing date. Admission to the program will be provisional and contingent upon the applicant showing a passing DANB exam score and DANB certificate prior to and no later than June 15. For information about taking the DANB, call 1-800-FOR-DANB or 312-642-3368.
_____ Documentation of current Dental Assisting license and dates of employment if applicable. (Candidates who have graduated from an accredited Dental Assisting program more than two years prior to applying to the Dental Hygiene Program must have maintained their Dental Assisting licensure.)
_____ Must have a current CPR certificate in Basic Life Support.
_____ Must read, sign and submit the Bloodborne Pathogen Policy Acknowledgment document located in the application packet.
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.
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.
Dental Hygiene 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 at darlene.bogenpohl@lakeareatech.edu or Emily Olson at emily.olson@lakeareatech.edu.
Resources
Dental Hygiene Careers
Below are several careers you could pursue with an Dental Hygiene degree. Visit our job board to see job opportunities in the Dental Hygiene sector.
Dental Hygienist
Graduates of the Dental Hygiene program can pursue careers as Dental Hygienists, providing preventive oral healthcare services that help patients maintain healthy teeth and gums. In this role, you'll perform dental cleanings, assess oral health, take dental radiographs, educate patients on proper oral hygiene practices, and work closely with dentists to support overall patient wellness. It's an excellent career path for individuals who enjoy healthcare, patient interaction, and making a positive impact on long-term health.
Where you might work:
• General dental practices
• Family dentistry clinics
• Pediatric dental offices
• Periodontal practices
• Community health clinics
Public Health Dental Hygienist
As a Public Health Dental Hygienist, you'll help improve oral health outcomes for communities through education, prevention, and outreach programs. Graduates can expect to work with schools, public health organizations, and community programs to promote oral health awareness and increase access to dental care. This role combines clinical expertise with community service and education.
Where you might work:
• Public health agencies
• Community health centers
• School-based dental programs
• Nonprofit healthcare organizations
• Government health departments
Every class, every semester. Find the right pathway to achieve your degree on your timing.
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Estimated Cost
At Lake Area Tech, there are no surprises. View expected expenses below, so you can plan ahead for a successful year.
| Tuition | $4,623 |
| State Fees | $1,553 |
| Departmental Fees | $3,926 |
| Campus Support Fee | $1,070 |
| Course Fees | $2,009 |
| Uniforms | $350 |
| Kit | $4,300 |
| Books | $1,500 |
| Exam Fees | $600 |
| Laptop (What laptop should I get?) | $1,190 |
| Total Estimated Program Cost: | $21,121 |
We know that college is a significant investment in your future. Our goal is to offer you the most transparent look at potential costs associated with your degree.
Note that other indirect costs, such as housing, food, transportation, personal and other miscellaneous costs will vary for each student’s situation, and are not included in this estimate. You can find these estimates and a semester breakdown in the PDF cost breakdown worksheet.
We strive to offer a variety of financial aid options, as well as helpful resources regarding outside financial aid options.
Dental Hygiene FAQs
Get the details you need to decide if this program is the right fit for you.
What professional skills are covered in the dental hygiene program?
The Dental Hygiene program develops essential professional and clinical skills needed for success in modern healthcare settings. Students build strong critical thinking, communication, time management, ethical practice, and cultural competency skills. The curriculum emphasizes patient-centered care, collaboration with healthcare teams, professionalism, and lifelong learning to ensure graduates are career-ready.
How long does it take to complete the dental hygiene program?
The Dental Hygiene program includes a 40-week core program combined with 31 credit hours of prerequisite general education courses. Completion time may vary depending on when prerequisite courses are finished prior to entering the core program.
What jobs does this program qualify students to apply for?
Graduates of the Dental Hygiene program are prepared for a variety of careers, including:
- Clinical Dental Hygienist
- Public Health Dental Hygienist
- Dental sales representative
- Dental product educator
- Clinical research roles
- Insurance reviewer
Can this program be a stepping stone to higher qualifications in the dental industry?
Yes. A Dental Hygiene degree can serve as a foundation for advanced certifications, expanded roles, and higher degrees within the dental and healthcare fields.
What additional accreditation or certifications can dental hygiene graduates pursue?
Depending on career goals and state regulations, graduates may pursue additional credentials such as:
- Dental laser certification
- Restorative functions certification
- Certified Public Health Dental Hygienist (CPHDH)
- Community Dental Health Coordinator
- Advanced or graduate-level degrees
What hands-on clinical experience do dental hygiene students get?
Dental Hygiene students receive extensive hands-on clinical training that includes patient care and advanced clinical procedures. Students perform:
- Patient assessments, including vital signs and oral cancer screenings
- Intraoral and extraoral examinations
- Periodontal assessments and dental charting
- Dental radiographs (X-rays)
- Dental cleanings, scaling, and root planing
- Administration of local anesthesia
- Nitrous oxide/oxygen sedation
Is dental hygiene a good career for students interested in healthcare?
Yes. Dental hygiene is a rewarding healthcare career that combines direct patient care, flexibility, and strong job demand. Dental hygienists play a critical role in preventive care, oral health education, and overall patient wellness.
What are the admission requirements for the dental hygiene program?
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Completion of a CODA-accredited Dental Assisting program within the past five years
- Completion of 31 prerequisite credits with a grade of “C” or higher
- Successful completion of the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Exam
Does Lake Area Tech offer patient care opportunities for dental hygiene students?
Yes. Dental Hygiene students complete 720 hours of supervised patient care under the direct supervision of licensed faculty, providing extensive real-world clinical experience prior to graduation.
What makes Lake Area Tech’s dental hygiene program different from other schools?
Lake Area Tech’s Dental Hygiene program stands out through:
- Extensive hands-on clinical training with 720 supervised patient care hours
- Small class sizes and individualized instruction
- State-of-the-art facilities and modern dental equipment
- Strong focus on patient-centered, evidence-based care
- Emphasis on community dental health and professionalism
- Experienced faculty with real-world clinical expertise
- Strong job placement support and connections with local dental offices
What job opportunities are available after completing a dental hygiene degree?
- Graduates are prepared for careers in:
- Clinical Dental Hygiene
- Public Health Dental Hygiene
- Dental sales and education
- Clinical research
- Insurance and utilization review
Dental Hygiene Staff
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