Dental Hygiene
Everyone likes to see a beautiful smile. Would you like to be the one to help create happy and healthy smiles? Dental hygiene may be the career for you. Immerse yourself in this exciting and challenging career field. You can become a registered dental hygienist in less than two years after taking national and state licensing examinations. The dental hygiene program at GTCC is nationally accredited by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation.
Fall Program Start Paused
Due to a nationwide shortage of qualified dental hygiene faculty, GTCC is currently unable to meet the instructor-to-student ratios required by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). To maintain our high standards and ensure student safety, we have made the difficult decision to pause the Fall 2025 start of the dental hygiene program.
We are actively working to hire additional faculty and are exploring the possibility of beginning the next cohort in Spring 2026. Updates will be shared here as more information becomes available. Thank you for your understanding and patience.
Please note that this does not impact the dental assisting program.
Admission Information
Credentialing Options
Program Effectiveness Data
| Cohort Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | |
| Students Enrolled | 32 | 32 | 32 |
| Students Graduated | 26 | 26 | 20 |
| Completion Rate | 81.25% | 81.25% | 66.70% |
| Employment within 6 Months of Graduation | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| National Board Passed on First Attempt | 100% | 100% | 95% |
CODA Program Accreditation
The Dental Hygiene program at Guilford Technical Community College is accredited by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), 211 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60611; telephone: 1-800-232-6108; website: https://coda.ada.org/.
Regional Accreditation
Guilford Technical Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. GTCC also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of GTCC may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, by calling 404-679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website (www.sacscoc.org).
Frequently Asked Questions
Brooke Hutchins, instructor
Jennifer Carbon, instructor
Yes, Financial aid is available if you qualify. Please visit the Financial Aid web page or contact the Financial Aid office at 336-334-4822 Option 3.
Dental hygienists are well-trained professionals who work independently under the supervision of the dentist. A dental hygienist is responsible for removing deposits from the teeth and teaching patients about how to take care of their dental health. They are trained to take x-rays of the teeth and to apply preventive materials, such as fluoride and sealants.
Private dental offices in a variety of specialties, hospital clinics, public health, education, sales, research.
You must be a high school graduate or have a GED. Because admission to this program is competitive, your application will be reviewed and points will be assigned for pre-requisite coursework in high school and/or previous college based on the grades you earned. You will need to refer to the current Dental Hygiene Admission Packet document, linked above under the "Admission Information" section for more specific information about this process.
| ITEM | COST |
|---|---|
| Books | $2,544 |
| Instruments, Models, Supplies | $2,230 |
| Uniforms | $300 |
| GTCC Chapter of ADHA | $190 |
| Board Exams and Licensing Fees | $1,800 |
| Magnification Loupes (Optional) | $1,000 |
These are only estimates and do not include expenses incurred in obtaining your medical, dental and eye examinations, immunizations and/or titers, and CPR certification.
You must take National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, a comprehensive, computer-based examination which is administered at an independent testing site. This examination must be completed prior to sitting for the state clinical licensing exam. The dental hygiene license will be issued upon successful completion of both examinations.
An estimated cost to take the national and state board examinations is approximately $1,800.00.
Yes, for the state licensing exam, there is a background check that must be done. All potential applicants for the dental hygiene program should be aware of this, and be prepared for possible explanation of any legal situation.