We, the dental hygiene faculty at Colorado Northwestern Community College, believe that the educational experience is a life-long process. We believe our mission is to work effectively, together and with students, to provide an educational setting where students have the opportunity to become dental hygienists who are personally, professionally, and socially effective. Students will understand that serving the needs of the public who seek treatment in our clinic involves respecting the individuality, dignity, and rights of every person regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, socioeconomic or medical/dental status. Graduates of our program will understand that Dental Hygiene is a multi-faceted health profession. As a member of that profession they are expected to serve humanity competently whether as a clinician, educator, consumer advocate, researcher, or change agent.

Careers in Dental Hygiene require an interest and aptitude for science, well developed analytical skills, technical expertise, compassion, and the ability to provide human comfort and kindness.

Being a Pre-Dental Hygiene Student at CNCC allows a student to take all of the Prerequisite and Elective courses needed to apply to the Dental Hygiene Program in one year.  This maximizes the students chance at being accepted into the Dental Hygiene Program. 
 
Additionally all Pre-Dental Hygiene students are encouraged to participate in the Pre-Dental Hygiene Internship to better familiarize themselves with what is required to be a Dental Hygienist.  Students completing the Internship are awarded additional points on their application.

Being a CNCC Pre-Dental Hygiene Student more than doubles your chances of gaining a seat in our DH program!

73% of qualified CNCC Pre Dental Hygiene students are accepted into the CNCC Dental Hygiene program!

In the the last 2 years 73% of qualified Colorado Northwestern Community College (CNCC) pre dental hygiene applicants were accepted into the  CNCC Dental Hygiene program.  Compare this to only 28% of qualified non - CNCC pre dental hygiene applicants that were accepted (off campus or out of state).

 

Why is this so? One major reason is that instructors at CNCC know they are responsible for preparing these pre dental hygiene students for success in the highly rigorous and nationally ranked CNCC Dental Hygiene program.  In particular the science department works closely with the Dental Hygiene and Nursing programs to ensure that our prerequisite courses are of the utmost quality.  History has shown that CNCC pre dental hygiene students succeed to higher levels than other students accepted to the program.

 

Nationally many more individuals apply to dental hygiene programs than get accepted (only 33% of qualified applicants are accepted into dental hygiene programs each year).  You need a good prerequisite experience and it can be gained here at Colorado Northwestern Community College.

 

The Pre Dental Hygiene Track at CNCC meets the prerequisite requirements for application to the CNCC Dental Hygiene program.

 

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions:

Who is the Dental Hygienist?

Dental Hygiene is a challenging and rewarding health care career.  Dental hygienists are licensed oral health professionals who focus on preventing and treating oral disease both to protect teeth and gums, and also to protect patients' total health.  They are graduates of accredited dental hygiene education programs in colleges and universities. 

 

What do Dental Hygienists do?

Each state has its own specific regulations and the range of services performed by dental hygienists varies from one state to another.  As part of dental hygiene services, dental hygienists may:

• Perform oral health care assessments that include reviewing patients' health history dental   charting, oral cancer screening, and taking and recording blood pressure
  

• Expose, process, and interpret dental radiographs
  

• Remove plaque and calculus (tartar)-soft and hard deposits-from above and below the gumline
  

• Apply cavity-preventive agents such as fluorides and sealants to the teeth
  

• Teach patients proper oral hygiene techniques to maintain healthy teeth and gums
  

• Counsel patients about plaque control and developing individualized at-home oral hygiene programs and counsel patients on the importance of good nutrition for maintaining optimal oral health

Where do Dental Hygienists work?

Dental hygienists can work as clinicians, educators, researchers, administrators, managers, preventive program developers, consumer advocates, sales and marketing managers, editors, and consultants.  Clinical dental hygienists may work in a variety of health care setting such as private dental offices, schools, public health clinics, hospitals, managed care organizations, correctional institutions, and nursing homes.

 

How do I become a Dental Hygienist?

Application to Colorado Northwestern Community College and the Pre-Dental Hygiene track is the initial step for entrance into the CNCC Dental Hygiene Program. 

Pre-Dental Hygiene Contacts:

---

Dr. Jay McLaughlin 1-800-562-1105 ext 254 970-675-3254	Pre-Dental Hygiene prerequisite courses and electives. Pre-Dental Hygiene Internship
Dr. Todd Ward   1-800-562-1105ext257 970-675-3257	Pre-Dental Hygiene prerequisite courses and electives.
Kathy LaNoue 1-800-562-1105 ext 245  970-675-3245	Dental Hygiene Application Process

---

In order to be admitted to or continue in the Dental Hygiene Program, a student must have skills and abilities essential to perform as a dental hygienist.  Reasonable accommodations will be made on an individual basis; however the candidate must be able to perform in an independent manner. Please refer to the following: Performance Standards for Dental Hygiene Applicants must earn a minimum GPA of 2.8 and grades of "C" or better on all prerequisite courses (It's not a requirement that prerequisite classes be taken at CNCC). However, selected candidates must continue to meet the GPA criteria or they will forfeit their position. Please refer to the following: Prerequisite Requirements Course Descriptions Dental Hygiene Education Equivalencies for Transfers Colorado Northwestern Community College accepts 27 students per year. Applicants who meet the requirements are ranked on a percentage structure using the Dental Hygiene Qualification and Ranking Sheet.  This form is used to determine where you are ranked for acceptance into the Dental Hygiene Program. Please refer to the following: Explanation of the Dental Hygiene Qualification and Ranking Sheet Dental Hygiene Qualification and Ranking Sheet A complete application includes: An on-campus visit Health Occupation Aptitude Examination General Application for Admission Dental Hygiene Supplemental Application Reference Form + Three (3) References, (must be from instructors and/or employers - Not Relatives) Letter of Self Recommendation Official transcripts of all colleges attended Exception:  CNCC students may submit unofficial transcripts Classes in Progress:  proof of class registration for classes taken in the spring of application process (can be an unofficial transcript that shows you are enrolled) Official transcripts showing course completion and final grade must be sent by June 15th Dental Office Experience (This is not a requirement for application) CNCC Pre-Dental Hygiene Internship (This is not a requirement for application) Please mail your official college transcripts to: Colorado Northwestern Community College Registrar’s Office ATTN: Tresa England 500 Kennedy Drive, Rangely, CO  81648 Please mail the Dental Hygiene Supplemental Application and forms to: Colorado Northwestern Community College Department of Dental Hygiene ATTN: Kathy LaNoue 500 Kennedy Drive, Rangely, CO  81648 Or Fax it to: 1-970-675-3355 A complete application must be received in the Dental Hygiene office by 5:00pm, February 1, 2009.  Failure to submit all required materials will negate the application process.  It is the applicant’s responsibility to verify that all materials have been received by the Dental Hygiene Program. The above criterion is subject to change without notice. A student that has been dismissed from the dental hygiene program for academic reasons may reapply to the program only after meeting with the Program Director to develop and successfully complete an Independent Education Plan (IEP) that adequately addresses the issues related to the primary cause of the dismissal. No additional admission points will be awarded for completing the IEP.  However, successful completion of the IEP will enable the student to submit a completed application. The Dental Hygiene Department Chair makes all final determinations concerning an applicant’s admission file.  Specific questions should be directed to Mark Patterson, Program Director, 1-800-562-1105 ext 247.  General questions concerning the application process can be answered by Kathy LaNoue at 1-800-562-1105-ext 245.

*Program Costs Subject to Change Estimated Costs Fall Spring Summer Fall Spring           Credit Hours 16 16 8 14 14 In-State Tuition   $ 2,422.40 $ 2,422.40 $ 1,211.20 $ 2,119.60 $ 2,119.60 Out-of-State Tuition   $ 3,846.40 $ 3,846.40 $ 1,923.20 $ 3,365.60 $ 3,365.60 Student Fees   $ 112.80 $ 112.80 $ 56.40 $ 98.70 $ 98.70 Rregistration Fee   $ 172.00 $ 172.00 $ 86.00 $150.50 $ 150.50 CIP Fee   $ 91.20 $ 91.20 $ 45.60 $ 79.80 $ 79.80 Books $ 600.00 $ 400.00 $ 150.00 $ 200.00 $ 300.00 Clinic Supplies $ 380.00 $ 400.00 $ 300.00 $ 380.00 $ 400.00 Lab Supplies $ 27.50 $ 35.00 $ 17.50 $ 10.00 CDHA Convention $ 450.00 $ 55.00 Instrument Kit $ 1,563.00 $ 475.00 $ 918.00 Liability Ins $ 15.00 $ 15.00 National Boards $ 125.00 Grad Gown  $ 35.00 Vaccination/Blood Test $ 110.00 OPTIONAL SADHA $ 55.00 $ 55.00 LOOPS $1,000.00 CRDTS $ 875.00 Site Fee $ 75.00 Colordo State License $ 100.00 Total by Semester In-State $ 5,548.90 $ 4,108.40 $ 1,866.70 $ 5,466.60 $ 4,423.60 Out-of State $ 6,972.90 $ 5,532.40 $ 2,578.70 $ 6,712.60 $ 5,669.60 Total for In-State $ 21,414.20 Total for Out-of State $ 27,466.20 Office of Financial Aid

Faculty & Staff Directory

Mark Patterson RDH, BS Dental Hygiene Program Director 970-675-3247 mark.patterson@cncc.edu	Connie Skelton Clinic Manager 970-675-3241 connie.skelton@cncc.edu
Barbara Patterson RDH, BSEd 2nd year Clinic Coordinator 970-675-3246 barbara.patterson@cncc.edu	Kathy LaNoue Administrative Assistant III 970-675-3245 kathy.lanoue@cncc.edu
Phillip Brown DMD Clinic Dentist 970-675-3248 phillip.brown@cncc.edu	Judy Franz RDH 1991 Dental Hygiene Graduate Part-time Clinical Instructor
Tracy Enterline RDH, BS 1st Year Clinic Coordinator 970-675-3249 tracy.enterline@cncc.edu	Jenine Myers RDH 1999 Dental Hygiene Graduate Part-time Clinical Instructor
Joyce Key RDH, BA 970-675-3244 joyce.key@cncc.edu	Jamie Murray RDH 2000 Dental Hygiene Graduate Part-time Clinical Instructor