Calhoun Community College

Calhoun Community College is a two-year community college located in Decatur, Alabama, that offers a variety of programs, including Dental Hygiene and Dental Associate.

The Dental Hygiene program is a two-year Associate in Applied Science degree program that prepares students to become licensed dental hygienists. The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and includes classroom instruction, laboratory experiences, and clinical practice. Students will learn about dental anatomy, pharmacology, radiology, patient assessment, and dental hygiene procedures such as teeth cleaning, polishing, and fluoride treatments. Clinical practice is an integral part of the program, allowing students to gain hands-on experience working with patients under the supervision of licensed dental hygienists and dentists. Graduates of the program will be eligible to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and any state or regional clinical board exams required for licensure.

The Dental Associate program is also a two-year Associate in Applied Science degree program that prepares students to become dental assistants. The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and includes classroom instruction, laboratory experiences, and clinical practice. Students will learn about dental anatomy, pharmacology, radiology, infection control, patient communication, and dental assisting procedures such as chairside assisting, dental impressions, and dental laboratory procedures. Clinical practice is also an important component of the program, allowing students to work alongside licensed dentists and dental hygienists to gain hands-on experience in a dental office setting. Graduates of the program will be eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) certification exam.

Both programs at Calhoun Community College provide students with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to enter the dental field and pursue careers as dental hygienists or dental assistants. In addition to the technical skills learned in the programs, students also gain valuable communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that are essential in the dental profession. The faculty and staff at Calhoun Community College are committed to helping students succeed and are dedicated to providing a high-quality education that prepares students for the demands of the dental industry.