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Pre-Dental Hygiene

Pre-Dental Hygiene programs prepare students for dental hygiene careers by teaching the basics of oral health, disease prevention, and patient education. Students build a foundation in anatomy, biology, and oral health sciences, and learn key skills such as oral exams, radiography, and promoting proper hygiene.

Program Goals:

  • Patient Care Awareness: Develop understanding of preventive oral care and patient-centered practices, emphasizing the importance of empathy, cultural competence, and ethical treatment in diverse patient populations.
  • Clinical Preparation: Introduce students to basic clinical skills such as infection control, dental charting, radiographic techniques, and proper use of dental instruments to prepare them for hands-on experiences in dental hygiene programs.
  • Preparation for Dental Hygiene Program Admission: Support students in meeting all prerequisites and competencies required for admission into accredited dental hygiene programs.
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Dental Hygiene

Dental Hygiene focuses on preventing oral diseases and promoting oral health through preventative care and patient education. Dental hygienists perform tasks such as cleaning teeth, conducting oral examinations, applying preventive treatments, taking dental X-rays, and educating patients on proper oral hygiene practices.

Program Goals:

  • Patient Care: Provide challenging clinical experiences that encompass dental hygiene care for pediatric, adolescent, adult, geriatric, and special needs patients so students can demonstrate high-quality clinical care that is safe, effective, and ethical.
  • Professional Service: Dental hygiene graduates will promote oral health as an integral part of the health and welfare of the community through involvement in oral health care programs and activities for diverse populations.
  • Research: Advance the science of dental hygiene practice through participation in scholarly and research activities.
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Pre-Dentistry

Pre-dentistry is an academic track or program designed to prepare undergraduate students for admission to dental school. This path includes coursework and activities that provides a strong foundation in the sciences such as biology, chemistry (general and organic), physics, and biochemistry. and teaches relevant skills needed for a career in dentistry.

Program Goals:

  • Clinical Experience: Opportunities to observe and shadow dentists in clinical settings to gain firsthand experience and understanding of the dental profession.
  • Research Opportunities: Participation in scientific research projects to develop critical thinking and analytical skills.
  • Dental Admission Test (DAT) Preparation: Preparing for and taking the DAT, a standardized exam required for admission to dental schools in the United States.
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Dental Assisting

Dental Assisting involves providing support to dentists and performing tasks to ensure efficient dental care. These tasks include preparing patients for procedures, assisting dentists during treatments, taking dental X-rays, sterilizing instruments, and handling administrative duties such as scheduling appointments and maintaining patient records.

Program Goals:

  • Clinical Skill Development: Train students in essential dental assisting skills, such as preparing patients for procedures, sterilizing instruments, assisting during treatments, and takingdental X-rays.
  • Infection Control and Safety: Emphasize strict adherence to infection control standards and safety protocols to maintain a sterile environment and protect patients and staff.
  • Optional: Preparation for Certification: Equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to pass certification exams (not required in Montana).

 

Dental Education in Montana

City College - Montana State University Billings

After completing the pre-dental program at City College, students may continue to the Dental Hygiene Associate of Science degree at Great Falls College-MSU in Great Falls, Montana and Sheridan College in Sheridan, Wyoming.

University of Montana

The Pre-Dental Hygiene program is a two-year plan for students working towards acceptance into a Dental Hygiene program. The Pre-Dental Hygiene cohort is a non-degree advising program and students will not receive a degree in Dental Hygiene.

Flathead Valley Community College

In two years, students earn an associate degree, complete lower-level general education requirements, and prepare to transfer to a four-year institution to earn a bachelor’s degree to complete their Dental Hygiene program.

Great Falls College - Montana State University

The Dental Hygiene Associate of Science degree at Great Falls College-MSU prepares students to take the National Dental Hygiene Board Examination and any regional practical examinations (WREB) students need to become state-certified.

Pre-dentistry is not a major itself but a series of courses and experiences that students complete alongside their chosen major, often in a science-related field. Successful completion of a pre-dentistry program helps students meet the prerequisites for dental school and strengthens their applications. There are some colleges and universities in Montana that have specific pre-dentistry tracks that interested students may be interested in such as Flathead Valley Community College, Montana Technological University, and the University of Montana.

Gallatin College - Montana State University

Upon completion of the certificate in dental assisting, graduates receive a Certificate of Applied Science and are eligible to take the DANB exam to become a certified dental assistant (CDA).

Salish Kootenai College

This program offers two tracks: Certificate of Completion and Dental Assisting Endorsement. Students with a certificate are eligible to take the DANB exam. Students with an endorsement meet the US Department of Labor's minimum requirements for an entry level Dental Assistant.

Bitterroot College - University of Montana

Upon successful completion of this 100% online course, graduates will receive vouchers to sit for the Anatomy, Morphology, and Physiology, Infection Control, and Radiation Health and Safety portions of the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) examinations.

Great Falls College - Montana State University

Program graduates are eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board exam to become a DANB CDA.