Students may transfer to a baccalaureate program for careers in public health, management, or education. The Dental Hygiene Department participates in the Health Science competitive admissions process.

The department teaches all functions allowed by the New York State Practice Act. All are taught to clinical competency except the following which are taught to laboratory competency: removing sutures; placing and removing matrix bands and periodontal dressings; selecting and prefitting provisional crowns and orthodontic bands; removing orthodontic arch wires and ligature ties. These may require additional training in office practice.

According to the 2004 Bureau of Labor Statistics, the National Dental Hygiene average wage was $59,300 and the New York State average was $57,600.  By the year 2014 the national employment trend is expected to increase by 43%.  BCC graduates meeting state and national licensing requirements are employed within six months of graduation.

The program in dental hygiene is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of “approval without reporting requirements.” The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

SEQUENCE OF COURSES: This model is a two-year course schedule for students meeting all program requirements and deciding to pursue full-time study. Schedules will be redesigned for those requiring preparatory courses or those deciding to pursue part-time study.