A career in dental hygiene offers the opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives by promoting oral and overall health. As a licensed dental hygienist, you will be a key member of the dental care team, delivering essential clinical, educational, and therapeutic services to individuals and communities. Beyond the dental office, dental hygienists can pursue roles in public health, education, research, advocacy, business, and administration — even working in schools, hospitals, nursing homes, or correctional facilities.

What Dental Hygienists Do

• Perform oral and general health assessments
• Take and interpret dental radiographs
• Provide patient education and counseling on oral hygiene, nutrition, and healthy lifestyle habits
• Remove plaque and calculus deposits from teeth
• Apply preventive treatments like fluoride and sealants
• Manage infection control and respond to emergencies
• In New Mexico and many other states, may administer local anesthesia and nitrous oxide

Skills for Success

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Manual dexterity and attention to detail
• Critical thinking and ethical decision-making
• Commitment to lifelong learning and continuing education
• Passion for patient education and advocacy

Career Outlook

Dental hygienists are respected, well-compensated professionals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in this field is projected to grow 7% from 2022 to 2032—faster than the average for all occupations. Our graduates are eligible for national and state licensure exams, qualifying them to work throughout the U.S. and internationally. Students interested in a bachelor’s degree should consult with an advisor about course transferability.

Is Dental Hygiene Right for You?

Essential Skills and Abilities

• Clear written and oral communication in English
• Strong critical thinking and decision-making skills
• Near vision and accurate color perception
• Manual precision and physical stamina
• Ability to lift/move 30 lbs. and sit for extended periods
• Ability to participate in all program activities and clinical labs
• Certified in CPR and prepared to assist in emergencies

Academic Expectations: Applicants typically have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and a 3.3 GPA or better in science courses (Chemistry, Biology, and Nutrition).

Program Admission Requirements

• This is a limited-entry program.
• Applicants must complete all 35 credit hours of prerequisite courses (including COMM 1115G, PSYC 1110G & SOCI 1110G).
• All science courses must be taken within 5 years of admission.
• Submit a completed application by the deadline listed in the packet.
• Be prepared for exposure to bloodborne pathogens and be immunized accordingly.
• Secure clinical patients independently, in addition to program-assigned patients.
• Maintain annual CPR certification and complete all program-required trainings.

Dental Hygiene Accreditation

The Dental Hygiene Program at Doña Ana Community College is fully accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and has been granted the status of "approval without reporting requirements." CODA is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For more information:

Dental assisting is a rewarding profession for individuals who enjoy helping others and working closely with patients and members of the dental team. Dental assistants are often considered the dentist’s “other set of hands,” consistently growing their knowledge and skill sets through a wide variety of tasks and responsibilities.

Key Skills and Responsibilities

Dental assistants perform a broad range of tasks, including but not limited to:

• Preparing equipment, materials, and instruments for patient care
• Sterilizing and disinfecting tools and surfaces
• Providing pre- and post-operative instructions to patients
• Creating temporary crowns, bleaching trays, and custom-fitted mouthguards
• Providing coronal polishing, fluoride treatments, and placing sealants
• Taking impressions and creating study casts (molds)
• Measuring vital signs and reviewing patient medical histories
• Exposing, developing, and mounting dental radiographs
• Educating patients and parents on proper oral hygiene
• Assisting with infection control, patient procedures, and administrative duties
• Managing tasks like billing, patient verification, scheduling, and inventory

Career Options

Dental assistants may work in general practice or choose to specialize in fields such as periodontics, oral surgery, endodontics, pediatric dentistry, or orthodontics.

Expanded Duties Certification in New Mexico

Certified dental assistants in New Mexico may perform:

• Dental radiology (x-rays)
• Coronal polishing
• Fluoride application
• Sealant placement

These certifications are offered through the New Mexico Board of Dental Health and are part of the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Certification Exam.

Important Program Information

• Course Fees: An additional $250 course fee is charged for DAST 1123 Dental Radiology.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Strong communication and critical thinking skills
• Manual dexterity and physical stamina (lifting up to 60 lbs.)
• 3.0 GPA is typical among successful applicants
• Ability to expose dental radiographs
• Participation in program-required activities and community events
• Understanding of risks and immunization requirements for bloodborne pathogens
• Ability to perform CPR and assist in emergencies
• Compliance with all program policies and clinical/practicum standards

Program Admission Requirements

This program is limited-entry and requires a special application. Applicants must provide:

• High school/college transcripts with minimum 2.8 GPA (3.0 preferred)
• Proof of county residency
• Essay per application rubric
• Current CPR card and immunization records
• Completed application submitted by the stated deadline
• Participation in all orientation and onboarding activities

Dental Assisting Accreditation Update

The DACC Dental Assisting Program submitted a notice to the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) to voluntarily withdraw from the accreditation process effective July 1, 2024. All applicants entering in July 2024 should be aware that the program will no longer be accredited by CODA.

The program will continue to undergo annual internal review by DACC to ensure high quality education that meets New Mexico Board of Dental Health requirements for licensure.

Licensing and Certification

While the program is no longer CODA-accredited, graduates may sit for the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) Exam or other approved state exams to obtain their radiation certification in New Mexico. Students intending to practice in other states should check with that state's licensing board.