Dental Hygiene

Contact the Program Director

Kimberlee A. Zitek

Residential Faculty - Dental Hygiene

480-654-7267 (alternate)

Office: RDM-S Saguaro - Room: S266

Successfully completing the Dental Hygiene program at Mesa Community College will prepare individuals for the necessary licensure requirements to begin a rewarding career in the Dental Hygiene profession.

Mesa Community College’s Dental Hygiene Program offers a rigorous and intensive science orientated program. We promote the evolution of dental hygiene by exploring and implementing new methods and ideas. The program is balanced with a mindfulness-based approach. Mindfulness, awareness and presence practices are integrated for the development of high levels of emotional intelligence and the cultivation of compassionate, empathetic and professional behavior.

Graduates are awarded an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Dental Hygiene. They are eligible to take the written and clinical exams necessary to obtain licensure in most states. Click here for a complete list of states and territories. Completion of the Program does not guarantee licensure as a dental hygienist.

Clinical patient care is held during the evenings, at A.T. Still University (Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health), located south of US 60 near Power Road and Baseline Road in Mesa. Lecture courses are held at Mesa Community College’s Red Mountain Campus.

Program Mission Statement

Our mission at the Mesa Community College Dental Hygiene Program is to develop a diverse student population, within a culture of mindfulness, to become kind, community centered professionals who embody the values of integrity, compassion and desire for continual personal and professional growth.

Program Vision Statement

Inspiring the next generation of dental hygienists in an evolving global community who embrace change through technology and intra-professional collaboration.

Program Goals

  1. Prepare students to provide comprehensive, evidence based, patient centered care
  2. Empower students to serve their community
  3. Provide a safe environment for students to develop their Emotional Intelligence to support ethical and professional behaviors
  4. Develop leadership skills to prepare students to be change agents in their practice and profession

Accreditation

The Mesa Community College program is accredited by The Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education.

The MCC Dental Hygiene Program is soliciting third-party comments for reaccreditation.

Career Profile

Quick Stats

Example Titles
Dental Hygienist
Types of Employers
Dental Offices
Dental Clinics
Schools

Dental hygienists traditionally provide preventive and therapeutic oral health care to patients in a dentist supervised work setting. Employment of dental hygienists is expected to grow much faster than average for all occupations through year 2018.

Growth is in response to an increasing demand for dental care and greater utilization of dental hygienists to perform some services previously performed by dentists. Job prospects are expected to remain constant. Career opportunities are available in private dental offices and clinics, nursing homes, schools, post-secondary institutions, public health, research, and in private business.

For information about a future career in dental hygiene, visit O*NET OnLine for detailed Dental Hygienist job descriptions, education requirements, wage and employment trend information.

For Arizona employment outlook visit https://laborstats.az.gov/employment.