Macomb Community College’s new Dental Hygiene program earns initial accreditation

First cohort of students begins Sept. 19 at college’s state-of-the-art education and clinic facility

Macomb Community College’s new Dental Hygiene program has been granted initial accreditation by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.*  On Sept. 19, Macomb’s first cohort of 36 students will begin the two-year degree program through which graduates will earn an associate of science and prepare for the exams for licensure as well as work as a dental hygienist in dental practices.

Dental hygienists play an essential role in helping individuals maintain good oral health, performing cleanings and patient screening procedures including x-rays, applying preventative materials such as fluoride and sealants or antibiotic and antimicrobial medications to teeth, delivering local anesthesia or nitrous oxide sedation, and counseling patients on good oral hygiene and nutrition. Locally there is significant demand for dental hygienists, with starting salaries of at least $70,000 per year.

Beginning January 2023, Macomb’s first cohort of dental hygiene students will begin working with patients under the supervision of local dental science professionals in the program’s clinic facility. This will make available a wide range of low-cost preventative services to residents. Hours of operation and costs for services are to be determined and will be released closer to the clinic’s opening to the public.

The next cohort of students will begin the program Fall 2023. Macomb’s Dental Hygiene program is a selective admissions program, which includes among other requirements completion of prerequisite courses with a specific GPA and taking the ATI TEAS exam, which is designed to assess whether an individual has the essential academic skills for entering the health science fields. Additional information about the process is available on college’s Selective Admissions webpage.

About Macomb Community College

Macomb Community College (www.macomb.edu) is about transforming lives and communities through the power of education, enrichment and economic development. Macomb grants the largest number of associate degrees in Michigan and is the largest community college in the state. The college provides programming for youth through seniors, including early college for high school students, university transfer and career preparation programs, workforce education, continuing education and certification, and a wide range of enrichment opportunities encompassing arts, culture and lifelong learning.

*The program in dental hygiene is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of “initial accreditation.” The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. The Commission’s web address is: https://coda.ada.org/en.

Media contact: Sean M. Patrick, 586.445.7271, patricks28@macomb.edu