September 18, 1996
Board Action Item
BOARD ACTION
New Program Approval: Dentral Hygiene A.A.S. Program Southwestern Technical
College and Worthington Community College
BACKGROUND
This proposed 96-credit program will provide an opportunity for dental assistants to return to college and prepare for a career as a dental hygienist. Their past educational and work experience will enable them to complete the program in less than two years. Classes will be scheduled on a traditional and weekend format. The program curriculum will include general education and specialized courses in dental procedures, anatomy, periodontics, oral pathology, dental pharmacology and clinical experiences. Graduates of this Associate of Applied Science Degree program will receive knowledge and skills to prepare them to work under the direction of a dentist to provide dental treatments and instruct patients in oral care.
Existing programs are located at Lake Superior College, Normandale Community College, Mankato State University, St. Cloud Technical College, Century College, Northwest Technical College-Moorhead, and Rochester College. The related placement is excellent reflecting the high level of need for dental hygienists. The college has documented a regional need for 47 positions in the next year and 161 over three years. Numerous area dental leaders have expressed support for this program. Their support has included commitments for gifts of cash and equipment.
The proposal documents that over one hundred students are interested in this program. All the potential students are dental assistants employed in the region. The college will limit its enrollment to 14 students a year.
The strength of this program is built upon the existing dental assistant program. The colleges currently offer more than 65% of the courses required by the program. While faculty are in place to teach existing courses and to provide student consultation, an additional instructor will be necessary. The institutions are also equipped with interactive video classrooms.
If approved, the colleges plan to immediately initiate the program accreditation process with the Commission on Dental Accreditation. The college recently experienced a very favorable accreditation visit and reaccreditation action for the Canby Dental Assistant program.
RECOMMENDATION
The Board of Trustees approve this request by Southwestern Technical College and Worthington Community College to offer a new Associate of Applied Science Degree in Dental Hygiene.
Date of Implementation: September 18, 1996,
Date of Adoption: September 18, 1996,
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