The Dental Hygiene Program leads to an Associate in Applied Sciences (A.A.S.) degree for students who successfully complete the course of study. Students are prepared to become registered dental hygienists and pass an intensive theory National Board and clinical State Board Examination. Passage of both examinations is required for licensure and employment. Approaches to the educational professional development of the students stem from the goal to graduate competent clinicians who can positively affect their community and the dental hygiene profession through personal, academic, intellectual and professional achievements. Students actively provide preventive dental health care, treatment and education in the on-campus Dental Hygiene Clinic.

Students provide dental hygiene care for patients of all ages under the direct guidance and supervision of licensed professional dental hygienists and dentists. Faculty, students, staff, family and friends have access to free dental hygiene care and oral health maintenance. Two academic years and one summer are required. Graduates are eligible to transfer to senior colleges and receive junior year status.

All eligible students are encouraged to apply for the various academic and health profession scholarships and to join both the local and national Student American Dental Hygienists Association (SADHA). Awards for achievement include the Hu-Fredy Golden Scaler Award, the New York City Dental Hygienist Association Clinical Proficiency Award, the American Dental Association Professional Achievement Award and the Dental Hygiene Department Student Achievement Award. Dental Hygienists find employment in private dental practices, public and private health agencies, hospitals, industrial clinics, government agencies, the U.S. Armed Services, Peace Corps, World Health Organizations, Dental and Dental Hygiene Schools.