FHTC's CODA-accredited Dental Hygiene program prepares students for a challenging and rewarding career as a primary care oral health professional. Students participate in interactive experiences performing dental hygiene diagnosis and assessments with precision, safety and efficiency while focusing on team cooperation and personal growth.
I chose Flint Hills Technical College because of how devoted instructors and staff are
on guiding each and every student to success.
Elder
Program Options
Dental Hygiene offers an associate of applied science degree option.
The associate of applied science degree is a two-year program that contains technical and general education courses. Students will participate in planned and supervised experiences directed toward performing dental hygiene diagnosis and assessment with precision, safety and efficiency. They will demonstrate hygiene skills and integrate these skills into the total curriculum. Students will be active in team cooperation and develop personal growth toward life-long learning. Acceptance into the program is contingent upon completing the necessary prerequisite courses.
Students admitted to the FHTC Dental Programs are subject to contact with blood and/or body fluids. FHTC Dental Programs follow all OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen, Exposure Control Guidelines, and the Universal and Standard precautions throughout the pre-clinical, lab and clinical experiences.
Program Goals/Competencies
- Apply professional code of ethics in all endeavors.
- Provide dental hygiene care to promote patient/client health and wellness using critical thinking in provision of evidence-based practices.
- Assume responsibility for dental hygiene actions and care based on accepted standards of practice.
- Continuously perform self-assessment for lifelong learning and professional growth.
- Advance the profession through service activities and affiliations with professional organizations.
- Communicate effectively with individuals and groups from diverse populations.
- Provide documentation for assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation of dental hygiene services.
- Provide care to all clients using an individualized approach that is humane, empathetic and caring.
Application Deadline and Requirements
- FA25 HYG Admissions Criteria
- Application deadline for Fall 2025 is December 1, 2024.
- All applicants are required to take the TEAS or ACT entrance exam.
- All applicants are required to submit a non-refundable $50.00 application fee within 30 days of application submission in order to have their application processed.
- Submit an online Flint Hills Technical College Admissions Application; select Dental Hygiene as your program choice. We highly encourage you to submit/pay for your Admissions Application as early as June 1st, 2024.
Associates Degree – Degree Map
Associates Degree Course Requirements
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Dental Hygiene program will have mastered the skills and knowledge necessary to gain employment in dental offices for hygiene functions and management. The dental hygienist is a licensed primary care oral health professional who provides education, assessment, research, administrative, diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic services that support overall health through the promotion of optimal oral health.
Career Opportunities for Dental Hygienists
Graduates of the Dental Hygiene program will have mastered the skills and knowledge necessary to secure employment in various dental settings, performing hygiene functions as well as management roles. As licensed primary care oral health professionals, dental hygienists provide education, assessment, research, administrative, diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic services, all aimed at promoting optimal oral health and overall well-being.
Dental hygienists have a wide range of career opportunities. They can work in private dental offices, public health clinics, or corporate settings providing direct patient care. Other options include roles in education, teaching future professionals, or contributing to oral health research. Career paths also extend to sales or marketing for dental product companies, dental office consulting, overseas dental opportunities, or service in the armed forces. Additionally, many dental hygienists pursue roles in administration, consulting, and advocacy within the dental field.
Dental Hygienists’ Scope of Practice
Dental hygienists provide essential oral health care across a variety of settings, often working under different levels of supervision depending on state regulations. Each state has its own laws that define the services dental hygienists are allowed to perform, the environments in which they can practice, and the required level of oversight. For more detailed information about state-specific scope of practice, you can visit the ADHA website.
As licensed oral health professionals, dental hygienists offer a range of services, which may include teeth cleaning, taking x-rays, applying sealants and fluoride, and educating patients on proper oral hygiene. The services they provide, however, vary based on state regulations and supervisory requirements. More comprehensive details on the scope of practice for dental hygienists can be found on the ADHA website.
Program Faculty
Taylor Whetham
Dental Hygiene Instructor
Amanda Parsons
Dental Hygiene Instructor
Rachel Webb
Dental Hygiene Instructor
Katherine Morgan
Dean of Health and Human Services/Director of Dental Programs
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Katherine is a graduate of two FHTC programs, Dental Assisting in 2009 and Dental Hygiene in 2012. Prior to becoming an instructor at FHTC, she worked in an area dental office as a dental assistant, scaling assistant and dental hygienist. Katherine assists in clinical instruction.
620-341-1348
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Katherine is a graduate of two FHTC programs, Dental Assisting in 2009 and Dental Hygiene in 2012. Prior to becoming an instructor at FHTC, she worked in an area dental office as a dental assistant, scaling assistant and dental hygienist. Katherine assists in clinical instruction.
Academic Partnership
FHTC students who complete an Associate of Applied Science degree in Dental Hygiene may be eligible to utilize a 2+2 agreement with the following institutions to further their education.
Wichita State University: Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
Fort Hays State University: Bachelor of Technology Leadership
Kansas State University: Bachelor of Science in Technology Management
Pittsburg State University: Bachelor of Applied Science
Washburn University: Bachelor of Applied Science
Program Information & Resources
Estimated program costs and testing criteria are available in the documents below. Visit our admissions page to learn about admissions steps and other helpful information.