An Associate in Applied Science degree in dental hygiene is available through a partnership between Jefferson Community College (JCC) and Monroe Community College as well as the funding provided by the Northern New York Rural Health Care Alliance. Students are able to take all dental hygiene classes offered by Monroe on the JCC campus in Watertown. The clinical component of the curriculum is also completed in Watertown at the North Country Children’s Clinic (NCCC), allowing a degree in dental hygiene to be completed without leaving the local area.

The first program began in 2006 and graduated eight students in May 2008. All course work is done on-line through distance learning by Monroe instructors and clinical instruction is held at the NCCC dental offices.

NCCC has begun to accept adults for FREE teeth cleanings. The cleanings are done for those with no or limited dental insurance. The clinic is being offered on Wednesday evenings or Saturdays. In addition to the regular child client, children can receive cleanings and have sealants applied.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact NCCC at 788-9834 or by requesting an appointment online at childrens-clinic.org.

Dental Hygienist 2-Year Program
Minimum Training:
2-year degree; state issued license required

Salary Range:
$60,654 - $93,475

Job Description:
A Dental Hygienist cleans teeth, examines patients for signs of oral disease and provides other preventative dental care. They use instruments and ultrasonics to clean and polish teeth, X-ray machines to take dental pictures, syringes with needles to administer local anesthetics, and models of teen to explain oral hygiene. A Dental Hygienist sometimes works chair-side with the dentist during treatment.

Work Environment:
A Dental Hygienist may work in a dental office or clinic, like most jobs in dentistry, and usually works at the dental chair with patients.