Dental care provides prevention and treatment of oral diseases such as tooth decay and gum disease. Dental hygienists are part of the dental team, using specialized skills to help treat patients.
Greenville Technical College’s highly regarded Dental Hygiene program prepares graduates for the workforce through a combination of classroom instruction, current technology, simulation, and hands-on clinical experiences. Students develop instrumentation and patient-care skills in laboratory and clinical settings before applying those skills while providing care to patients. Human patient simulators in the college’s Simulation Technologies and Training Center also allow students to practice responding to medical emergencies, helping prepare graduates to recognize and manage unexpected situations that may occur during patient care.
Work in the college’s 33-chair public Dental Hygiene Clinic reinforces skills learned in the classroom and gives students real-world experience in order to enter the workforce with confidence as it provides for the dental health needs of the community. Overseen by a team of highly qualified faculty members, the clinic is equipped with computerized patient records management, digital x-rays, intra-oral cameras, and ultrasonic scalers.
Join a virtual information session for an overview of the program and answers to frequently asked questions. To participate in the next session, email DHGAdmissions@gvltec.edu with the subject line: “Interested in DHG”
Attendance at an online informational session is not required and does not impact admission to the Dental Hygiene Program at Greenville Technical College. Attendance does not replace completing the Career Talk.
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Graduates of the Dental Hygiene program enter a high-earning, rapidly expanding field driven by an acute nationwide demand for preventive oral healthcare. Licensed dental hygienists play a frontline role in evaluating oral health, providing specialized clinical care, and leading patient education initiatives. While nearly all hygienists build successful careers in private dental practices, additional opportunities exist in hospitals, clinics, and public health settings.
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The Greenville Technical College Dental programs are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
The Dental Assisting program is in good standing and accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. The program was reaffirmed in 2022 and is fully accredited.
Commission on Dental Accreditation - Third Party Comments Form
Professional Licensure and Certification Requirements
Students who are considering an academic program that may allow them to pursue professional licensure in another state are strongly encouraged to check that state’s information and contact the appropriate licensing agency for additional information and guidance before beginning the program.
Dental Hygiene information by state »
Greenville Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels.
Questions about the accreditation of Greenville Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling 404-679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
The Dental Hygiene program is designed as a two-phase program, where Phase I includes your general education and related courses, which may be taken at Greenville Technical College or any articulating college.
Upon successful completion of Phase I, qualified students are eligible to apply for Phase II of the Dental Hygiene program. Admission into the Greenville Technical College Dental Hygiene Phase I program does not guarantee admission into Phase II of the program.
The application and admission process for Phase II is competitive and requires additional steps beyond admission to the college.
| Item | Cost | When Due |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | Refer to current tuition rates* | Each semester |
| Instrument Kits/Loupes/Supplies | $7000* | Before beginning Phase II |
| Bookstore supplies (Textbooks, Process Evals, Clinical Packet, etc.) |
$1800* | Before beginning Phase II |
| Uniforms (specific class uniforms and shoes will be required) | $400 | Before beginning Phase II |
| Physical Exam/Immunizations | Cost varies | Before beginning Phase II |
| CPR Certification | Approximately $100 through the American Heart Association | Before beginning Phase II |
| Criminal Background Check/Drug Screen | Approximately $100 | Before beginning Phase II |
| Trips (2 Professional meetings optional) | $250 | 1 in Spring Semester, 1 in second Fall Semester |
| Student membership to the American Dental Hygiene Association (optional) | $150 | First Spring Semester |
| Board Review Course (optional) | $600-700 | Second Fall Semester |
| Dental Hygiene Boards Regional Licensure Exam National Boards |
$1200 $550 |
Second Spring Semester |
These costs are estimates only. Transportation, meals, laundering of uniforms, etc. not included.
*Some of these costs may be covered by financial aid.
Dental Hygiene Academic Program Director
Dr. Kathryn Freedman | Kathryn.Freedman@gvltec.edu | 864-250-8712
Instructors
Tiffany Carter
Lauren Cisternino
Debra Grubbs
Martha Macaluso
Renee Nelson
Camela Sowers