Dental Hygiene A.A.S. Application Deadline (Fall 2025 Start): January 31, 2025

Jefferson Community College (JCC), in partnership with Monroe Community College (MCC), Rochester, NY, is bringing the Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree in Dental Hygiene to the North Country. This unique collaboration offers local students an opportunity to pursue a rewarding career in dental hygiene while remaining in Jefferson or Lewis counties. The fall 2025 application deadline is January 31, 2025. 

The Dental Hygiene program prepares students for licensure and practice as a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH). Upon successful completion, students graduate with an Associate of Applied Science degree and are eligible to take the National Board and regional licensing examinations. The program begins in fall 2025, and only five seats are available for the 2025 cohort. Additional seats will be offered in 2027 and 2029.

Key Program Details:

• Application Deadline for Fall 2025 Start: January 31, 2025
• Eligibility: Students must reside in Jefferson or Lewis counties.
• Clinical Courses: Taken in person at North Country Family Health Center, Watertown, NY.
• Online Courses: Delivered via SUNY BrightSpace Learning Management System.
• Prerequisites apply

Prospective students are encouraged to meet with an advisor at JCC or MCC to plan their academic pathway. Admission to the program is competitive, and meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Prerequisites must be completed prior to applying.  

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a strong outlook for dental hygienists, with employment in the field projected to grow by 9% nationally through 2033. In New York State, dental hygienists earn an annual mean wage of $87,000, making it a lucrative and in-demand career path.

This innovative partnership between JCC and MCC underscores a commitment to expanding educational opportunities and meeting regional workforce needs. Clinical coursework will provide hands-on experience, while online learning ensures a flexible schedule for students.

Have questions? Contact Donna Stevenson, Interim Associate Vice President at JCC, at (315) 786-2323 or dstevenson@sunyjefferson.edu.