PITTSFIELD, Mass. — In response to a growing need for dental hygienists in Western Massachusetts, and to help attract students to the field, Berkshire Community College (BCC) has entered into an articulation agreement with Springfield Technical Community College (STCC).

 

The agreement stipulates that BCC students may complete all 27 credits of their general education classes at BCC and are guaranteed a transfer of those credits to STCC towards an Associate in Science in Dental Hygiene degree, provided that students have earned a minimum grade of C in all equivalent courses. Once accepted into STCC, an additional 44 credits are required to complete the associate degree.  

 

BCC courses that transfer seamlessly to STCC include Biology 201, 202 and 207; English 101; Communications 105; Psychology 107; Allied Health 150; and Sociology 105. 

 

 "We are very excited to be able to partner with STCC and offer the general education classes here on the BCC campus," said Lori Moon, BCC Dean of Nursing. "There is a shortage

 of dental hygienists in the Berkshires, and this is the first step in trying to respond to the needs of our community." 

 

Dental hygienists clean teeth, examine patients for signs of oral diseases and provide other preventive dental care. They also educate patients on ways to improve and maintain good oral health.? 

 

The STCC Dental Hygiene program educates students to become vital members of the dental health profession. The two-year basic core curriculum leading to an associate in science degree follows the guidelines adopted by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation. The dental hygiene graduate must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and regional clinical licensing examinations to become eligible for state licensure. Once these examinations are successfully completed, the graduate may apply for dental hygiene licensure in any of the 50 states. Graduates may transfer credits to a four-year institution to complete a bachelor's degree.