Harper College will be closed on Tuesday, November 3, for Election Day.
Harper College’s Dental Hygienist Associate Degree Program equips students to become primary oral health care professionals while providing much-needed dental services to the community. Under the supervision of licensed dentists and dental hygienists, students provide a variety of dental services to the public through programs designed to offer free or reduced-cost dental care in Harper’s state-of-the-art Dental Hygiene Clinic.
Graduates of the limited-enrollment, 81-credit-hour program earn an Associate in Applied Science Degree and are qualified to work in a variety of settings, including private practices, public health clinics, hospitals and long-term care facilities, with additional career opportunities available through further education.
In 2026, 100% of the graduates of Harper’s Dental Hygiene Program passed both the American Dental Association’s National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) Clinical Board Examination.
Harper’s Dental Hygiene Clinic cares for nearly 1,000 patients a year, offering a variety of affordable preventive dental services, including dental examinations, scaling, oral cancer screenings, fluoride treatments, sealants and periodontal care.
Dental Hygiene Program Coordinator Kathi Hock said the clinic’s services are vital for community members who otherwise would not receive dental care.
“Many individuals in the community may not have regular access to dental care due to cost or lack of dental insurance,” she said. “The clinic helps address this need by providing affordable preventive care while educating patients about oral health and disease prevention.”
Hands-on clinical experience and a comprehensive curriculum prepare Harper’s Dental Hygiene program students to prevent, identify and treat oral diseases.
Thomas Novakoski graduated from Harper’s Dental Hygiene Program in May. The 24-year-old Crystal Lake resident said he feels ready to begin his career as a dental hygienist because of the training he has received while working in Harper’s dental clinic.
“They really prepare us to be ready for what it’s going to be like in the real world,” he said. “The patient comfort side is definitely the frontrunner in the program. We take our time. We talk through what we’re doing, what the patient needs and educate them on how to properly care for their oral health at home.”
Thomas’s goal is to start working in a clinical office where he can continue to build skills and confidence as a clinician for patients.
“Long-term, I want to be a well-rounded hygienist who can provide high-quality care for patients and have a good relationship with them as well, which I think is very important,” he said.
In addition to preparing future dental hygienists, Harper’s Dental Hygiene Clinic offers specialized programs that expand access to oral health care for community members of all ages.
For patients experiencing gum disease, Harper offers an affordable option for receiving more extensive treatment through its 10-week Periodontal Program.
The program serves individuals experiencing symptoms of periodontal disease, including tartar buildup, bleeding gums and loose teeth or tooth loss.
Harper dental hygiene students provide deep cleanings and other treatments under the supervision of licensed dentists and dental hygienists. The program includes 10 clinic visits and costs $75.
The clinic’s commitment to community care also extends to its youngest patients.
Each year, Harper’s Dental Hygiene Program provides free oral health education, preventive services and dental treatment to children through Give Kids A Smile Day, an initiative of the American Dental Association.
Kathi said Give Kids A Smile Day reflects Harper’s strong commitment to community engagement and service.
“It allows our dental hygiene students and faculty to provide care and education to children who may face barriers to accessing dental services,” she said, “and demonstrates Harper’s culture of care by connecting students with meaningful service experiences that benefit the community while reinforcing the importance of compassion, prevention and public health.”
For students, these opportunities to serve the community are an essential part of preparing for careers in dental hygiene.
“Students work with patients from diverse backgrounds and with varying oral health needs,” she said. They learn how to assess patient conditions, develop dental hygiene treatment plans, provide preventive services and communicate effectively with patients. These experiences prepare graduates to enter the dental workforce as skilled, compassionate healthcare professionals.
To schedule an appointment, call 847.925.6534 or visit the Dental Hygiene Clinic reception desk located on Harper’s Palatine Campus, 1200 West Algonquin Road, Avanté Center, Building X, Room X102a.