Muskegon Community College offers an Associate in Science and Arts (ASA) with courses that transfer to a Dental Hygiene program at another college. Dental hygienists clean teeth, examine patients for signs of oral diseases such as gingivitis, and provide preventive dental care while educating patients on oral health. Dental hygiene programs typically take 3 years to complete and all states require licensure. Employment is projected to grow 20 percent from 2016–2026, driven by an aging population and links between oral and overall health.