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Program Description

This two-year curriculum prepares a student to provide educational, clinical and therapeutic services sup-porting oral health. Studies include the biological basis of the health of the teeth and oral cavity, as well as procedures used to prevent decay and to maintain dental health. Employment opportunities include working as a licensed dental hygienist in dental offices, public clinics, schools, industry, research and community health. You must provide your own transportation to some off-campus clinical sites.

Successful completion of clinical courses requires multiple types of patient experiences. Although the Dental Hygiene Clinic has a pool of patients, the Dental Hygiene Program does not guarantee that patients will meet all specific course requirements. Therefore, it is your responsibility to fulfill those requirements.

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Program Goals

1. Develop Dental Hygienists who will provide dental hygiene services with the highest standard of care while maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards; who will strive to be responsible professionals and life-long learners and who will support the dental hygiene profession by active participation.

2. Develop Dental Hygienists who will be clinically proficient dental hygiene professionals; committed to the patients total wellbeing; who will have the necessary communication, clinical, critical thinking, and management skills to treat patients in their entirety.

3. Develop Dental Hygienists who will be able to assume responsibility for health promotion and disease prevention activities in the diverse communities they serve.

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Program Length

The dental hygiene program takes two years to complete once you are accepted into the program. This includes four semesters and two six week summer sessions.

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Program Completion and Licensure

To practice as a Dental Hygienist in California you need to have licensing from either the Dental Hygiene Board of California (DHBC). Though we do not guarantee employment or licensure status, successful completion of our program will make you eligible to take the DHBC licensing exam.

Upon successful completion of the dental hygiene curriculum and the Dental Hygiene National Board examination, you will receive a Certificate of Achievement, an Associate in Science Degree, and will be eligible to apply for the Dental Hygiene Committee of California (DHCC) dental hygiene licensing examination. Applicants for Dental Hygiene licensure are required to submit official fingerprints. The law provides for denial of licensure for crimes or acts which are related to dental hygiene qualifications and/or duties. A Social Security number is also required to be eligible to take the Dental Hygiene licensing exam.

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Program Accreditation

The program is accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation and approved by the Dental Hygiene Board of California (DHBC).

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