Program Information

The Dental Hygiene Program consists of 35-39.5 units of prerequisite courses in addition to 43.5 units of dental hygiene courses. The student must obtain an Associate in Science Degree in Dental Hygiene, and therefore, must satisfy any additional requirements for that degree. The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education and can be contacted at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611. Program graduates are eligible to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, which is administered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations, the California RDH Examination, and other state and regional licensing examinations.

In addition to normal student expenses (tuition, books, etc.), the Dental Hygiene Program requires an expenditure of over $4,900 during the two-year program for uniforms, instruments, and special supplies. More than $3,500 will be needed at the beginning of the first semester. If this creates a financial burden, students should consult the Financial Aid Office for possible assistance several months before entering the program.

Career Opportunities
This program prepares the student for employment as a dental hygienist. The registered dental hygienist is a licensed, professional, oral health educator and clinician who works under the direction and supervision of a licensed dentist to provide preventive and therapeutic services for the control of oral diseases. Dental hygienists aid individuals and groups in attaining and maintaining optimum oral and general health through provision of services such as assessment of medical and dental conditions, oral hygiene education, oral prophylaxis - the removal of plaque, calculus, and stains from the teeth, and application of preventive agents such as fluoride and sealants. The dental hygienist may be employed in dental offices, schools, health care facilities, public health agencies, industry, and educational institutions.

Recommended High School Preparation
High school and college preparatory courses including algebra, biology, chemistry, and physiology are recommended.

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment in the Dental Hygiene program is based on satisfactory completion of prerequisite courses with grades of "C" or better and submission of an application and official transcripts to the Dental Health Office. Prerequisite courses include:

BIOL 430 and 431, Anatomy & Physiology; BIOL 440, General Microbiology; CHEM 305 & CHEM 306, Introduction to Chemistry, with a cumulative minimum GPA of 3.0.

FCS 340, Nutrition or NUTRI 300, Nutrition; PSYC 300, General Principles; SOC 300, Introductory Sociology; COMM 301, Introduction to Public Speaking; ENGWR 300, College Composition and DHYG 100, Introduction to Dental Hygiene, with a cumulative minimum GPA of 2.5.

Completion of ENGRD 110, Efficient Reading, with a grade of "C" or better, or eligibility for ENGRD 310, College Analytical and Speed Reading, as determined by the Sacramento City College reading assessment process for all applicants who do not have an AA degree or higher. Courses taken for Credit/No Credit (C/NC) will be calculated into GPAs as a "C" grade.

Enrollment Process

Applications for enrollment and official transcripts supporting completion of prerequisite courses must be submitted to the Science and Allied Health Division by the posted due date. Enrollment applications and deadlines are available from the Science & Allied Health Division Office (Mohr Hall, Room 18 or 558-2271) or the SCC website at http://wserver.scc.losrios.edu/~dental/.

Completion of the enrollment eligibility requirements places the applicant in the random selection pool. Eligible students who are not selected for program enrollment will be considered alternates.

High school and college preparatory courses including algebra, biology, chemistry, and physiology are recommended.