The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree program is part of the statewide community college baccalaureate degree program authorized under AB 927. The dental hygiene program is highly academic with an emphasis on development of evidence-based clinical practice skills to prepare graduates to assess the medical/dental status of patients across the lifespan, develop a dental hygiene care plan, implement appropriate dental hygiene care, and evaluate the outcomes of dental hygiene care. The dental hygiene program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and is approved by the Dental Hygiene Board of California. Graduates are eligible to take the National Dental Hygiene Board Examination and qualify for state or regional clinical examinations for licensure.

Program Learning Outcomes

🗸 Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program will demonstrate the values, ethical decision-making skills, application of knowledge, and use of effective communication skills in all aspects of their role as an oral health care provider and oral health care professional.

🗸 Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program will demonstrate competency in the delivery of evidence-based practice and critical thinking skills in oral health promotion and disease prevention services to persons across the lifespan in a wide range of settings including private practice and public health.

Career Opportunities

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of dental hygienists is expected to grow 9% through 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. This projected growth ranks dental hygiene among the fastest-growing occupations, as there will be an increasing demand for dental care and the greater use of dental hygienists in a wide range of settings. Clinical practice opportunities exist for dental hygienists in general dentistry and dental specialties such as pediatrics and periodontics. Other career opportunities include public health, dental product sales and marketing, dental hygiene education, scientific research, and in the provision of continuing education/professional development programs.