The Dental Hygiene Program consists of prerequisite courses in addition to dental hygiene courses. Students are required to complete additional general education and graduation requirements to earn an AS degree in Dental Hygiene. 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 $10,000 during the two-year program for uniforms, instruments, and special supplies. More than $8,000 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 one semester before entering the program.

Recommended Preparation

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

Graduation Requirements:

Additional courses are necessary to meet Graduation Requirements. These may include American Institutions, Ethnic/Multicultural Studies, Humanities, Living Skills, and Competency Requirements.

Students must consult with a counselor to determine their individual educational plan.

A grade of “C” or better in all Dental Hygiene courses is required for progression in the Dental Hygiene program and for recommendation to apply for the Dental Hygiene licensing examination.

The Associate in Science Degree in Dental Hygiene must be obtained for graduation from the program.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

✔ use evidence-based care to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate dental hygiene treatment for a diverse population based on their total needs.

✔ incorporate and apply professional, ethical, legal, and regulatory concepts to oral health care services, community projects, and professional activities.

✔ integrate and apply health literacy and culturally competent communication skills to oral health care services, academic endeavors, community projects, and professional activities.

✔ assess, plan, implement, and evaluate community-based oral health projects.

✔ successfully complete written and clinical examinations for dental hygiene licensure and certification.

✔ apply critical thinking and self assessment skills to enhance learning, research, patient care, professional growth, and continued competency.

To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:

✔ a high school diploma or the recognized equivalent, which will permit entrance to a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

✔ enrollment in the Dental Hygiene program is based on satisfactory completion of prerequisite courses with grades of “C” or better and submission of an online application and official transcripts to Admission and Records. Enrollment eligibility courses include:

✔ BIOL 430 and 431, Anatomy and Physiology; BIOL 440, General Microbiology; CHEM 305 and CHEM 306 or CHEM 309, with a cumulative minimum GPA of 3.0.

✔ BIOL 430 and 431, Anatomy and Physiology; BIOL 440, General Microbiology; CHEM 305 and CHEM 306 or CHEM 309, with 7-year recency from time of enrollment eligibility.

✔ NUTRI 300 or NUTRI 480, Nutrition; PSYC 300 or PSYC 480, General Principles; SOC 300 Introductory Sociology; COMM 301, 331 or 481, Introduction to Public Speaking; ENGWR 300, ENGWR 488 or ESLW 340, College Composition, and Ethnic/Multicultural graduation requirement (See SCC Graduation Requirements), with a cumulative minimum GPA of 2.5.

✔ completion of MATH 300, STAT 300, STAT 480 or higher, with a grade of "C" or better.

✔ enrollment eligibility courses taken for Credit/No Credit (C/NC) will be calculated into GPAs as a "C" grade.

✔ DHYG 100 Introduction to Dental Hygiene is an optional course designed to introduce the practice of dental hygiene.

Eligible students are selected for the program according to the following steps:

✔ Applications for enrollment are submitted online. One (1) official transcript supporting completion of prerequisite courses outside of the district must be submitted to Sacramento City College Admissions and Records by the posted due date. Enrollment applications and deadlines are available on the SCC website at https://scc.losrios.edu/academics/programs-and-majors/dental-hygiene

✔ Completion of the enrollment eligibility requirements places the applicant in the random selection pool. There are no preference points from previous application submissions to meet eligibility. There is no waitlist.

✔ A background check and drug screening will be required of all students upon enrollment.