Top Code: 1240.00
This two-year curriculum prepares a student to provide educational, clinical, and therapeutic services supporting 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. Participation of all off-campus assigned sites are required for program completion. Students must provide their own transportation to some off-campus clinical sites. Some off campus sites require homeland security screening and verification of legal status.
The program is approved by the Dental Hygiene Board of California (DHBC) and is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association. Upon successful completion of the Dental Hygiene National Board examination and the dental hygiene curriculum, the student receives a Certificate of Achievement, an Associate in Science Degree, and is eligible to take any applicable regional or state board examination(s) to obtain licensure as a Dental Hygienist. 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.
Requirements for selection and acceptance into the Dental Hygiene program
- Graduation from High School or the equivalent
- Minimum grade of C in these science courses (It is recommended that they be taken within the last five years):
MICR 002
NUTR 011
ANAT 025
PYSO 001
or PYSO 002AB
CHEM 001A and CHEM 001B
or CHEM 002A and CHEM 002B - Overall GPA of 3.0 for all prerequisite college work.
- Completed application for selection and acceptance into the program.
- Dental Hygiene students must have the ability to communicate effectively.
- After acceptance into the program, submit a completed health data form evidencing physical and emotional health, including required immunizations/chest x-ray or Mantoux test.
- Current CPR/Basic Life Support (BLS) card that must be maintained while in the program.
Recommended preparation
High school courses in biology or physiology, algebra and chemistry with a laboratory. It is strongly recommended that general education requirements for the Associate in Science Degree be satisfied prior to enrolling in the program. Degree requirements must be met to be eligible to sit for license exams.
Acceptance to the program is competitive. Selection is based upon a combination of academic work completed, and grades earned. Other criteria such as work experience may also be are also considered. Please see Pasadena City College Dental Hygiene Information Brochure for current application instructions and selection criteria.
Program Outcomes
- Acquire the theoretical knowledge that will allow students to provide comprehensive dental health care to their clients/patients.
- Apply the dental hygiene process of care to provide competent dental hygiene care as specified by the Dental Practice Act.
Requirements for the Certificate of Achievement
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ANAT 115 | HEAD AND NECK ANATOMY, HISTOLOGY AND EMBRYOLOGY | 3 |
| DH 101A | FUNDAMENTALS OF DENTAL HYGIENE | 5 |
| DH 101B | FUNDAMENTALS OF DENTAL HYGIENE THEORY AND PRACTICE | 5 |
| DH 104A | CLINICAL DENTAL HYGIENE THEORY AND PRACTICE: PAIN CONTROL | 2 |
| DH 104B | CLINICAL DENTAL HYGIENE THEORY AND PRACTICE | 7 |
| DH 104C | ADVANCED CLINICAL DENTAL HYGIENE THEORY AND PRACTICE | 7 |
| DH 105 | PATHOLOGY | 3 |
| DH 107 | INTRODUCTION TO ORAL HEALTH RESEARCH | 2 |
| DH 108 | PHARMACOLOGY | 2 |
| DH 109 | DENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION, COMMUNICATION AND DIVERSITY | 2 |
| DH 111 | CURRENT ISSUES IN DENTAL HYGIENE | 2 |
| DH 113A | PERIODONTICS | 2 |
| DH 113B | ADVANCED PERIODONTICS | 1 |
| DH 116 | DENTAL MATERIALS | 2.5 |
| DH 117 | DENTAL MORPHOLOGY AND OCCLUSION | 2 |
| DH 119A | COMMUNITY DENTAL HEALTH | 2 |
| DH 121 | CLINICAL PRACTICE IN ALTERNATIVE SETTINGS | 1 |
| DH 121 | CLINICAL PRACTICE IN ALTERNATIVE SETTINGS | 1 |
| DH 122 | MEDICAL EVALUATION OF DENTAL HYGIENE PATIENTS | 2 |
| DH 141 | ORAL RADIOLOGY | 3 |
| DH 200A | DIRECTED STUDIES IN CLINICAL DENTAL HYGIENE | 1 |
| DH 200B | ADVANCED TECHNIQUES IN CLINICAL DENTAL HYGIENE | 1 |
| DH 201 | DENTAL HYGIENE SKILLS ENHANCEMENT LAB | 1 |
| Total Units | 59.5 | |
Recommended Electives
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| DH 120 | INDEPENDENT STUDY | 1 |
| DH 200C | CLINICAL BOARD PREPARATION | 1 |
Visit the Program Mapper for a suggested sequence of courses.