Associate in Science Degree
Division of Science and Allied Health
Mary Turner, Dean
Mohr Hall 18
916-558-2271
Course Descriptions
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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 Preparation
High school and college preparatory courses including algebra, biology, chemistry, and physiology are recommended.
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.
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; 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, 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.
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.
Dental Hygiene
Associate in Science Degree
Required Program
| Prerequisite Courses | Units |
|---|---|
| BIOL 430, Anatomy and Physiology | 5 |
| BIOL 431, Anatomy and Physiology | 5 |
| CHEM 305, Introduction to Chemistry | 5 |
| CHEM 306, Introduction to Chemistry | 5 |
| BIOL 440, General Microbiology | 4 |
| FCS 340, Nutrition | 3 |
| PSYC 300, General Principles | 3 |
| COMM 301, Introduction to Public Speaking | 3 |
| SOC 300, Introductory Sociology | 3 |
| ENGWR 300, College Composition | 3 |
| DHYG 100, Introduction to Dental Hygiene | 0.5 |
| First Semester (Fall) | Units |
|---|---|
| DHYG 101, Introduction to Clinical Dental Hygiene | 4 |
| DHYG 107, Dental Morphology | 1.5 |
| DHYG 104, Patient Education and Nutrition | 2 |
| DHYG 103, Oral Histology and Embryology | 1 |
| DHYG 109, Infection Control and Hazardous Materials | 0.5 |
| Second Semester (Spring) | Units |
|---|---|
| DHYG 117, Dental Radiology | 3 |
| DHYG 111, Clinical Dental Hygiene I | 4 |
| DHYG 112, Periodontics I | 2 |
| DHYG 113, Embryology Head and Neck Anatomy | 2 |
| Summer Session | Units |
|---|---|
| DHYG 121, Clinical Dental Hygiene II | 2 |
| DHYG 127, Dental Materials | 2 |
| Third Semester (Fall) | Units |
|---|---|
| DHYG 134, Community Dental Health | 2 |
| DHYG 139, Pharmacology | 2 |
| DHYG 131, Clinical Dental Hygiene III | 4 |
| DHYG 132, Periodontics II | 1 |
| DHYG 138, Oral Pathology | 2 |
| DHYG 135, Clinical Seminar | 1 |
| Fourth Semester (Spring) | Units |
|---|---|
| DHYG 149, Ethics, Jurisprudence, and Dental Hygiene Practice | 2 |
| DHYG 145, Clinical Seminar II | 1 |
| DHYG 141, Clinical Dental Hygiene IV | 4 |
| AH 104, Aging and its Implications for Health Care | 0.5 |
| Total Units Required | 83 |
Associate in Science Degree (A.S.)
The Associate in Science Degree in Dental Hygiene must be obtained for graduation from the program.
NOTE: 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.
Graduation Requirements
Additional courses are necessary to meet Graduation Requirements. These may include Social Sciences, Ethnic Multicultural Studies, Humanities, Language/Rationality-Communication and Analytical Thinking; Living Skills, and Competency Requirements.
Students must consult with a counselor to determine their individual educational plan.
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