Which Schools Offer Dental Hygiene Programs in California?

Learn about dental hygiene programs in California. Get information about degrees available and program requirements to make an informed decision about your education. Schools offering Dental Hygiene degrees can also be found in these popular choices.

California Requirements for Dental Hygienists

While enrolled in a dental hygiene program, you will learn the skills needed to conduct professional clinical practice, and you can learn about topics in radiography, physiology, anatomy, nutrition, and periodontology. A degree in dental hygiene is required to become a dental hygienist; these degrees are most often obtained at the associate's level. However, some hygienists may alternatively hold certificates, bachelor's or master's degrees. With a bachelor's or master's degree, hygienists may qualify to become educators in dental hygiene programs, researchers, or serve as managers and administrators for community dental programs.

Licensure Requirement

Dental hygienists must be licensed in every state. The Dental Hygiene Committee of California (DHCC) grants licensure. To earn licensure, you must graduate from an accredited program in dental hygiene, and pass an examination that is administered in a clinical setting. These licenses must be renewed every two years.

Salary Information and Employment Outlook for Dental Hygienists in California

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the mean annual wage for dental hygienists in California was just over $91,000 in May 2011, which is higher than the national average for this field (about $70,000). Between 2010 and 2020, employment in this field is expected to grow by 38%; this is much faster than average among all occupations (www.bls.gov).

Associate's Degree Programs in California

Loma Linda University

  • Program Name: Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene
  • Program Length: 2 years, full-time
  • Tuition: $27,526 per year (for the 2011-2012 academic year)
  • Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED
  • School Type: 2-4 year, private
  • Address: Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, 11092 Anderson Street, Loma Linda, CA 92350
  • Phone: (909) 558-4222

The Loma Linda University School of Dentistry offers an off-campus associate's degree program in dental hygiene; the facilities for this program are located in Palm Desert, CA. This program emphasizes preventative oral care and education, and graduates are prepared for employment as dental hygienists in a variety of settings. Prior to being admitted to the dental hygiene program, you will have to complete a number of prerequisite courses in topics such as human anatomy, psychology, physical education, English, sociology and chemistry.

Shasta College

  • Program Name: Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene
  • Program Length: 2 years, full-time
  • Tuition: $46 per unit (as of Fall 2012)
  • Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED
  • School Type: 2-4 year, public
  • Address: Shasta-Tehama-Trinity Joint Community College District, 11555 Old Oregon Trail, P.O. Box 496006, Redding, CA 96049-6006
  • Phone: (530) 242-7500

Shasta College offers an accredited program in dental hygiene. Required courses cover topics in periodontology, pharmacology, anesthesia, oral health, ethics, radiology, and nutrition. There are also a number of courses designed to prepare you for clinical practice, where you will learn to evaluate oral health, and perform various treatments, such as scaling and cleaning. After graduating, you can be fully prepared to earn state licensure and begin your career.

Fresno City College

  • Program Name: Associate in Science in Dental Hygiene
  • Program Length: 2 years, full-time
  • Tuition: $46 per unit for residents, $261 per unit for non-residents (for Fall 2012)
  • Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED
  • School Type: 2-year, public
  • Address: Fresno City College, 1101 E. University Avenue, Fresno, CA 93741
  • Phone: (559) 442-4600

Fresno City College offers an associate's degree program in dental hygiene. This program can prepare you to take qualifying examinations for licensure, and can give you the foundational background to perform professional work in a dental office. Every entering class is comprised of 30 students who remain together for the duration of the program. In addition to standard coursework, this program requires students to engage in a variety of activities outside of the classroom, including clinical practice in hospitals and community programs.

Bachelor's Degree Programs in California

The University of Southern California in Los Angeles

  • Program Name: Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
  • Program Length: 2 years, full-time, starting junior year
  • Tuition: $58,614 for the first year, $39,076 for the second year, not including other fees (for the 2011-2012 academic year).
  • Prerequisites: Completion of specific college courses and lab work, in areas such as anatomy, biology and chemistry
  • School Type: 4-year, private
  • Address: Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, 925 West 34th Street, Los Angeles, CA,90089
  • Phone: (213) 740-2800

The University of Southern California (USC) features the Ostrow School of Dentistry, where aspiring dental hygienists can earn a bachelor's degree in dental hygiene. This program is internationally recognized for its eminence in oral care, and can prepare you for clinical work and vocations related to education and health advocacy. While enrolled, you can learn to evaluate a patient's dental and medical history in order to provide effective treatment plans, and how to teach patients about preventative measures to preserve and augment oral health. Through hands-on learning experiences, you can develop a level of competence that will allow you to adapt to a variety of situations and provide first-rate dental care.

Loma Linda University

  • Program Name: Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
  • Program Length: 2 years, full-time, starting junior year
  • Tuition: $29,100 junior year, $38,800 senior year (estimate for the 2012-2013 academic year), not including fees
  • Prerequisites: College coursework in humanities and other areas, including anatomy and physiology, microbiology and chemistry
  • School Type: 2-4 year, private
  • Address: Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, 11092 Anderson Street, Loma Linda, CA 92350
  • Phone: (909) 558-4222

Loma Linda offers a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. This program can be completed in two years, and consists of 113 course units. In contrast to Loma Linda's associate's degree program in dental hygiene, this program is administered at the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry. In addition, this program requires more prerequisite courses, especially in areas that comprise the humanities. Loma Linda's program can prepare you for professional clinical work, or for a variety of careers that relate to dental hygiene and public health. For students who already hold associate's degrees, Loma Linda also has bachelor's degree options in dental hygiene that are designed to complement previous formal education.

To continue researching, browse degree options below for course curriculum, prerequisites and financial aid information. Or, learn more about the subject by reading the related articles below:

  • 1. Degree Options:

Popular Schools