2. • They are health care professionals who focus on
preventing and treating oral diseases to protect teeth,
gums and patient’s overall health.
• Are graduates of accredited college & university dental
hygiene education programs
• Licensed oral health professionals – R.D.H.
3. • Performs health care assessments that include the review of
patient’s health history, dental charting, oral cancer screening, and
evaluation of gum disease.
• Removes plaque and calculus from above and below the gum line
using dental instruments.
• Administers local anesthetic and/or nitrous oxide analgesia.
• Expose, process and interprets dental radiographs.
• Educates patients on proper oral hygiene techniques to maintain
healthy teeth and gums.
4. • Enjoys people: An effective dental hygienist has
great communication skills to engage the patient
in the outcome of their own oral care.
• Likes biology: The theory behind oral hygiene is based on how our
bodies react to bacteria in our mouth and ridding the mouth of the
bacteria that causes infection and bone loss.
• Eye for detail, great tactile skills & patience: Scaling and root
planing is performed in a small location . . . the mouth, where much
of the treatment is by feel and magnification.
• Engaged dental team member: The dental hygienist is a part of a
dental team; including the dentist, dental assistants and practice
coordinator.
5. • Personal satisfaction: Improving patient oral health while
establishing trusting clinician/patient relationships.
• Variety: Dental hygienists have the opportunity to meet the oral
health needs of many different patients and population groups each
day and throughout their career.
• Flexibility: Full and part-time employment in
private dental practices, community clinics,
educational and research institutions.
• Fair compensation: As a licensed health
professional, a clinician can earn from
approximately $350 per day/$50,000 a year.
6. • Two year program: includes courses in Clinical Assessment,
Tooth Morphology, Oral Health Education, Dental Materials, Oral
Pathology, Dental Radiology, Local Anesthesia, Dental Radiographic
Interpretation, Law & Ethics, Periodontics, and Community Oral Health.
• The Dental Hygiene Clinic:
o New facility opened Summer 2010
o 18 chair computer equipped main clinic
o 6 chair digitally equipped radiology clinic and
panoramic unit
o Computerized patient appointment scheduling
o Dental software instruction and use
7. • How to be admitted into the program:
o Complete pre-requisites as soon as possible
o Submit an application with official transcripts
o The counseling office will review your application for acceptance into
the program
o Current wait list is short- 1 to 2 year wait
o Securing financing for the two years in the program
• Pre-requisites:
o Chemistry 30B – Intro to Organic Chemistry
o BIO 4 - Human Anatomy
o BIO 5 - Human Physiology
o BIO 6 - Microbiology
o ENG 1A or 1AH – English Composition
8. Finish your General
Education Requirements
Get dental experience ~
network
Work and save money
Organize and prepare
9. DH FIRST YEAR ESTIMATED PROGRAM COSTS
Tuition 640
Textbooks 1,160
Campus Bus/Parking - (Purchase from Santa Cruz Metro $50 for 30 days -
Aug-Dec) 250
Health Services- (See Orientation Guide for fees) 800
DH Student Kit - (Instrument and Clinic Supplies) 8,000
Student Dues 175
Professional Liability Insurance – (Optional, Highly Recommended)
70
Miscellaneous Supplies & ongoing supplies 1,830
Total First Year Program Costs 12,800
10. DH SECOND YEAR ESTIMATED PROGRAM COSTS
Tuition 530
Campus Bus/Parking - (Purchase from Santa Cruz Metro $50 for 30 days -
Feb-May) 200
Health Services (See Orientation Guide for fees) 800
Professional Liability Insurance – (Optional, Highly Recommended)
70
Student Dues 175
National Board Examination Review Course (+ hotel & fees) 400
National Board Examination fee 350
WREB or CA State Board Licensing fee 3,000
RDH Pin 100
Total Second Year Program Costs 7,000
Two-year estimate Total 19,800
11. Uniforms: Scrub pants and tops covered by a lab coat
Safety glasses and/or loupes
White leather “nurse-type” closed toed shoes
Odor-free make-up, hand creams, and deodorant
Fingernails must be natural, clean, and trimmed short
Hair is worn off the shoulders,back away from the face.
Men: clean shaven is recommended. Mustaches and beards must be
neat and professional looking.
Jewelry: No bracelets, watches, rings, and small post earrings
No other facial piercings are allowed, i.e. nose rings, not recommended for men
Visible tattoos must be covered
12. Well established program Reputation
New state of the art facility Beautiful campus
Sparkling beaches Community support
Campus student services to enhance success
Great educational value Short waitlist
