Accreditation Statement
The Southwestern College Program in Dental Hygiene is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the status of “approval without reporting requirements”. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611.

Dental Hygiene Program Directory
(619) 216-6665, Ext. 4862
Rm. 7103C

• Christine M. Perri, RDH , MA , Director
• Kesa Hopkins , RDH , MS , Professor of Dental Hygiene
• Terri Poulos , RDH, MEd, Professor of Dental Hygiene
• Linda Lukacs, DDS, Professor of Dental Hygiene
• Virginia Castillo, AS, Clerical Assistant
• Gabriella Castillo, RDA, AA, Clinical Facility Coordinator

Introduction
The Dental Hygiene Program provides basic education and experience, to prepare graduates for licensure as dental hygienists. A class of 36 students will begin each year in the fall semester and continue for two years with graduation at the completion of the spring semester. Dental Hygiene classes are conducted at the National City Higher Education Center and the clinical practice is held at various off-site locations. Transportation is the individual student's responsibility. Students generally have classes five (5) days per week.

General Description
A dental hygienist is a licensed, preventive oral health professional who provides educational, clinical, and therapeutic services to the public in a variety of settings. As the preventive specialist of the dental healthcare team, the hygienist promotes and maintains oral wellness through such services as oral health assessments, taking x-rays, dental health education, removal of deposits and stains from teeth, and application of sealants and fluorides.

Technical Standards
People interested in applying for admission to the program should review these standards to develop a better understanding of the physical abilities and behavioral characteristics necessary to successfully complete the program. Dental Hygiene Program Technical Standards (PDF).

Career Options
The dental hygienist primarily provides preventive and therapeutic services in a dental office setting or clinic. They may also provide their services in public health settings, schools, skilled nursing facilities and mobile clinics. Clinical practice generally requires an associate degree education. The hygienist may also serve as an administrator/manager for community dental health programs or dental product companies; an educator in dental hygiene or dental school programs; or a researcher in a university or corporate setting. Many of these roles may require a baccalaureate or graduate level degree.

Dental Hygiene Program Information Packet (PDF)

Competency Document
The educational competencies for the Southwestern College Dental Hygiene Program include the preparation of graduates who possess the knowledge, skills, and values to begin the practice of Dental Hygiene. Students should review these standards to develop a better understanding of the competencies needed for graduation. Dental Hygiene Program Competencies (PDF).