Dental Hygiene

Committed to Patient Care

A dental hygienist is a licensed healthcare professional, oral health educator, and clinician who, as a co-therapist with a dentist, provides preventive, educational, and therapeutic services supporting total health for the control of oral diseases and the promotion of oral health. A registered dental hygienist has graduated from a minimum of two year college program that includes classroom studies and extensive supervised clinical experience.

The program prepares students for a career in dental hygiene through the study of humanities, social and natural sciences, and the field of dental hygiene. Emphasis is on clinical practice in the context of dental hygiene care. Graduates are eligible to apply to take national, and regional examinations to earn the RDH license.

The dental hygienist may work in general and specialty oral health practices. Other areas of employment include programs for research, professional education, and community health; hospital and institutional care of disabled persons; federal programs, such as the armed services; or other health service locations as specified in statute or as authorized by the state board of dentistry/dental hygiene.

Dental hygiene students and all healthcare providers are at higher risk for exposure to infectious disease, bodily fluids, and bloodborne pathogens. The SWC dental hygiene program follows OSHA standards and college requirements for the prevention of exposure to infectious diseases.

Program Awards

Our Dental Hygiene programs are included in the Health, Wellness & Public Safety field of study and offer these awards:

Award	Location	Estimated Completion	Program Map
Dental Hygiene, Associate in Science Degree: Career/Technical	National City	5 Semesters

Common Careers

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

The average annual salary in this field is $108,530 for occupations like Dental Hygienist.

Program Goals

Upon completion of the dental hygiene program the graduate will:

• Demonstrate the knowledge to pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE).
• Demonstrate the clinical skills necessary to pass a Regional Registered Dental Hygienist Licensure Examination.
• Demonstrate the knowledge to pass the California Dental Law and Ethics Examinations.
• Secure entry-level employment as a dental hygienist.

Typical Duties

• Preventive Care:
  Dental hygienists perform a range of preventive treatments, including cleaning teeth, applying fluoride and sealants, and educating patients on proper brushing and flossing techniques.
• Disease Detection:
  They examine patients for signs of oral diseases like gingivitis and cavities, and may also screen for oral cancer.
• Patient Education:
  A key part of their role is to educate patients on how to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent future problems.
• Assisting Dentists:
  Dental hygienists also assist dentists during procedures, such as administering anesthesia and removing sutures.
• Wokring Enviroments:
  They work in a variety of settings, including private dental practices, community clinics, hospitals, and schools.