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	Chula Vista	# 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

• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
  Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others
  Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
  Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Documenting/Recording Information
  Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
  Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Handling and Moving Objects
  Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Getting Information
  Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
  Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
  Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Working with Computers
  Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
  Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Selling or Influencing Others
  Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
  Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization
  Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies
  Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Performing General Physical Activities
  Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Processing Information
  Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
  Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Analyzing Data or Information 
  Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
  Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
  Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Scheduling Work and Activities
  Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Thinking Creatively
  Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Developing and Building Teams
  Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others
  Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Coaching and Developing Others
  Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Controlling Machines and Processes
  Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Performing Administrative Activities
  Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.