Dental Hygiene Schools in California: A Comprehensive Guide

If you’re looking to pursue a career in dental hygiene, you’ll want to find the right school to help you achieve your goals. California is home to several accredited dental hygiene schools, each with its own strengths and specialties. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at some of the top dental hygiene schools in California and what makes them stand out.

What is Dental Hygiene?

Before we dive into the specific schools, let’s first define what dental hygiene is. Dental hygienists are licensed oral health professionals who work alongside dentists to provide preventative and therapeutic services for patients. Some common tasks performed by dental hygienists include:

• Cleaning teeth and removing plaque and tartar buildup
• Examining patients for signs of oral diseases such as gingivitis or periodontitis
• Educating patients on proper oral hygiene techniques
• Taking x-rays and impressions
• Administering local anesthesia
• Applying fluoride treatments

Dental hygienists must have strong communication skills, as they often work directly with patients to educate them on proper oral care habits.

Accreditation

When researching dental hygiene schools, it’s important to ensure that they are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). This organization ensures that programs meet certain standards of quality and rigor. Attending an accredited school will also be necessary for licensure after graduation.

Top Dental Hygiene Schools in California

Now let’s take a look at some of the top dental hygiene schools in California.

Loma Linda University School of Dentistry

Loma Linda University School of Dentistry offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in dental hygiene. Students can choose from two tracks: traditional bachelor’s degree or degree completion for licensed registered dental hygienists with an associate’s degree. The program emphasizes hands-on learning experiences, including clinical rotations at community clinics throughout Southern California. The school also offers an accelerated bachelor’s degree program for those with a non-dental hygiene bachelor’s degree.

University of Southern California Ostrow School of Dentistry

The University of Southern California (USC) Ostrow School of Dentistry offers a dental hygiene program that includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience. Students can earn either a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene or a Master of Science in Craniofacial Biology with an emphasis in Dental Hygiene. USC is one of the few schools in the country to offer a dual-degree program that allows students to earn both a master’s degree in public health and a doctorate in dental medicine.

West Coast University

West Coast University, located in Los Angeles, offers an accelerated bachelor’s degree program that can be completed in as little as 32 months. The program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on experience through clinical rotations at partner dental offices throughout Southern California. Students will also have access to state-of-the-art equipment and technology.

Carrington College

Carrington College has several locations throughout California, including Sacramento, San Jose, and Pomona. The dental hygiene program at Carrington College emphasizes hands-on learning opportunities through on-campus clinics and externships at community clinics. Students can earn either an associate’s degree or a certificate in dental hygiene.

Pacific Union College

Located in Angwin, Pacific Union College offers a traditional four-year bachelor’s degree program in dental hygiene. In addition to classroom learning, students will gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations at partner clinics throughout Northern California.

Admissions Requirements

Admissions requirements for dental hygiene programs will vary depending on the school, but most will require applicants to have:

• A high school diploma or GED
• Completed prerequisite courses such as biology, chemistry, and anatomy
• A minimum GPA (usually around 2.5)
• Letters of recommendation
• A personal statement or essay
• Test scores (such as the ACT or SAT)

Some schools may also require an interview or a shadowing experience with a dental hygienist.

Financial Aid

Attending dental hygiene school can be expensive, but there are several financial aid opportunities available to students. These may include:

• Scholarships and grants from the school or outside organizations
• Federal student loans
• Private education loans
• Work-study programs

It’s important to research all available options and apply for financial aid early to ensure that you receive the maximum amount of funding possible.

Career Paths in Dental Hygiene

After completing a dental hygiene program and obtaining licensure, graduates can pursue a variety of career paths. Some common options include:

• Working in private dental practices as part of a dentist-led team
• Working in public health settings such as community clinics or schools
• Pursuing research opportunities in academia or industry
• Becoming educators themselves by teaching at dental hygiene schools

Conclusion

Pursuing a career in dental hygiene can be both rewarding and challenging. By selecting the right dental hygiene school for your needs, you’ll be setting yourself up for success in this growing field. Consider factors such as location, accreditation, and program requirements when researching potential schools. And don’t forget to look into financial aid opportunities so that you can achieve your goals without breaking the bank. Good luck!