Dental Hygiene

Degree: AS- Dental Hygiene "Dental hygienists are preventive oral health professionals who have graduated from an accredited dental hygiene program in an institution of higher education, licensed in dental hygiene to provide educational, clinical, research, administrative and therapeutic services supporting total health through the promotion of optimum oral health." (ADEA, 2012) The Dental Hygiene Program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) which is nationally recognized by the United States Department of Education for programs at the post-secondary level. "CODA's mission is to serve the oral health care needs of the public through the development and administration of standards that foster continuous quality improvement of dental and dental related educational programs." The Dental Hygiene Program admits 20 students per year. Students interested in dental hygiene need a background in the basic sciences, English, Psychology, and Speech. This is a special admission program. Successful completion of the two year program qualifies the student to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam and the regional board exam for licensure as a Registered Dental Hygienist. The program includes courses such as Clinical Dental Hygiene, Dental Radiology, General and Oral Pathology, Expanded Functions for the Dental Hygienist, Educational Theories in Dental Hygiene, and Community Dental Health. SPECIAL APPLICATION REQUIRED. go to http://www.chabotcollege.edu/dhyg/ for details.