At a Glance

Income:

($67,117 - $122,144)

Cluster:

Therapeutic Services

Class of Occupation:

- Social

Description

Dental Hygienists could be described as licensed oral health prevention specialists, and provide many of the patient-care duties within a dental practice. A typical day would usually include performing a range of procedures, such as dental cleaning, reviewing patient medical history, screening for periodontal disease and tooth decay, educating patients on recommended healthcare habits (i.e. flossing, how to brush, etc.). Also included would be non-surgical periodontal therapy, such as scaling and root planning. In some cases, Dental Hygienists with advanced certification may also administer anesthesia via injection, and perform filling applications and suture removal. This career field will continue to have strong demand, as older populations increase.

View the education requirements.

Education Info

Campus(es):

- College of San Mateo

Time to Completion:

5 semester(s)

Type of Program (Cert, AS, BS):

Associate degree

Educational Requirement

High School degree

Learn how to get started.

Getting Started

Prerequisite course listing:

- BIOL 250 Human Anatomy
- BIOL 240 Microbiology
- BIOL 260 Human Physiology
- ENGL 100 Composition and Reading
- PSYC 100 General Psychology
- SPCH 100 or 120 Public Speaking or Interpersonal Communication
- SOCI 100 Introduction to Sociology
- CA&S 310 Nutrition
- DENH 200 Introduction to Dental Hygiene
- CHEM 410/420 Health Sciences Chemistry I & II

Additional Information:

The Dental Hygiene program is "on-hold" due to the state budget crisis. Contact Isabel Dillman at dillman@smccd.edu or call (650) 574-6268

Program Website:

Click here to go to the program website.