A total of 126 semester credits are required to earn the Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene (BSDH), including the completion of general education courses, lower and upper division didactic theory courses, and clinical experience.
Admission Requirements
Please see the BSDH Admission Requirements Addendum for updated information.
Applicants, including applicants for advanced standing, for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene (BSDH) program must:
- Complete a minimum of 8 hours of observation of at least two dental hygienists in clinical practice. The applicant must have the dental hygienist sign the verification form and the applicant must write a response paper following the stated parameters. Observation hours will not qualify if the license cannot be verified and/or if the applicant observes a dentist or dental assistant. Observation hours are considered as valid for one year;
- Pass the Health Occupations Basic Entrance Test (HOBET V) with a minimum Individual Total Score at or above 50%. An applicant has two attempts at the HOBET V exam. If an applicant does not pass the HOBET V exam after two attempts, the applicant must wait a period of 6 months for a third attempt to pass the HOBET V and must provide proof of remediation. Passing HOBET V scores are valid for one year.
Please Note: Application deadlines and information about the HOBET V Examination and Dental Hygiene Observation are provided during the application process and at Information Sessions.
Dental Hygiene Transfer Credit Evaluation: Dental hygiene applicants requesting transfer credit evaluation must provide official transcripts no later than the application deadline. Only general education and pre-requisite coursework will be considered and evaluated for transfer credit, and all general education and prerequisite course(s) for the dental hygiene program must have been taken at an appropriately accredited institution. Science courses must be taken within the last five years to be accepted for transfer credit. Each of the core dental hygiene courses must be taken in-residence and taken in succession. The maximum allowable transfer credits applied to the Dental Hygiene program shall not exceed 40 credits. Authority for all final transfer credit decisions is given to the Program Dean/Chair. Students who submit an application for the Bachelors of Science in Dental Hygiene program without a request for transfer credit evaluation will not be awarded credit for any prior coursework.
Selection Process: Dental Hygiene program applicants will be notified of acceptance status once the completed application and supporting documentation have been evaluated and the selection process has concluded. The selection process includes an objective evaluation of:
- The HOBET V Examination sub-scores based on the means for Category S (maximum points possible are Reading 15, Math 20, Science 25, and English and Language Usage 15) and Individual Total Score; and
- The Dental Hygiene Observation verification forms and response paper.
Based on a 100 point scale, 75 maximum points from the HOBET V Examination and 25 maximum points from the Dental Hygiene Observation documents, applicants are ranked and selected for admission into the Dental Hygiene program. There is no waiting list for subsequent admission. Applicants not selected must reapply and resubmit all required materials.
Dental Hygiene Deadlines for Previous General Education (GE) and Challenge Credits
Any student petitioning to transfer credits into the Dental Hygiene Program from previously attended institution(s) must submit a sealed transcript from the originating institution by the application deadline. Challenge credit is not available for the Dental Hygiene program core courses.
Dental Hygiene GE Challenge Exam Additional Requirements
GE challenge examinations must be completed by the application deadline. Additionally, prospective Dental Hygiene students must submit a written request to the campus Academic Dean and if approved, the challenge examination will be administered prior to the application deadline and student selection process. There are NO challenge examinations for previous dental hygiene, dental assisting, or dental courses.
Dental Hygiene Program Clinical Requirements
Prior to taking the core Dental Hygiene curriculum, Dental Hygiene students must:
- Meet the requirements as outlined in the “Essential Functions of a Dental Hygienist”*;
- Obtain a criminal background clearance*;
- Undergo drug screening and other requirements as applicable to West Coast University policy and/or state licensure requirements*;
- Meet all clinical requirements including strict adherence to the current institutional Dental Hygiene Program Blood borne Pathogens Policy and Exposure Control Plan;
- Obtain and maintain professional liability insurance*;
- Submit documentation of immunization and tuberculosis clearance*;
- Provide and maintain a current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification including health care provider CPR with AED*;
- Expect the hours and days to vary depending on the term schedule;
- Expect the term schedule to be final and non-negotiable, and if a student refuses a clinical assignment, he/she will be terminated from the program.
*Information regarding these requirements is provided during the application process and at the Dental Hygiene program orientation.
Dental Hygiene Licensure Requirements
To practice as a Dental Hygienist in California, you must be licensed in California by the Dental Hygiene Committee of California. Applicants must pass the clinical examination, written examination in California dental law ethics, and undergo a criminal history investigation, prior to receiving a license.
- Complete an application for licensure to include a photograph and verification of graduation from an accredited dental hygiene program.
- Submit to a Livescan as part of the requirements of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). A License will not be issued until the board receives the background information from DOJ.
- Processing times may vary, depending on when the Board receives documents from University, agencies, and other states or countries. The time to process an application indicating a prior conviction(s) may take longer than other applications. Delays may also occur with the fingerprint processing by the Department of Justice and/or the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
- Applicants must report any convictions or pleas of nolo contendere even if a subsequent order was issued which expunged or dismissed the criminal record under the provisions of section1203.4 of the Penal Code. Applications may be denied for knowingly falsifying an application pursuant to section 480(c) of the Business and Professions Code.
- A license may be denied if the candidate:
- Been convicted of a crime. A conviction within the meaning of this section means a plea or verdict of guilty or a conviction following a plea nolo contendere. Any action that a board is permitted to take following the has been affirmed on appeal, or when an order granting probation is made suspending the imposition of sentence, irrespective of a subsequent order under the provisions of Section 1203.4 of the Penal Code.
- Done any act involving dishonesty, fraud, or deceit with the intent to substantially benefit himself or herself or another, or substantially injure another.
- Done any act that if done by a licensed Dental Hygienist, would be grounds for suspension or revocation of license.
- Knowingly made a false statement of fact required to be revealed in the application for the license.
- Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, no person shall be denied a license solely on the basis that he or she has been convicted of a felony if he or she has obtained a certificate of rehabilitation under Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 4852.01) of Title 6 of Part 3 of the Penal Code or that he or she has been convicted of a misdemeanor if he or she has met all applicable requirements of the criteria of rehabilitation developed by the board to evaluate the rehabilitation of a person when considering the denial of a license under subdivision (a) of Section 482.
- The board may deny a license pursuant to this subdivision only if the crime or act is substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of the business or profession for which application is made.
- Successfully complete the National Board of Dental Examiners' examination for dental hygienist.
- Provide verification of completion for soft tissue curettage, administration of local anesthetic agents, and administration of nitrous oxide and oxygen.
- Pay all required fees.
Dental Hygiene Program Disclosure
The Dental Hygiene Committee of California will not issue a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) license to anyone without a United States – issued social security number. Students who do not have a United States – issued social security number will be ineligible for licensure in the state of California, and therefore will be ineligible for employment as a Registered Dental Hygienist in this state. However, graduates may be eligible for Dental Hygienist licensure in some states that do not require a social security number. Some state boards will issue licensure in their state without residence in the state or a U.S. issued Social Security Number.
Blended Format in the Core Dental Hygiene Courses
Select core courses in the Dental Hygiene program will be offered in a blended delivery format. Blended courses combine traditional or face-to-face classroom instruction with an online learning modality. In preparation for the blended courses, students must:
- Complete the online New Blended Student Tutorial, which includes exercises for students to test accessibility and become familiar with navigation in all areas of blended courses;
- Meet the specific computer requirements with acceptable hardware and software configuration and internet access as noted in the Online/Blended Course Requirements section.
Program Information and Disclosures
Dental Hygiene Program Clinical Requirements
Prior to taking the core Dental Hygiene curriculum, Dental Hygiene students must:
- Meet the requirements as outlined in the “Essential Functions of a Dental Hygienist”*;
- Obtain a criminal background clearance*;
- Undergo drug screening and other requirements as applicable to West Coast University policy and/or state licensure requirements*;
- Meet all clinical requirements including strict adherence to the current institutional Dental Hygiene Program Blood borne Pathogens Policy and Exposure Control Plan;
- Obtain and maintain professional liability insurance*;
- Submit documentation of immunization and tuberculosis clearance*;
- Provide and maintain a current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification including health care provider CPR with AED*;
- Expect the hours and days to vary depending on the term schedule;
- Expect the term schedule to be final and non-negotiable, and if a student refuses a clinical assignment, he/she will be terminated from the program.
*Information regarding these requirements is provided during the application process and at the Dental Hygiene program orientation.
Dental Hygiene Licensure Requirements
To practice as a Dental Hygienist in California, you must be licensed in California by the Dental Hygiene Committee of California. Applicants must pass the clinical examination, written examination in California dental law ethics, and undergo a criminal history investigation, prior to receiving a license.
- Complete an application for licensure to include a photograph and verification of graduation from an accredited dental hygiene program.
- Submit to a Livescan as part of the requirements of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). A License will not be issued until the board receives the background information from DOJ.
- Processing times may vary, depending on when the Board receives documents from University, agencies, and other states or countries. The time to process an application indicating a prior conviction(s) may take longer than other applications. Delays may also occur with the fingerprint processing by the Department of Justice and/or the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
- Applicants must report any convictions or pleas of nolo contendere even if a subsequent order was issued which expunged or dismissed the criminal record under the provisions of section1203.4 of the Penal Code. Applications may be denied for knowingly falsifying an application pursuant to section 480(c) of the Business and Professions Code.
- A license may be denied if the candidate:
- Been convicted of a crime. A conviction within the meaning of this section means a plea or verdict of guilty or a conviction following a plea nolo contendere. Any action that a board is permitted to take following the has been affirmed on appeal, or when an order granting probation is made suspending the imposition of sentence, irrespective of a subsequent order under the provisions of Section 1203.4 of the Penal Code.
- Done any act involving dishonesty, fraud, or deceit with the intent to substantially benefit himself or herself or another, or substantially injure another.
- Done any act that if done by a licensed Dental Hygienist, would be grounds for suspension or revocation of license.
- Knowingly made a false statement of fact required to be revealed in the application for the license.
- Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, no person shall be denied a license solely on the basis that he or she has been convicted of a felony if he or she has obtained a certificate of rehabilitation under Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 4852.01) of Title 6 of Part 3 of the Penal Code or that he or she has been convicted of a misdemeanor if he or she has met all applicable requirements of the criteria of rehabilitation developed by the board to evaluate the rehabilitation of a person when considering the denial of a license under subdivision (a) of Section 482.
- The board may deny a license pursuant to this subdivision only if the crime or act is substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of the business or profession for which application is made.
- Successfully complete the National Board of Dental Examiners' examination for dental hygienist.
- Provide verification of completion for soft tissue curettage, administration of local anesthetic agents, and administration of nitrous oxide and oxygen.
- Pay all required fees.
Dental Hygiene Program Disclosure
The Dental Hygiene Committee of California will not issue a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) license to anyone without a United States – issued social security number. Students who do not have a United States – issued social security number will be ineligible for licensure in the state of California, and therefore will be ineligible for employment as a Registered Dental Hygienist in this state. However, graduates may be eligible for Dental Hygienist licensure in some state that do not require a social security number. Some state boards will issue licensure in their state without residence in the state or a U.S. issued Social Security Number.
Blended Format in the Core Dental Hygiene Courses
Select core courses in the Dental Hygiene program will be offered in a blended delivery format. Blended courses combine traditional or face-to-face classroom instruction with an online learning modality. In preparation for the blended courses, students must:
- Complete the online New Blended Student Tutorial, which includes exercises for students to test accessibility and become familiar with navigation in all areas of blended courses;
- Meet the specific computer requirements with acceptable hardware and software configuration and internet access as noted in the Online/Blended Course Requirements section.
Dental Hygiene Curriculum
Please see the BSDH Curriculum Errata for the latest list of courses.
General Education Courses
General Education Courses within the Area of Study
| ANAT 260 | Human Anatomy | 4.0 Semester Credits - 3.0 Credits Theory and 1.0 Credit Lab |
| PHYS 261 | Human Physiology | 4.0 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 11.0 |
Core Dental Hygiene Courses
| DHYG 302 | Introduction to Dental Hygiene Practice with Lab | 4.0 |
| DHYG 305 | General Pathology, Immunology, and Medical Terminology | 2.0 |
| DHYG 312 | Pre-Clinical Dental Hygiene I | 4.0 |
| DHYG 315 | Oral Pathology | 3.0 |
| DHYG 322 | Pre-Clinical Dental Hygiene II | 4.5 |
| DHYG 325 | Medically Compromised Care and Emergencies | 3.0 |
| DHYG 332 | Pre-Clinical Dental Hygiene III | 4.0 |
| DHYG 335 | Dental Radiology Science with Lab | 2.0 |
| DHYG 341 | Dental Embryology, Histology, and Anatomy with Lab | 3.0 |
| DHYG 345 | Dental Radiology Interpretation with Clinic | 1.5 |
| DHYG 351 | Preventive Dentistry and Risk Assessment | 2.0 |
| DHYG 355 | Head and Neck Anatomy | 2.0 |
| DHYG 360 | Pain Management with Lab | 3.0 |
| DHYG 365 | Dental Materials with Lab | 3.0 |
| DHYG 370 | Basic and Applied Pharmacology | 3.0 |
| DHYG 375 | Introduction to Periodontology | 2.0 |
| DHYG 400 | Clinical Seminar I | 1.0 |
| DHYG 405 | Clinical Practice I | 4.0 |
| DHYG 410 | Clinical Seminar II | 1.0 |
| DHYG 415 | Clinical Practice II | 4.0 |
| DHYG 420 | Clinical Seminar III | 1.0 |
| DHYG 425 | Clinical Practice III | 5.0 |
| DHYG 430 | Biochemistry and Nutrition | 2.0 |
| DHYG 440 | Research Methodology | 2.0 |
| DHYG 450 | Ethics Seminar | 1.0 |
| DHYG 460 | Community Dental Health Education with Lab | 2.0 |
| DHYG 470 | Practice Management and Jurisprudence | 2.0 |
| DHYG 475 | Applied Periodontology | 2.0 |
| DHYG 485 | Advanced Dental Hygiene Topics | 2.0 |
| DHYG 490 | Professional Development Project | 2.0 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 77.0 |
The following courses are offered in blended format 55% face-to-face in residence and 45% online:
DHYG 305, DHYG 315, DHYG 325, DHYG 351, DHYG 355, DHYG 360, DHYG 365, DHYG 370, DHYG 430, DHYG 440, DHYG 470, DHYG 475