PROGRAM INFORMATION

The Associate in Science Degree in the Dental Hygiene Program is a two-year program. The program includes the fall and spring semesters, winter intersessions, and one summer session. Upon completion of the 60.5-unit program, program prerequisites, and any additional requirements needed to fulfill the Associate in Science Degree (see the Riverside Community College Catalog), the graduate will earn an Associate in Science Degree. Students in good standing in the program are eligible to take the National Dental Hygiene Board Examination in April of their second year. Upon graduation and successful completion of the National Dental Hygiene Board Examination, graduates are eligible to take state and/or regional licensing examinations.

Each fall semester, 22 candidates meeting all qualification requirements will be selected for admission into the Dental Hygiene Program. See Selection Criteria for Admission into the Dental Hygiene Program for more information on this process. All interested students are encouraged to attend a Dental Hygiene Program Information/Orientation Session. See the orientation link for the current schedule.

Grade Point Requirements For Progress In The Dental Hygiene Program:
A minimum of "C" in all dental hygiene courses is required for the student to advance from one semester to the next. A grade of "C" or better is required in all prerequisite courses, general education graduation requirements and dental hygiene courses.

Required Courses (60.5 units)

First Fall Semester Courses:
DEH 10A (2.5 Units) Pre-Clinic Dental Hygiene #1
DEH 11 (2 Units) Principles of Dental Hygiene
DEH 12A (1 Unit) Principles of Oral Radiology
DEH 12B (1 Unit) Oral Radiology Laboratory
DEH 13 (1 Unit) Infection Control in Dentistry
DEH 14 (3.5 Units) Systems Analysis of Dental Anatomy, Morphology, Histology,
& Embryology
DEH 15 (2 Units) Head and Neck Anatomy
DEH 16 (2 Units) Preventive Dentistry
DEH 17 (2 Units) General Pathology

First Winter Intersession Courses:
DEH 10B (1 Unit) Pre-Clinic Dental Hygiene #2
DEH 19 (1.5 Unit) Pain Control

First Spring Semester Courses:
DEH 20A (3 Units) Clinical Dental Hygiene #1
DEH 21 (1 Unit) Clinical Seminar #1
DEH 22 (1 Unit) Oral Radiology Interpretation
DEH 23 (2 Units) Introduction to Periodontology
DEH 24 (1 Unit) Ethics
DEH 25 (1 Unit) Medical/Dental Emergencies
DEH 26 (2 Units) Dental Treatment of Geriatric and Medically Compromised
DEH 27 (3 Units) Oral Pathology
DEH 28 (2 Units) Basic and Applied Pharmacology

First Summer Session Courses:
DEH 20B (1 Unit) Clinical Dental Hygiene #3

Second Fall Semester Courses:
DEH 30A (3.5 Units) Clinical Dental Hygiene #3
DEH 31 (1 Unit) Clinical Seminar #2
DEH 32 (2.5 Units) Dental Materials
DEH 33 (1 Unit) Periodontology
DEH 34 (1 Unit) Community Dental Health Education #1
DEH 35 (1 Unit) Community Dental Health Education Practicum #1
DEH 36 (2 Units) Research Methodology
DEH 37 (1 Unit) Nutrition in Dentistry

Second Winter Intersession Course:
DEH 30B (1 Unit) Clinical Dental Hygiene #4

Fourth Semester Courses:
DEH 40 (4 Units) Clinical Dental Hygiene #5
DEH 41 (1 Unit) Clinical Seminar #3
DEH 42 (2 Unit) Practice Management and Jurisprudence
DEH 43 (1 Unit) Advanced Periodontology
DEH 44 (1 Unit) Community Dental Health Education #2
DEH 45 (1 Unit) Community Dental Health Education Practicum #2
DEH 46 (1 Unit) Advanced Topics in Dental Hygiene

Health and CPR Requirements

Students selected for the program will be admitted pending submission of a valid; CPR Certification card, basic life support (BLS) Healthcare Provider Course; verification of receiving the Hepatitis B vaccination; tetanus; mumps, measles, and rubella (MMR); tuberculosis (TB) testing; and completed health examination form with clearance permitting unrestricted functional activities essential to providing dental hygiene care in accordance with the American Disabilities Act (1990). The CPR card must be kept current throughout the program. Failure to meet this deadline will result in forfeiting admission into the program.

Dental Hygiene Program Expenses/General Information:

(All expenses are approximate, not necessarily all-inclusive and are subject to change.)

1. Uniforms/scrubs/gowns: $100.00 for two years.
2. Books and supplies: $1,500 for two years.
3. Health examination/immunizations: $200-$300. Students selected for the program must have a completed health exam form which includes a clearance permitting unrestricted functional activities essential to providing dental hygiene care in accordance with the American Disabilities Act (1990). Selected laboratory work and immunizations must be repeated one year later.
4. Health Services fee: $14 per year.
5. Student Fees of $10 per year.  
6. Parking fee of $40 for each fall and spring semesters and $20 for the summer semester.
7. Enrollment fee of $20 per unit.
8. Students must have current CPR card (BLS Healthcare Provider Course). If the CPR card expires prior to completing the program, re-certification is required.
9. It is recommended that students carry personal health and accident insurance including hospitalization. Policies are available to students at reasonable rates.
10. Students must purchase a predetermined instrument and supplies issue. The issue is determined and assembled by the Dental Hygiene Program and will cost approximately $3,500 the first year and $500 the second year. Students must purchase by date provided by the program. See the Program Director for more information on the instrument and supplies issue.
11. Students must purchase clinical magnification glasses. The Dental Hygiene Program Director will arrange for manufacturers to come to RCC for the students to select the magnification glasses of their choice prior to the beginning of the first semester. These glasses will range from $400-800. See vendor for refund policy.
12. Malpractice insurance: $50 for two years.

Additional Information:
Applicants for licensure in the state of California must be fingerprinted, and report information related to the illegal use of controlled substances, and any convictions or pleas of nolo contendere even if the charges were dismissed. In addition, the application requires specific information related to convictions, misdemeanor or felony, associated with state or federal action. If there are any concerns that may prevent licensure after graduation, direct inquiries to the Dental Board of California, Committee on Dental Auxiliaries, 1428 Howe Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95825.

Bloodborne Pathogens Statement:
Dental health professionals may be exposed to contagious diseases therefore strict compliance with Center of Disease Control (CDC) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards are maintained. Policies on blood borne and infectious disease are available upon request from the Dental Hygiene Program.