Program Mapper: View course options for these programs, below.
- Associate of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene= 60 units (2 years*)
*After being admitted into the program and not including general education and program prerequisites.
Dental Hygiene Program Application Dates and Form
Dental Hygiene Application Information
Dental Hygiene Application Checklist
Build Your Future as a Dental Hygienist
Cypress College’s Dental Hygiene Program provides students with the knowledge, skills and values necessary to qualify for licensure as a Registered Dental Hygienist. This program also prepares students to take the National Board of Dental Hygiene Examiners written examination, the Western Regional Examining Board clinical examination, and the California Law and Ethics examination for licensure as a Registered Dental Hygienist.
The Cypress College Dental Hygiene program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.
Program Goals
The goal of the Cypress College Dental Hygiene Program is to provide the student with the educational opportunity to attain:
- dental hygiene process of care knowledge, skills and values
- a professional relationship with the community in which they serve
- a relationship amongst allied health care team
- professional knowledgeable of and compliance with OSHA, HIPAA, Law and Ethics, Dental Hygiene Board of California, and local regulatory guidelines
- professional sensitivity to the autonomy, beneficence, and nonmaleficence principles of ethical practice
Program Objectives
The goal of the Cypress College Dental Hygiene Program is to provide the student with the educational opportunity to attain:
- dental hygiene process of care knowledge, skills and values
- a professional relationship with the community in which they serve
- a relationship amongst allied health care team
- professional knowledgeable of and compliance with OSHA, HIPAA, Law and Ethics, Dental Hygiene Board of California, and local regulatory guidelines
- professional sensitivity to the autonomy, beneficence, and nonmaleficence principles of ethical practice
After completing this program, most students will be able to:
- Perform the dental hygiene process
- Understand diagnostic digital imaging and skills to interpret dental radiographs using DEXIS
- Prevent blood-borne diseases in compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Ohio State Dental Board (OSDB).
- Review patient health histories, noting contraindications and other health concerns as needed
- Perform intra/extraoral evaluation, periodontal assessment, treatment assessment, and CAMBRA
- Use gentle instrumentation for optimal removal of plaque, tartar, and bacteria above and below the gum line
- Treat gingivitis and periodontitis with advanced instrumentation skills using Air-Flow, cavitron, piezo, and hand scaling of periodontal patients
- Administer local anesthetic agents and nitrous oxide
- Perform whitening procedures and fabricate whitening trays
- Provide and adequately apply cavity prevention agents such as fluoride and sealants
- Instruct patients in personalized homecare techniques
- Utilize Dentrix software to set up appointments
Dental Hygiene students will participate in the Cypress College Dental Hygiene Clinic.
- The outcomes for the Dental Hygiene Program class of 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021:
- 100% pass rate for the National Board of Dental Hygiene Examination
- 100% pass rate for the Western Regional Examining Board
- 100% pass rate for California Law and Ethics Exam
Location
TE-3 Room 305
Health Science Division
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental Hygiene Associate in Science Degree
The degree typically takes two years, after being admitted into the program. This timeline does not include general education and program prerequisites.
The program is $46 per unit for California residents, not including books, fees, and supplies. Units vary by course, but the average is three units per course. The unit cost for the associate degree will vary depending upon the number of prerequisites needed. Most students also qualify for some form of financial aid.
Graduates find employment in private dental practice and dental specialties practice.
Program Coordinator
For the most up-to-date information on Requirements and Prerequisites, please refer to the Dental Hygiene Program Brochure.
