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Submitter's Information
Diane loera
Director
Los Angeles
Cerritos College
CTE Dean
Elizabeth Riley
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Program Details
DENTAL HYGIENE BACHELORS IN SCIENCE DEGREE
New Program
Dental Hygienist (124020)
08/18/25
A registered dental hygienist is a preventive oral health professional licensed in dental hygiene who provides educational, clinical, and therapeutic services supporting total health through the promotion of optimal oral health. They often work in collaboration with other health care providers combining knowledge of social, biomedical, and dental sciences to assist in this endeavor.
The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program is designed to graduate an individual competent in providing preventive, educational and therapeutic dental health services, encourage the development of ethical and moral values aligning with laws of the community, stimulate behavior founded in evidence-based decision-making, and foster a desire for life-long learning. Upon completion of the program, graduating students will receive a Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene and will qualify to take the National Dental Hygiene Board Examination and a Clinical Board Examination. Successful passage of the examinations qualifies the graduate to apply for dental hygiene licensure in the State of California. A Bachelor of Science degree in dental hygiene offers multiple career pathways in a variety of settings including but not limited to clinical dental hygiene practice, teaching, public health, administration, research, industrial organizations, as well as entry into graduate degree programs in multiple disciplines including a Master’s in Dental Hygiene, Public Health, etc.
Bachelor’s Degree Program Requirements:
The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene Program is a two-part program; two years of required prerequisite courses, then, following acceptance into the program, two years of upper division dental hygiene major and upper division general education courses which includes one summer session. The bachelor’s degree requires completion of one of the following general education patterns prior to admission into the program: the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the CSU General Education Breadth Requirements.
The acceptance of college work previously completed is at the discretion of Cerritos College and the Dental Hygiene Department. Factors such as elapsed time since the course was completed and grades will be used in determining whether a previously completed course can be accepted towards fulfillment of the graduation requirement. Five years is usually considered the maximum elapsed time.
It is the student’s responsibility to ensure the equivalency of prerequisites and other courses required in the program along with completion of IGETC or the CSU General Education Breadth requirement. The student must watch the application video found on the dental hygiene website for instructions regarding the dental hygiene application process.
A valid CPR certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) is required prior to enrolling in the Dental Hygiene Program and must be kept current. The requirement for CPR certification in Basic Life Support can be met by completion of either: an American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross (ARC) course in Basic Life Support or a Basic Life Support course taught by a provider approved by the American Dental Association’s Continuing Education Recognition program (CERP) or the Academy of General Dentistry’s Program Approval for Continuing Education (PACE).
Once enrolled into the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene Program, dental hygiene major curriculum is planned sequentially, and students are required to maintain a grade of “C” or higher in each dental hygiene and dental education course to progress in the program. Courses are designed to prepare the student to successfully complete program competencies. The program requires the student to take as many as seven courses during any one semester. Consequently, commitment to a rigorous study schedule is imperative. Grade requirements of the college must be met for all courses.
Program Goals:
The philosophy of the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene Degree Program was developed to reflect the philosophy of Cerritos College. The Dental Hygiene Department believes the program should provide opportunities for the student to reach her/his greatest potential in the profession of dental hygiene so she/he may achieve a sense of dignity, value, and personal worth in the community and in the world of work regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity.
The goals of the dental hygiene program are as follows:
i.To graduate an individual who is competent in providing preventive, educational, and therapeutic dental health services to diverse populations.
a. Graduates must be competent in providing dental hygiene care for the child, adolescent, adult, geriatric, and medically compromised patient.
b. Graduates must be competent in providing the dental hygiene process of care which includes assessment, dental hygiene diagnosis, planning,
implementation, evaluation, and documentation.
c. Graduates must be competent in providing dental hygiene care for all types of periodontal disease including patients who exhibit moderate to severe
periodontal disease.
d. Graduates must be competent in providing appropriate life support measures for medical emergencies that may be encountered in dental hygiene
practice.
e. Graduates will incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion into all aspects of patient care services.
ii. To instill within the student a philosophical appreciation of ethical and moral values suited to the laws of the community as outlined by governing bodies and
professional associations.
a. Graduates must be competent in applying ethical, legal, and regulatory concepts to the provision and/or support of oral health care services.
iii. To encourage the student to develop professional behavior that is founded in evidence-based decision making, self-directed learning, and self-assessment to
enhance professional competence.
a. Graduates must be competent in the application of self-assessment skills to prepare them for life-long learning.
b. Graduates must be competent in the evaluation of current scientific literature.
c. Graduates must be competent in problem solving strategies related to comprehensive patient care and management of patients.
iv. To defend the value of systemic health through oral health and the patient’s role as a co-therapist.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the dental hygiene program, graduates will:
- Display competency in providing preventive, educational, and therapeutic dental health services to diverse populations.
- Demonstrate a philosophical appreciation and practice of ethical and moral values suited to the laws of the community as outlined by governing bodies and professional associations.
- Exhibit professional behavior that is founded in evidence-based decision making, self-directed learning and self-assessment to enhance professional competence.
- Create and deliver health education programs to the community supporting total health through the promotion of optimal oral health.
- Defend the value of systemic health through oral health and the patient’s role as a co-therapist.
| Lower Division Required Courses (45 units) | UNITS |
|---|---|
| CHEM 100 Introductory Chemistry | 4 |
| ENGL 100 Freshman Composition | 4 |
| OR ENGL 100S Enhanced Freshman Composition | 4.5 |
| MATH 112 Elementary Statistics | 4 |
| OR MATH 112S Enhance Elementary Statistics | 4.5 |
| OR PSYC 210 Elementary Statistics | 4 |
| OR ECON 210 Applied Introductory Statistics for Economics | 4 |
| A&P 200 Human Anatomy | 5 |
| OR A&P 150 Introduction to Human Anatomy | 5 |
| READ 103 Critical Thinking and Academic Literacy | 3 |
| OR ENGL 103 Critical Thinking and Argumentative Writing | 4 |
| OR ENGL 110 Critical Thinking Through Literature | 4 |
| OR COMM 103 Argumentation, Persuasion, and Critical Thinking | 4 |
| OR PHIL 103 Philosophical Reasoning: Critical Thinking in Philosophy | 3 |
| OR PSYC 103 Critical Thinking in Psychology | 3 |
| COMM 100 Introduction to Communication Studies | 3 |
| OR COMM 120 Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| OR COM 130 Public Speaking | 3 |
| OR COMM 132 Small Group Communication | 3 |
| A&P 201 Human Physiology | 5 |
| OR A&P 151 Introduction to Human Physiology | 4 |
| PSYC 101 General Introductory Psychology | 3 |
| SOC 101 Introductory Sociology Principles | 3 |
| MICR 200 Principles and Applications of Microbiology | 5 |
| HO 152 Normal and Therapeutic Nutrition | 3 |
| HIST 102 Political and Social History of the United States: 1500S to 1876 | 3 |
| OR HIST 103 Political and Social History of the United States: 1877 to Present | 3 |
| Additional CSU GE or IGETC units | 9-12 |
| Total Units for LOWER Division | 54-57 |
*The core pre-requisites have a 5 year recency
| Upper Division GE and Major Courses Required Courses | Units |
|---|---|
| Semester One | |
| DH310 - Preventive Dentistry I | 2 |
| DH311 - Infection Control and Dental Office Emergencies | 2 |
| DH312 - Dental Hygiene Radiology | 2 |
| DH315 - Dental Hygiene Clinical Science I | 2 |
| DH315C - Pre-Clinical Dental Hygiene I | 2 |
| DH316 - Head and Neck Anatomy | 2 |
| DH319 - Dental Embryology, Histology & Anatomy | 2 |
| Subtotal | 14 |
| Semester Two | |
| DH320 - Preventive Dentistry II | 2 |
| DH325 - Dental Hygiene Clinical Science II | 2 |
| DH325C - Clinical Dental Hygiene II | 3 |
| DH326 - General and Oral Pathology | 3 |
| DH328 - Management of Pain | 2 |
| DH329 - Applied Periodontics | 2 |
| PHAR327 - Principles of Pharmacology | 3 |
| Subtotal | 17 |
| Summer | |
| DH350C - Clinical Dental Hygiene IA | 1 |
| COMM320 - Intercultural Communication: Contexts and Dialogue | 3 |
| Subtotal | 4 |
| Semester Three | |
| DH432L - Dental Materials and Expanded Function Laboratory | 3 |
| DH434 - Dental Care for Patients with Special Needs | 2 |
| DH435 - Dental Hygiene Science III | 2 |
| DH435C - Clinical Dental Hygiene III | 4 |
| DH438L - Community Outreach I | 2 |
| DH439 - Biostatistics and Research Methodology | 2 |
| Subtotal | 15 |
| Semester Four | |
| DH444 - Ethics, Law and Practice Management | 2 |
| DH445 - Dental Hygiene Clinical Science IV | 2 |
| DH445C - Clinical Dental Hygiene IV | 4 |
| DH448L - Community Outreach II | 2 |
| DH449 - Principles of Community Oral Health | 2 |
| PSYC410 - Advanced Statistics | 4 |
| Subtotal | 16 |
| Total Major Requirements | 66 |
*Additional units required for IGETC or CSU Breadth General Education Certification prior to admission: 9-12 units
3. Program Requirements includes course requirements and sequencing that reflect program goals. The GE pattern and the calculations used to reach the degree total must be shown following the program requirements table.
| Lower Division Required Courses (45 units) | UNITS |
|---|---|
| CHEM 100 Introductory Chemistry | 4 |
| ENGL 100 Freshman Composition | 4 |
| OR ENGL 100S Enhanced Freshman Composition | 4.5 |
| MATH 112 Elementary Statistics | 4 |
| OR MATH 112S Enhance Elementary Statistics | 4.5 |
| OR PSYC 210 Elementary Statistics | 4 |
| OR ECON 210 Applied Introductory Statistics for Economics | 4 |
| A&P 200 Human Anatomy | 5 |
| OR A&P 150 Introduction to Human Anatomy | 5 |
| READ 103 Critical Thinking and Academic Literacy | 3 |
| OR ENGL 103 Critical Thinking and Argumentative Writing | 4 |
| OR ENGL 110 Critical Thinking Through Literature | 4 |
| OR COMM 103 Argumentation, Persuasion, and Critical Thinking | 4 |
| OR PHIL 103 Philosophical Reasoning: Critical Thinking in Philosophy | 3 |
| OR PSYC 103 Critical Thinking in Psychology | 3 |
| COMM 100 Introduction to Communication Studies | 3 |
| OR COMM 120 Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| OR COM 130 Public Speaking | 3 |
| OR COMM 132 Small Group Communication | 3 |
| A&P 201 Human Physiology | 5 |
| OR A&P 151 Introduction to Human Physiology | 4 |
| PSY 101 General Introductory Psychology | 3 |
| SOC 101 Introductory Sociology Principles | 3 |
| MICR 200 Principles and Applications of Microbiology | 5 |
| HO 152 Normal and Therapeutic Nutrition | 3 |
| HIST 102 Political and Social History of the United States: 1500S to 1876 | 3 |
| OR HIST 103 Political and Social History of the United States: 1877 to Present | 3 |
| Additional CSU GE or IGETC units | 9-12 |
| Total Units for LOWER Division | 54-57 |
| Required Courses | Units |
|---|---|
| Semester One | |
| DH310 - Preventive Dentistry I | 2 |
| DH311 - Infection Control and Dental Office Emergencies | 2 |
| DH312 - Dental Hygiene Radiology | 2 |
| DH315 - Dental Hygiene Clinical Science I | 2 |
| DH315C - Pre-Clinical Dental Hygiene I | 2 |
| DH316 - Head and Neck Anatomy | 2 |
| DH319 - Dental Embryology, Histology & Anatomy | 2 |
| Subtotal | 14 |
| Semester Two | |
| DH320 - Preventive Dentistry II | 2 |
| DH325 - Dental Hygiene Clinical Science II | 2 |
| DH325C - Clinical Dental Hygiene II | 3 |
| DH326 - General and Oral Pathology | 3 |
| DH328 - Management of Pain | 2 |
| DH329 - Applied Periodontics | 2 |
| PHAR327 - Principles of Pharmacology | 3 |
| Subtotal | 17 |
| Summer | |
| DH350C - Clinical Dental Hygiene IA | 1 |
| COMM320 - Intercultural Communication: Contexts and Dialogue | 3 |
| Subtotal | 4 |
| Semester Three | |
| DH432L - Dental Materials and Expanded Function Laboratory | 3 |
| DH434 - Dental Care for Patients with Special Needs | 2 |
| DH435 - Dental Hygiene Science III | 2 |
| DH435C - Clinical Dental Hygiene III | 4 |
| DH438L - Community Outreach I | 2 |
| DH439 - Biostatistics and Research Methodology | 2 |
| Subtotal | 15 |
| Semester Four | |
| DH444 - Ethics, Law and Practice Management | 2 |
| DH445 - Dental Hygiene Clinical Science IV | 2 |
| DH445C - Clinical Dental Hygiene IV | 4 |
| DH448L - Community Outreach II | 2 |
| DH449 - Principles of Community Oral Health | 2 |
| PSYC410 - Advanced Statistics | 4 |
| Subtotal | 16 |
| Total Upper Division Major Requirements | 66 |
4. Master Planning – how it fits in the mission, curriculum, and master planning of the college and higher education in California
As the economy and workforce needs have evolved in the state of California, so has the need for an updated Master Plan for Higher Education in the state. Offering bachelor’s degree programs at community colleges is one way that the state has begun to address some of the more modern educational needs Californians face, moving from the original Master Plan’s differentiation of functions among the public postsecondary education segments, to the more blended approach proposed in the Governor’s 2019 report entitled, The Master Plan for Higher Education in California and State Workforce Needs: A REVIEW, which suggests “creating additional connections between the education that colleges and universities provide, the career goals of their students, and the needs of regional economies.” 9
As acknowledged in its Educational Master Plan, Cerritos College aims to ensure all of its educational programs are aligned with industry trends and labor market needs.8 Further, as noted in its Mission Statement, Cerritos College values its diverse student population and is committed to providing these students with high quality, comprehensive instructional programs and support services that improve student success and offer clear pathways to achieve personal, educational, and career goals.1 In doing so, the college develops in students the knowledge, skills, and values that prepare them to be productive participants in the global community.1
The Cerritos College Philosophy is to embrace community, diversity, innovation and active learning. The team at Cerritos College strives for high academic and ethical standards, as well as academic freedom; they believe in the worth and dignity of all of their learners. In educating, they consider the learner’s cognitive growth and emotional and physical well-being. The college prepares individuals for full participation in a complex democratic society as citizens and leaders, for the fulfillment of personal needs and for the future. As such, we believe that the purpose of education is to cultivate critical thinking skills and enhance the quality of life.
The College mission and philosophy aligns with the mission of the California Community Colleges to advance California’s economic growth and global competitiveness through education, training, and services that contribute to continuous workforce improvement.2
The goals of the proposed Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene Program were developed to mirror the Commission on Dental Accreditation standards and reflect the philosophy of Cerritos College and the California Community College system. They are in complete harmony. The Dental Hygiene Department believes that students should be provided opportunities to reach their greatest potential in the profession of dental hygiene so that they may achieve a sense of dignity, value and personal worth in the community and in the world of work regardless of age, gender or ethnicity.3 Specifically, the purpose of the Dental Hygiene Department is to successfully graduate an individual who is eligible to take and successfully pass the written Dental Hygiene National Board Examination and a regional clinical examination. The departments' focus is on student success through effective teaching practices, in both the didactic and clinical areas. We promote student engagement in the broader community through experiential activities and utilize current scientific knowledge to design and implement learning opportunities based on current professional trends. The department embraces community, diversity, innovation, and active learning.
Worldwide, advances in medical technologies and treatments have resulted in the ability of the individuals to live longer.4 As such, there is an increase in the number of individuals with multiple comorbidities requiring healthcare professionals with advanced skill sets to serve this population. In California, the geriatric population is estimated to increase 166% from 2010 to 2060 and in Los Angeles County this growth is estimated to be 171.3%.4
Currently, graduates of the associate degree program in Dental Hygiene at Cerritos College receive 120+ units of education upon completion of their respective program causing a significant delay in their ability to enter pathways that help to serve our aging population. These pathways included public health, research, corporate oral health industry, education, and numerous master’s degree programs. Consequently, more money is lost as these individuals pay more tuition and lose income in time spent completing additional units to satisfy a bachelor’s degree.
West LA College and Foothill College were previously accepted as pilot programs for the California Community College bachelor’s degree program which has aided in access to affordable bachelor’s degrees in dental hygiene for individuals of a lower socioeconomic status, however, due to enrollment limitations it is necessary to increase the number of affordable programs in our state. West LA college is the closest college to Cerritos with an affordable bachelor’s degree (approx. $10,000)5, however, due to enrollment limitation, access is restricted leaving the following options: Loma Linda University ($92,710)6, West Coast University ($127,106).7 These reported fees included tuition and fees. The proposed bachelor’s degree at Cerritos College would offer an additional opportunity to increase the number of affordable bachelor degrees awarded in Los Angeles County.
References
- Cerritos College. Mission statement. Accessed November 18, 2022. Available from: https://www.cerritos.edu/campus-guide/mission-statement.htm
- California Legislative Information. California law - education code. Accessed November 18, 2022. Available from: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=EDC§ionNum=66010.4
- Cerritos College. Dental hygiene - mission statement. Accessed November 18, 2022. Available from: https://www.cerritos.edu/dental-hygiene/dental-hygiene-mission-statement.htm
- World Health Organization. Aging and health. Accessed November 18, 2022. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ageing-and-health
- West Los Angeles. Bachelor degree dental hygiene program. Accessed November 18, 2022. Available from: https://www.wlac.edu/Dental/Bachelor-Dental-Hygiene.aspx
- Loma Linda University. Dental hygiene, BS. Accessed November 18, 2022. Available from: https://home.llu.edu/academics/programs/dental-hygiene-bs
- West Coast University. Bachelor of science in dental hygiene. Accessed November 18, 2022. Available from: https://westcoastuniversity.edu/programs/bachelor-science-dental-hygiene-orange-county
- Cerritos College. Educational Master Plan. Accessed January 3, 2023. Available from: https://www.cerritos.edu/president/educational-master-plan/default.htm
- Governor's Office of Planning and Research. The Master Plan for Higher Education in California and State Workforce Needs A REVIEW. Accessed January 3, 2023. Available from: https://opr.ca.gov/docs/20190808-Master_Plan_Report.pdf
5. Enrollment and Completer Projections – projection of number of students to earn degree annually
The Cerritos College Dental Hygiene Program traditionally accepts twenty-four students each Fall as dictated by approved enrollment capacity with accrediting agencies, the dental hygiene educational facilities on campus, and the county clinical facilities where students complete their clinical rotations. Currently, the Health Science building that houses the dental hygiene education facilities is undergoing an extensive remodel. The new building, scheduled to open late Fall 2024, will include state of the art instructional and dental equipment. The dental hygiene department has had some preliminary conversations with the Health Occupations Division dean on the logistics of increasing enrollment. Given the new Health Science building, and the support of our clinical partners, the dental hygiene department does hope to be able to increase enrollment in the future to help meet the demand for dental hygienists with bachelor’s degrees in the workforce.
Based on the application approval timeline for the second cycle of baccalaureate degree program applications, curriculum revision/development, curriculum committee approval, reporting substantive change to the Commission on Dental Accreditation and the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, we anticipate our first cohort of baccalaureate degree students to enter upper division major courses Fall of 2025. Table 1 includes the five-year projected enrollment, completion, and outcomes in the proposed baccalaureate degree program.
6. Place of Program in Curriculum/Similar Programs – how it fits in college’s existing program inventory
Founded in 1955, Cerritos College is one of the top community colleges in Los Angeles County offering comprehensive, high-quality, affordable education and career training. It is one of the five largest community colleges in Los Angeles County and sits on 135 acres located in the City of Norwalk. This makes the campus geographically convenient for students coming from Southeastern Los Angeles County and North Orange County. The district serves the cities of Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Hawaiian Gardens, Lakewood, La Mirada, Long Beach, Norwalk, Santa Fe Springs, and South Gate. An average of 22,000 students attend annually, and participate in over 180 areas of study and 87 degree and certificate programs.
The proposed Bachelor of Science program builds on an existing Gold Star Associate degree program in Dental Hygiene with consistently high completion and retention rates and a long-standing history in the community. Established in 1971, this program has reported success rates ranging from 87.59% - 99.81%, retention rates ranging from 96.26% - 100%, and a 99%+ national board exam pass rate in its 50+ years of existence. Cerritos College is home to numerous Career Technical Education certificate/degree programs and a successful Health Occupations Division offering its diverse group of students a variety of career pathways that help meet the needs of our evolving society. Dental Hygiene is one of many health occupations programs which prepares graduates with the skills necessary to enter and progress in high-demand, fast-growing, high-wage jobs in the healthcare industry. Other health occupations programs offered at Cerritos College include Medical Assisting, Speech/Language Pathology, Pharmacy Technology, Physical Therapy Assistant, Registered Nursing, Dental Assistant, Child Development, Culinary Arts.
While those accepted into the dental hygiene program have differing educational and career experiences, the proposed program will provide a natural pathway in baccalaureate studies for students who have completed the Dental Assisting program and received their Dental Assisting Certificate of Achievement. In fact, in the American Dental Associations 2019-20 Survey of Allied Dental Education, 21% of dental assistants move forward in pursuing a dental hygiene degree.1 Additionally, the proposed baccalaureate program will create pathways for graduates to gain entry in graduate degree programs including those in dental hygiene, public health, oral biology, or dental school.
7. Similar Programs at Other Colleges in Service Area – justification of need for program in the region
Currently, three private universities, Loma Linda University, West Coast University, and University of the Pacific offer a baccalaureate degree in dental hygiene at high costs. West Los Angeles and Foothill Colleges offer affordable baccalaureate degree options in dental hygiene.
The Cerritos College Dental Hygiene Program traditionally accepts twenty-four students each Fall as dictated by approved enrollment capacity with accrediting agencies, the dental hygiene educational facilities on campus, and the county clinical facilities where students complete their clinical rotations. Currently, the Health Science building that houses the dental hygiene education facilities is undergoing an extensive remodel. The new building, scheduled to open late Fall 2024, will include state of the art instructional and dental equipment. The dental hygiene department has had some preliminary conversations with the Health Occupations Division dean on the logistics of increasing enrollment. Given the new Health Science building, and the support of our clinical partners, the dental hygiene department does hope to be able to increase enrollment in the future to help meet the demand for dental hygienists with bachelor’s degrees in the workforce.
Based on the application approval timeline for the second cycle of baccalaureate degree program applications, curriculum revision/development, curriculum committee approval, reporting substantive change to the Commission on Dental Accreditation and the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, we anticipate our first cohort of baccalaureate degree students to enter upper division major courses Fall of 2025. Table 1 includes the five-year projected enrollment, completion, and outcomes in the proposed baccalaureate degree program.
Table 1: Five-year projected enrollment, completer, and outcomes
| Cohort Start and End Dates+ | Number Enrolled | Number Complete* | National/State Board Pass Rate* | Running Totals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 - Spring 2027 | 24 | 21 | 21 | 21 |
| Fall 2026 - Spring 2028 | 24 | 21 | 21 | 42 |
| Fall 2027 - Spring 2029 | 24 | 21 | 21 | 63 |
| Fall 2028 - Spring 2030 | 24 | 21 | 21 | 84 |
| Fall 2029 - Spring 2031 | 24 | 21 | 21 | 105 |
+ Each cohort = 4 semesters
*Based on year historical data related to completion and pass rates
Program Proposal Attributes
- A.S. Degree (S)
Program Goals:
The philosophy of the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene Degree Program was developed to reflect the philosophy of Cerritos College. The Dental Hygiene Department believes the program should provide opportunities for the student to reach her/his greatest potential in the profession of dental hygiene so she/he may achieve a sense of dignity, value, and personal worth in the community and in the world of work regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity.
The goals of the dental hygiene program are as follows:
i.To graduate an individual who is competent in providing preventive, educational, and therapeutic dental health services to diverse populations.
a. Graduates must be competent in providing dental hygiene care for the child, adolescent, adult, geriatric, and medically compromised patient.
b. Graduates must be competent in providing the dental hygiene process of care which includes assessment, dental hygiene diagnosis, planning,
implementation, evaluation, and documentation.
c. Graduates must be competent in providing dental hygiene care for all types of periodontal disease including patients who exhibit moderate to severe
periodontal disease.
d. Graduates must be competent in providing appropriate life support measures for medical emergencies that may be encountered in dental hygiene
practice.
e. Graduates will incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion into all aspects of patient care services.
ii. To instill within the student a philosophical appreciation of ethical and moral values suited to the laws of the community as outlined by governing bodies and
professional associations.
a. Graduates must be competent in applying ethical, legal, and regulatory concepts to the provision and/or support of oral health care services.
iii. To encourage the student to develop professional behavior that is founded in evidence-based decision making, self-directed learning, and self-assessment to
enhance professional competence.
a. Graduates must be competent in the application of self-assessment skills to prepare them for life-long learning.
b. Graduates must be competent in the evaluation of current scientific literature.
c. Graduates must be competent in problem solving strategies related to comprehensive patient care and management of patients.
iv. To defend the value of systemic health through oral health and the patient’s role as a co-therapist.
Course Units and Hours
n/a
120-123
120-123
Course Report
Program Requirements
Upper Division Required Courses (Total 66)Complete all of the following
DH310 - Preventive Dentistry I 2
DH311 - Infection Control and Dental Office Emergencies 2
DH312 - Dental Hygiene Radiology 2
DH315 - Dental Hygiene Clinical Science I 2
DH315C - Pre-Clinical Dental Hygiene I 2
DH316 - Head and Neck Anatomy 2
DH319 - Dental Embryology, Histology & Anatomy 2
DH320 - Preventive Dentistry II 2
DH325 - Dental Hygiene Clinical Science II 2
DH325C - Clinical Dental Hygiene II 3
DH326 - General and Oral Pathology 3
DH328 - Management of Pain 2
DH329 - Applied Periodontics 2
PHAR327 - Principles of Pharmacology 3
DH350C - Clinical Dental Hygiene IA 1
COMM320 - Intercultural Communication: Contexts and Dialogue 3
DH432L - Dental Materials and Expanded Function Laboratory 3
DH434 - Dental Care for Patients with Special Needs 2
DH435 - Dental Hygiene Clinical Science III 2
DH435C - Clinical Dental Hygiene III 4
DH438L - Community Outreach I 2
DH439 - Biostatistics and Research Methodology 2
DH444 - Ethics, Law and Practice Management 2
DH445 - Dental Hygiene Clinical Science IV 2
DH445C - Clinical Dental Hygiene IV 4
DH448L - Community Outreach II 2
DH449 - Principles of Community Oral Health 2
PSYC410 - Advanced Statistics 4
Program Narrative
1. Statement of Program Goals and Objectives – must address a valid workforce preparation purpose and may address transfer preparation, and include Program SLOs.
The philosophy of the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene Degree Program was developed to reflect the philosophy of Cerritos College. The Dental Hygiene Department believes the program should provide opportunities for the student to reach her/his greatest potential in the profession of dental hygiene so she/he may achieve a sense of dignity, value, and personal worth in the community and in the world of work regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity.
The goals of the dental hygiene program are as follows:
- To graduate an individual who is competent in providing preventive, educational, and therapeutic dental health services to diverse populations.
- Graduates must be competent in providing dental hygiene care for the child, adolescent, adult, geriatric, and medically compromised patient.
- Graduates must be competent in providing the dental hygiene process of care which includes assessment, dental hygiene diagnosis, planning, implementation, evaluation, and documentation.
- Graduates must be competent in providing dental hygiene care for all types of periodontal disease including patients who exhibit moderate to severe periodontal disease.
- Graduates must be competent in providing appropriate life support measures for medical emergencies that may be encountered in dental hygiene practice.
- Graduates will incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion into all aspects of patient care services.
- To instill within the student a philosophical appreciation of ethical and moral values suited to the laws of the community as outlined by governing bodies and professional associations.
- Graduates must be competent in applying ethical, legal, and regulatory concepts to the provision and/or support of oral health care services.
- To encourage the student to develop professional behavior that is founded in evidence-based decision making, self-directed learning, and self-assessment to enhance professional competence.
- Graduates must be competent in the application of self-assessment skills to prepare them for life-long learning.
- Graduates must be competent in the evaluation of current scientific literature.
- Graduates must be competent in problem solving strategies related to comprehensive patient care and management of patients.
- To graduate an individual who is competent in the creation and delivery of health education programs to the community supporting total health through the promotion of optimal oral health. Graduates must be competent in interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with diverse population groups.
- Graduates must be competent in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating community-based oral health programs including health promotion and disease prevention activities.
- To defend the value of systemic health through oral health and the patient’s role as a co-therapist.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the dental hygiene program, graduates will:
- Display competency in providing preventive, educational, and therapeutic dental health services to diverse populations.
- Demonstrate a philosophical appreciation and practice of ethical and moral values suited to the laws of the community as outlined by governing bodies and professional associations.
- Exhibit professional behavior that is founded in evidence-based decision making, self-directed learning and self-assessment to enhance professional competence.
- Create and deliver health education programs to the community supporting total health through the promotion of optimal oral health.
- Defend the value of systemic health through oral health and the patient’s role as a co-therapist.
Program Requirements includes course requirements and sequencing that reflect program goals. The GE pattern and the calculations used to reach the degree total must be shown following the program requirements table.
| Lower Division Required Courses (45 units) | UNITS |
|---|---|
| CHEM 100 Introductory Chemistry | 4 |
| ENGL 100 Freshman Composition | 4 |
| OR ENGL 100S Enhanced Freshman Composition | 4.5 |
| MATH 112 Elementary Statistics | 4 |
| OR MATH 112S Enhance Elementary Statistics | 4.5 |
| OR PSYC 210 Elementary Statistics | 4 |
| OR ECON 210 Applied Introductory Statistics for Economics | 4 |
| A&P 200 Human Anatomy | 5 |
| OR A&P 150 Introduction to Human Anatomy | 5 |
| READ 103 Critical Thinking and Academic Literacy | 3 |
| OR ENGL 103 Critical Thinking and Argumentative Writing | 4 |
| OR ENGL 110 Critical Thinking Through Literature | 4 |
| OR COMM 103 Argumentation, Persuasion, and Critical Thinking | 4 |
| OR PHIL 103 Philosophical Reasoning: Critical Thinking in Philosophy | 3 |
| OR PSYC 103 Critical Thinking in Psychology | 3 |
| COMM 100 Introduction to Communication Studies | 3 |
| OR COMM 120 Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| OR COM 130 Public Speaking | 3 |
| OR COMM 132 Small Group Communication | 3 |
| A&P 201 Human Physiology | 5 |
| OR A&P 151 Introduction to Human Physiology | 4 |
| PSY 101 General Introductory Psychology | 3 |
| SOC 101 Introductory Sociology Principles | 3 |
| MICR 200 Principles and Applications of Microbiology | 5 |
| HO 152 Normal and Therapeutic Nutrition | 3 |
| HIST 102 Political and Social History of the United States: 1500S to 1876 | 3 |
| OR HIST 103 Political and Social History of the United States: 1877 to Present | 3 |
| Additional CSU GE or IGETC units | 9-12 |
| Total Units for LOWER Division | 54-57 |
| Required Courses | Units |
|---|---|
| Semester One | |
| DH310 - Preventive Dentistry I | 2 |
| DH311 - Infection Control and Dental Office Emergencies | 2 |
| DH312 - Dental Hygiene Radiology | 2 |
| DH315 - Dental Hygiene Clinical Science I | 2 |
| DH315C - Pre-Clinical Dental Hygiene I | 2 |
| DH316 - Head and Neck Anatomy | 2 |
| DH319 - Dental Embryology, Histology & Anatomy | 2 |
| Subtotal | 14 |
| Semester Two | |
| DH320 - Preventive Dentistry II | 2 |
| DH325 - Dental Hygiene Clinical Science II | 2 |
| DH325C - Clinical Dental Hygiene II | 3 |
| DH326 - General and Oral Pathology | 3 |
| DH328 - Management of Pain | 2 |
| DH329 - Applied Periodontics | 2 |
| PHAR327 - Principles of Pharmacology | 3 |
| Subtotal | 17 |
| Summer | |
| DH350C - Clinical Dental Hygiene IA | 1 |
| COMM320 - Intercultural Communication: Contexts and Dialogue | 3 |
| Subtotal | 4 |
| Semester Three | |
| DH432L - Dental Materials and Expanded Function Laboratory | 3 |
| DH434 - Dental Care for Patients with Special Needs | 2 |
| DH435 - Dental Hygiene Science III | 2 |
| DH435C - Clinical Dental Hygiene III | 4 |
| DH438L - Community Outreach I | 2 |
| DH439 - Biostatistics and Research Methodology | 2 |
| Subtotal | 15 |
| Semester Four | |
| DH444 - Ethics, Law and Practice Management | 2 |
| DH445 - Dental Hygiene Clinical Science IV | 2 |
| DH445C - Clinical Dental Hygiene IV | 4 |
| DH448L - Community Outreach II | 2 |
| DH449 - Principles of Community Oral Health | 2 |
| PSYC410 - Advanced Statistics | 4 |
| Subtotal | 16 |
| Total Upper Division Major Requirements | 66 |
| Course | Title | Units | Year/Semester (Y1/ S1) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semester One DH 310 | Preventive Dentistry I | 2 | Y1 |
| DH 311 | Infection Control and Dental Office Emergencies | 2 | Y1 |
| DH 312 | Dental Hygiene Radiology | 2 | Y1 |
| DH 315 | Dental Hygiene Clinical Science I | 2 | Y1 |
| DH 315C DH 316 DH 119 | Pre-Clinical Dental Hygiene I Head and Neck Anatomy Dental Embryology, Histology & Anatomy | 2 2 2 | Y1 Y1 Y1 |
| Course | Title | Units | Year/Semester (Y1/S2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semester Two DH320 | Preventive Dentistry II | 2 | Y1/S2 |
| DH325 | Dental Hygiene Clinical Science II | 2 | Y1/S2 |
| DH325C | Clinical Dental Hygiene II | 3 | Y1/S2 |
| DH326 DH328 DH329 PHAR327 | General and Oral Pathology Management of Pain Applied Periodontics Principles of Pharmacology | 3 2 2 3 | Y1/S2 Y1/S2 Y1/S2 Y1/S2 |
| Course | Title | Units | Year/Semester Summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| DH350C | Clinical Dental Hygiene IA 1 | 1 | Summer |
| COMM320 | Intercultural Communication: Contexts and Dialogue | 3 | Summer |
| Course | Title | Units | Year/Semester (Y2/S3) |
|---|---|---|---|
| DH432L | Dental Materials and Expanded Function Laboratory | 3 | Y2/S3 |
| DH434 | Dental Care for Patients with Special Needs | 2 | Y2/S3 |
| DH435 DH435C DH438L DH439 | Dental Hygiene Science III Clinical Dental Hygiene III Community Outreach I Biostatistics and Research Methodology | 2 4 2 2 | Y2/S3 Y2/S3 Y2/S3 Y2/S3 |
| Course | Title | Units | Year/Semester (Y2/S1) |
|---|---|---|---|
| DH 444 DH445 DH445C DH448L DH449 PSYC410 | Ethics, Law and Practice Management Dental Hygiene Clinical Science IV Dental Hygiene Clinical Science IV Community Outreach II Principles of Community Oral HealtH Advanced Statistics | 2 2 2 2 2 4 | Y2/S4 Y2/S4 Y2/S4 Y2/S4 Y2/S4 Y2/S4 |
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