collageYou can become a full-time hygienist and a part of an interesting and expanding career field in just 12 months. A job as a dental hygienist will allow you to serve people and make a difference every day — and we’ll help you get started at a reasonable price. In California, you can get an associate of science degree in dental hygiene in around 16 months and then sit for the National Board written test and a State/Regional Clinical Board exam to become a Registered Dental Hygienist.
Get more information regarding Dental Hygienist School San Diego, dental hygienist school california, dental hygienist school requirements, dental hygienist san diego salary & sdsu dental hygiene program.
Dental Hygienist School San Diego
It could be really hard looking for a top-notch dental hygienist programs San Diego especially for people who are interested in schooling and are thinking of college in the area of dentition. There are also SDSU dental hygiene program in San Diego for people who want to be assistants and are looking in more of the practical than the theory aspect. People search about dental hygienist school San Diego and the answers they get aren’t satisfactory enough. Worry not because Collegelearners has answers to all questions relating to dental hygiene schools in San Diego.
Dental Hygienist School California
Learn about dental programs in the San Diego, CA, area. Get information about degrees available and admission and program requirements to make an informed decision about your education.
Undergraduate and graduate level degree programs are available in the dental field from several institutions in the San Diego, CA, area.
Dental Hygiene Bachelor Degree Online
There are a variety of dental programs in the San Diego area; career options range from dental assistant to dental hygienist to dentist. Regardless of level, these programs combine classroom and clinical training, and they also prepare graduates for professional licensing or certification exams. Dental assisting certificate programs may require background checks and fingerprinting; associate’s degree programs in dental hygiene may require prerequisite math and science coursework; and post baccalaureate dentistry programs may require completion of a relevant undergraduate curriculum and professional observation. Read on to learn more about your dental program options below.
Dental Hygienist School San Diego
In two years, a dental hygiene program can be completed. A minimum of math and science studies at the high school or college level are common prerequisites. Students learn in the classroom and in the dental lab. Professional license exams are developed for graduates of various community college programs. Continue reading to find out more about dental hygiene programs in San Diego.
Cypress College
The dental hygiene program at Cypress College is accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA) and can prepare you for the California state licensing examination. Your curriculum might include topics like dental anatomy, dental anesthesiology, oral embryology and patient assessment. You could gain practical experience with dental cleanings, fluoride applications and sealants at the school’s on-campus dental clinic.
- Program Name: Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene
- Program Length: Two years
- Tuition and Fees: $1,140 per year for CA residents; $6,158 per year for non-residents (2018-2019)
- Prerequisites: High school diploma, four science courses, three general education courses, minimum 2.5 GPA for all college coursework
- Requirements: Demonstration of good physical and mental health
- School Type: 2-year, public; 15,794 students (all undergraduate)
Southwestern College
This school’s 2-year dental hygiene associate’s program admits 36 students annually and teaches preventative, therapeutic and restorative techniques in dental care. While enrolled, you’ll engage in a combination of classroom learning and laboratory practice. Topics you may study include oral histology, pathology, dental radiography and dental ethics. You’ll learn professional skills under the supervision of dentists and registered dental hygienists at the National City Higher Education Center, Southwestern College’s dental hygiene clinic.
- Program Name: Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene
- Program Length: Two years
- Tuition and Fees: $1,338 per year for CA residents; $6,602 per year for non-residents (2018-2019)
- Prerequisites: Completion of 37 units of prerequisite coursework at the college level, including anatomy, physiology, chemistry, microbiology, nutrition and sociology
- Requirements: Demonstration of reading proficiency
- School Type: 2-year, public; 18,569 students (all undergraduate)
Dental Certificate Programs in the San Diego Area
San Diego Mesa College
The dental assisting certificate program at San Diego Mesa College offers instruction in areas such as chair-side assisting, equipment operation and instrument sterilization, as well as business management in a clinical setting. In addition to the Certificate of Achievement, upon completion of the program you are granted a performance certificate indicating your capacity to utilize dental X-ray equipment in California. You can also expect to receive preparation for state and national dental assisting exams, should you want to become licensed or practice in another state upon graduation.
- Program Name: Certificate of Achievement in Dental Assisting
- Program Length: 2 semesters
- Tuition and Fees: $1,142 per year for CA residents; $4,670 per year for non-residents (2015-2016)
- Prerequisites: Dental communications course (offered summers only)
- Requirements: Background check and fingerprinting for entry into clinical practicum portion of program
- School Type: 2-year, public; 24,159 students (all undergraduate)
Palomar College
Palomar College is located about 30 miles north of San Diego in San Marcos, which has a population of about 80,000. In Palomar’s dental assisting certificate program, you are required to achieve at least a C in every course, and your hands-on clinical performance are relevant in your grade administration. This program offers coursework in topics such as managing a practice, radiography and preventative dentistry, as well as written composition and communications.
- Program Name: Registered Dental Assisting Certificate
- Program Length: 2 semesters
- Tuition and Fees: $1,338 per year for CA residents; $7,078 per year for non-residents (2015-2016)
- Prerequisites: Completion of required English course and two specified dental courses
- Requirements: Attendance at program orientation, very good vision and hearing, CPR certification, at least 18 years of age
- School Type: 2-year public, 24,914 students (all undergraduate)
Dental Associate Degree Programs in the San Diego Area
San Diego Mesa College
San Diego Mesa College also offers an associate degree in dental assisting. The AS in Dental Assisting program comprises all the requirements of the certificate program, plus additional elective and general education units for a total of 60 units (the required amount to acquire an associate degree). In both programs, you are required to undergo hands-on clinical classes that include upholding the safety and ethics codes of the facility where you’re practicing.
- Program Name: Associate in Science in Dental Assisting
- Program Length: 2 years, full-time
- Tuition and Fees: $1,142 per year for CA residents; $4,670 per year for non-residents (2015-2016)
- Prerequisites: Dental communications course (offered summers only)
- Requirements: Background check and fingerprinting for entry into clinical practicum portion of program
- School Type: 2-year, public; 24,159 students (all undergraduate)
Southwestern College
While Southwestern College’s main campus is located in Chula Vista, the dental hygiene program takes place in National City, which is about five miles south of San Diego along the California coast. This program begins each fall and includes instruction in infection control, dental health in a community context, periodontics and control of pain. You’ll also have the opportunity to perform professional dental services (under the supervision of dentists or registered dental hygienists) for the public at the school’s Dental Hygiene Clinic.
- Program Name: Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene
- Program Length: 2 years, full-time
- Tuition and Fees: $1,336 per year for CA residents; $5,452 per year for non-residents (2015-2016)
- Prerequisites: Completion of specified courses in chemistry, biology, communications, English, social sciences and health; grade point average of at least 2.70 in science courses
- Requirements: CPR certification; proof of immunizations for rubeola and rubella, hepatitis B, varicella; screening for tuberculosis; physical exam
- School Type: 2-year, public; 19,000 students (all undergraduate)
Dentistry Program Close to the San Diego Region
Loma Linda University
Loma Linda University is the nearest school to the San Diego area where you can earn a DDS, the degree required to obtain licensure to practice as a dentist. The school is located in Loma Linda, which is approximately 100 miles north of San Diego. While a baccalaureate degree is not required for admission to the dental program, candidates who have one are given preference in admissions decisions. In addition to the required coursework in the subjects listed above, the dental school recommends taking courses in subjects such as mathematics, histology, microbiology and art, among others. Loma Linda’s dentistry program includes ample opportunities for you to practice providing direct dental care to patients.
- Program Name: Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
- Specialization Areas: Maxillofacial and oral surgery, orthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, pediatric dentistry, oral pathology, prosthodontics
- Program Length: 4 years, full-time
- Tuition and Fees: $27,180 per year (2015-2016)
- Prerequisites: One year of academic and laboratory instruction in general chemistry, general physics, English literature and composition, biology (or zoology) and organic chemistry; one semester of biochemistry
- Requirements: 144 units of college coursework with at least a C grade, written and verbal English capacities, at least 20 hours of professional dental observation, three reference letters
- School Type: 4-year, private not-for-profit; 4,600 students (1,189 undergraduate)
Students near San Diego, CA, can choose from several institutions for their certificate or associate degree in the dental field, or can pursue their Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) at Loma Linda University.
Dental hygienist san diego salary
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $99,136 | $8,261 | $1,906 | $48 |
| 75th Percentile | $86,872 | $7,239 | $1,670 | $42 |
| Average | $70,312 | $5,859 | $1,352 | $34 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,942 | $5,578 | $1,287 | $32 |
How much does a Dental Hygienist make in San Diego, California?
As of Jul 25, 2021, the average annual pay for a Dental Hygienist in San Diego is $70,313 an year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $33.80 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,352/week or $5,859/month.
While seeing salaries as high as $103,735 and as low as $41,903, the majority of Dental Hygienist salaries currently range between $66,942 (25th percentile) to $86,872 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $99,136 annually in San Diego.
The average pay range for a Dental Hygienist varies greatly (as much as $19,930), which suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay based on skill level, location and years of experience.
dental hygienist school requirements
Poets may consider the eyes the window to the soul, but medical professionals know your mouth offers many clues about your overall health. For example, your teeth and gums can point to issues with your heart, like cardiovascular disease and endocarditis.
Problems like cavities and gum disease can also impact worker productivity. The Centers for Disease Control estimates untreated oral disease results in $45 billion in lost productivity each year — it’s hard to concentrate and be productive if you have a toothache.
Dental hygienists play a critical role in helping people maintain strong teeth and healthy gums. The hygienist sees patients at their twice-yearly teeth cleanings. These professionals work under the supervision of a dentist and provide clinical care to patients. They remove plaque and tartar from teeth, take X-rays, and look for cavities and other signs of oral disease.
What Are the Requirements to Become a Dental Hygienist?
Attending an accredited college program is the first step to becoming a dental hygienist. The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) accredits dental programs, ensuring programs offer relevant and rigorous training applicable to aspiring dental hygienists.
CODA accredits three types of dental hygienist training programs: entry-level, degree completion, and graduate programs. Entry-level programs, designed for individuals with no prior education or experience in dental hygiene, include both associate and bachelor’s programs.
Degree completion programs allow licensed dental hygienists to further their education, while graduate programs in dental hygiene often prepare undergraduate degree-holders for careers in teaching, research, or administration.
Although specific requirements vary by state, most states require graduates of accredited programs to pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and complete state or regional clinical board exams. Check with your state’s dental hygiene or dental regulatory board for other requirements, such as background checks and licensing fees.
Most states also require dental hygienists to continue learning after they start working. License renewal often requires practitioners to complete professional development courses or programs.
Other dental hygiene skills are physical stamina and dexterity. “The repetitive nature of the work can be physically demanding on the upper body, particularly the arms and hands,” says Christine Songco — a registered dental hygienist in California. Nonetheless, Songco and many of her peers enjoy the work. “There are numerous dental hygienists who make the practice a lifelong career,” she says.
What Degree Do You Need to Be a Dental Hygienist?
You can choose between an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene. Both offer the training you need to become a licensed dental hygienist. A bachelor’s degree may better serve individuals interested in administrative or research roles or those who might want to continue their education and earn a graduate degree later on.
Whichever degree you choose, expect to take classes in anatomy and physiology, chemistry, and microbiology. These courses help build the critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for this career, and they also provide a foundation for specialized dental courses.
To pursue a career as a dental hygienist, you need an associate or bachelor’s degree and a state-issued license.
You will also take courses in dental radiography, dental science, and dental hygiene as you prepare for clinical rotations. You will learn about the mouth and jaw structure, using hygienist tools, caring for oral prosthetics, and techniques for patient management.
As part of your degree program, expect to complete somewhere in the range of 550-700 hours of clinical work. Clinical work allows students to quickly put their new skills and knowledge to use in a real-world setting. Many schools offer dental clinics where students can access low-cost oral exams and cleanings. Clinical experience may be gained at these on-campus dental clinics, public health facilities, or private dental offices.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Dental Hygienist?
The time necessary to complete your dental hygienist training depends on the degree path you choose.
Earning an associate degree in dental hygiene typically requires 2-3 years. According to the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), these associate degrees require an average of 84 credits. A bachelor’s degree usually requires four years to complete, featuring around 120 credits. The credit requirements for a bachelor’s include general education courses in subjects such as English, math, and history.
Nationally, students can choose from around 327 entry-level dental hygiene programs. Programs often cap the number of students accepted each term. Many schools use a competitive admissions process for acceptance into dental hygiene programs. You will likely need a high school diploma, college entrance test scores, and letters of recommendation when applying to a program.
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