Program Overview
SJVC's Dental Hygiene Program prepares students to work as a registered dental hygienist. Students will learn to perform clinical exams, remove plaque and calculus from the teeth, process x-rays, and administer local anesthetics. Graduates will also be equipped to provide compassionate patient care as it pertains to their position in the dental health field.
Learn
- Oral biology & radiology
- Head & neck anatomy
- Dental health education
- Pharmacology
- Pathology & periodontology
- Practice management
Students receive extensive clinical training in an on-site facility, to gain real-world professional experience.
The clinic on the Rancho Cucamonga campus is open Mondays from 1pm - 5pm, Tuesdays from 8am - 12pm and 1pm - 5pm, Wednesdays from 8am-12pm, and Thursdays 8am- 12pm and 1pm-5pm.
The clinic on the Visalia campus is open (alternating hours of operation) Mondays & Wednesdays 1pm -5pm and Thursdays 8am to 12pm or Tuesdays 8am to 12pm & 1pm to 5pm and Wednesdays 8am to 12pm.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and have completed the necessary prerequisite courses with a GPA of 2.75 or higher at a regionally accredited college or university:*
- General/Inorganic Chemistry (with lab) – CAN 6
- Organic/Biochemistry (with lab) – CAN 8
- General Microbiology (with lab) – CAN 14
- Human Anatomy (with lab) – CAN 10
- Human Physiology (with lab) – CAN 12
- Writing and Composition – CAN 2
- Speech/Oral Communication – CAN 4
- General Psychology – CAN 2
- Introduction to Sociology – CAN 2
- College Level Math
*Science courses must have been completed within the past seven (7) years. Each applicant will be evaluated on an individual basis. Where applicable, it is recommended to use the California Articulation Numbers (CAN) as listed in California Community College catalogs. For more information on general education courses from other institutions, visit www.collegeboard.com
Applicants must also meet the
technical standards to be considered for the program. Technical standards provide a reference against which candidates for enrollment to the program are evaluated by the Admissions Committee in the selection of students for the DH program.
Application Process
The application process for the DH Program is highly selective. The most qualified applicants meeting the prerequisites and minimum requirements will be selected using points earned from:
- Accuplacer, to be administered during the application process
- Postsecondary education (Attainment, GPA)
- Healthcare work experience
- Application panel interview
Applicants with the highest number of points will be selected for available seats with five alternates for each student cohort.
To begin the application process,
click here to view the application and necessary admissions forms.
Official transcripts from all regionally accredited institutions attended must be included with the application. Transcripts of all completed prerequisite courses must be sent to SJVC by the application deadline.
Click here for information on Foreign Institutions
Applicants who have completed coursework outside of the United States must have their transcripts evaluated by the International Education Research Foundation, Inc. (IERF) or equivalent organization. An official copy of the Academic Detailed Report from IERF or an equivalent organization must be included with the application. All applicants must include course descriptions of prerequisite coursework in the application packet.
A two page written personal statement explaining why the applicant wants to become a dental hygienist must also be submitted with the application, along with two letters of recommendations from individuals knowledgeable of and able to evaluate applicant's potential to complete a course of study in dental hygiene.
Qualified candidates will be considered for invitation to interview with the selection committee.
For additional information regarding the application, please contact the DH Admissions Advisor at a campus near you:
Academic Information
The program is 16 months in length ( 4 15-week terms), and the classes meet Monday – Thursday, 8:00am – 5:00pm, Fridays as needed. While enrolled in the Dental Hygiene program, it is recommended that students should not work. No special concessions are granted for working students.
Graduates earn an Associate of Science degree and are eligible to take the National Board written examination and a State and/or Regional Board Examination for licensure as a Registered Dental Hygienist.
Click here for course listing
Program Start Dates
| Rancho Cucamonga |
Visalia |
| Cohort Start |
App Deadline |
Cohort Start |
App Deadline |
| Feb 7, 2011 |
Nov 15, 2010 |
Oct 4, 2010 |
Jun 15, 2010 |
| Oct 3, 2011 |
Jun 15, 2011 |
Jun 6, 2011 |
Mar 15, 2011 |
| Jun 4, 2012 |
Mar 15, 2012 |
Feb 6, 2012 |
Nov 15, 2011 |
| Feb 11, 2013 |
Nov 15, 2012 |
Oct 1, 2012 |
Jun 15, 2012 |
| Oct 7, 2013 |
Jun 15, 2013 |
Jun 10, 2013 |
Mar 15, 2013 |
Accreditation
San Joaquin Valley College's Dental Hygiene program is accredited by The American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation.
San Joaquin Valley College is regionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (
WASC), an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education.
Program Outcomes
Graduates earn an Associate of Science degree and are eligible to take the National Board written examination and a State and/or Regional Board Examination for licensure as a Registered Dental Hygienist.
Upon completion of the program, graduates will also be prepared to work in private dental offices and enjoy a high salary, flexible hours, a professional work environment and job security. Other career opportunities include working in public health agencies, clinics and nursing home facilities, as well as pharmaceutical or dental supply sales or education.
Board Passing Rates
Students in the DH Program must take licensure exams in order to be registered to practice as a dental hygienist in California. Here are the pass rates for SJVC DH students for the national and state board examinations.
| NATIONAL BOARD DENTAL HYGIENE EXAMINATION |
| Campus Location |
Grad Date |
Class |
Exam |
Passed |
Pass Rate |
| Ranch Cucamonga |
Jan 2007 |
30 |
30 |
28 |
93% |
| Visalia |
May 2007 |
30 |
30 |
29 |
97% |
| Rancho Cucamonga |
Sep 2007 |
30 |
30 |
30 |
100% |
| Visalia |
Jan 2008 |
30 |
29 |
29 |
100% |
| Rancho Cucamonga |
May 2008 |
30 |
29 |
29 |
100% |
| Visalia |
Sep 2008 |
30 |
30 |
29 |
97% |
| Rancho Cucamonga |
Jan 2009 |
30 |
29 |
29 |
100% |
| Visalia |
May 2009 |
30 |
28 |
28 |
100% |
| Rancho Cucamonga |
Sep 2009 |
30 |
30 |
29 |
97% |
| Overall Average To Date |
98.8% |
| CALIFORNIA STATE BOARD DENTAL HYGIENE CLINICAL EXAMINATION |
| Campus Location |
Grad Date |
Class |
Exam |
Passed |
Pass Rate |
| Ranch Cucamonga |
Jan 2007 |
30 |
27 |
25 |
93% |
| Visalia |
May 2007 |
30 |
28 |
27 |
96% |
| Rancho Cucamonga |
Sep 2007 |
30 |
30 |
23 |
77% |
| Visalia |
Jan 2008 |
30 |
28 |
26 |
93% |
| Rancho Cucamonga |
May 2008 |
30 |
29 |
28 |
97% |
| Visalia |
Sep 2008 |
30 |
28 |
26 |
93% |
| Rancho Cucamonga |
Jan 2009 |
30 |
29 |
28 |
97% |
| Visalia |
May 2009 |
30 |
27 |
22 |
81% |
| Rancho Cucamonga |
Sep 2009 |
30 |
29 |
27 |
93% |
| Overall Average To Date |
86.6% |
Tuition and Fees
Estimated cost for tuition, fees, equipment and books for the program is $60,870. The tuition is $28,310 per academic year, for a total of $56,620. A registration fee of $100 and student kit/uniform fee* of $4,050 are due on day of enrollment.
*This fee is non-refundable. Tuition & fees at San Joaquin Valley College are subject to change. Please contact the campus near you for the most current information.
Additional Tuition Information
1. Expenses do not include major medical insurance, which students must obtain and for which they must show proof of coverage.
2. Expenses do not include any housing, transportation, or meal privileges.
3. Costs are estimates based on current available information and are subject to change.
4. Financial Aid is administered through the Financial Aid Offices of San Joaquin Valley College, Visalia Campus, 8400 W. Mineral King Ave., Visalia, CA 93291 & Rancho Cucamonga Campus, 10641 Church Street, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730.
5. Please refer to the SJVC Catalog for withdrawal and refund policies.
Dental Hygiene Info Fair – Rancho Cucamonga Campus
Find out how you can start a rewarding career working as a dental hygienist! Attend a free information fair at our Rancho Cucamonga Campus Tuesday, October 12th from 6:00pm – 8:00pm. Learn about career opportunities, meet with students, take a campus tour, and talk to an admissions advisor. Call today for more information: 866-544-7898.
