Dental Hygiene Schools in Los Angeles County
Researching the top school for your educational needs can be challenging. The amount of information regarding various types of education from programs to schools can leave you overwhelmed and confused. With this guide, you will discover honest information regarding the best schools in Los Angeles County.
There are many reasons to choose a dental hygiene school in Los Angeles County, California. The first reason is that there are so many great schools to choose from, whether you want to attend a traditional four-year college or a two-year community college.
The other reason is that Los Angeles is a great place to live. It has beautiful weather year-round, entertainment options for any taste, and plenty of job opportunities in both the public and private sectors.
Los Angeles County is home to over ten million residents and more than a hundred cities and towns. This means that there are plenty of opportunities for fun things to do with your friends and family, whether you’re interested in going out or staying at home watching movies together on Netflix!
The third reason why Los Angeles is such an appealing place for aspiring dental hygienists is that it has so many different types of neighborhoods within its borders. Whether you’re looking for something suburban or urban, there’s sure to be something out there that suits your needs perfectly!
Dental Hygiene Schools in Los Angeles County
West Los Angeles College
The dental hygiene program at West Los Angeles College is one of the best in the nation. The course of study results in a bachelor’s degree in science. Additionally, the university provides dental hygienists with an Associate of Science and a BS with a completion program.
For people who intend to serve the community in a different context, there is a program called Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice (RDHAP). The histology and embryology of oral tissues, dental health education, cariology and occlusion, law and ethics of dental hygiene, and many other topics are covered in depth in the major courses. Before applying to the program, candidates should finish the prerequisites.
Requirements:
- Submit an online application to West Los Angeles College and obtain a student ID
- Complete the prerequisite courses – Anatomy, Physiology, Fundamentals of Chemistry, Biochemistry, General Microbiology, Public Speaking, General Psychology, Introduction to Sociology, Critical Thinking, Statistics, Cultural Anthropology
- Submit a completed Dental Hygiene Application Form
- Must have a minimum 2.5 GPA for all courses taken
- Must have a minimum 3.0 GPA for science prerequisite courses
- Consideration is given to applicants who score over 58% on the ATI TEAS Assessment, have previous verifiable work experience, have a valid dental assistant license or certification, and complete courses in nutrition, medical terminology, organic chemistry, general physics, and political science
- Applicants may need to complete a physical exam, verification of immunity, vision test, and drug testing before the start of the program
Cerritos College
The American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation has granted full accreditation status to the Cerritos College Dental Hygiene program. An Associate in Arts degree in Dental Hygiene is earned after completing the two-year curriculum. To teach theory in the classroom, instructors will combine lectures, demonstrations, and interactive discussions. The clinical coursework will take place at outlying facilities where students will get the chance to work alongside dental team members in the treatment of patients.
The classes have to be taken in order. Graduates who wish to work as dental hygienists in California may sit for the National and State Board Dental Hygiene exam. Every year, new students are accepted in the fall. Although certain courses may run into the evening, most classes are held during the day.
Requirements:
- Submit a completed application with all the required documents
- Obtain a satisfactory score on the Cerritos College Assessment Test or obtain clearance in English, Mathematics, and Reading
- Must have valid CPR certification including Health Care Provider with an AED
- Complete a physical exam, immunizations, and TB testing
- Complete background check before acceptance to the program
- Must have good vision and the ability to communicate effectively
- Complete the prerequisite courses with a minimum grade C – Introductory Chemistry, Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Introduction to Microbiology and Bacteriology, Nutrition,
- Completing medical terminology is strongly recommended
- Obtain admission to Cerritos College
- Special consideration will be given to students with related work experience
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
There are only 55 institutions that grant the bachelor of science in dental hygiene, and one of them is the USC Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry. The basic sciences, general education, and clinical courses are all part of the dental hygienist program. Emphasis will be placed on professional ethics, values, abilities, and knowledge. In order to care for people of all ages, improve health, and prevent disease, students will learn how to examine patients’ medical, dental, and social histories.
The real-world encounters in a clinical setting aid in the growth of problem-solving abilities, teamwork, working with a variety of clients, and performing preventative measures. Graduates will be qualified to sit for the California licensing exam and pursue employment opportunities in a range of fields, including private offices, public health, research, and teaching.
Requirements:
- Complete the prerequisite and general education courses with a grade C or higher before applying to the program. Prerequisite courses include English Composition, General Chemistry and Lab, General Biology and Lab, General Microbiology, General Nutrition, General Physiology, General Psychology, Introduction to Sociology, Introduction to Speech
- Submit a completed application before the deadline
- Apply for undergraduate admission to USC
- Request official transcripts from all colleges and universities to be sent to the USC Office of Undergraduate Admission
- Attend an interview with a program administrator. Interviews must be scheduled.
- Pay the non-refundable deposit of $1,000 within 14 days of acceptance
- Meet the health requirements
Pasadena City College
Adults can prepare for employment as dental hygienists by enrolling in Pasadena City College’s Dental Hygiene Associate in Science (AS) degree program. The theory and practical training will place a strong emphasis on maintaining dental health, preventing tooth decay, and protecting the teeth and oral cavity. The American Dental Association (ADA) Commission on Dental Accreditation has approved the curriculum (CODA). Dental hygiene, an introduction to oral health research, advanced clinical dental hygiene procedures, dental health education, communication, and diversity, dental morphology and occlusion, and other relevant subjects are among the study areas. Graduates of the program will be ready to sit for the state licensing exam.
Requirements:
- Must be able to communicate safely, accurately, and effectively in written and spoken English
- Complete prerequisite courses before applying to the program. Courses must be completed with a minimum grade C
- Submit a completed Dental Hygiene Program Application
- Provide one official transcript of high school and all colleges and universities attended
- Acceptance may be based on the outcome of a criminal background check
- Additional consideration will be given to candidates with dental-related education, work experience, or documented observation hours of a licensed registered dental hygienist
- Submit verification of work experience, licenses, certificates, or completion of a dental assistant program
- Complete an application for admission to Pasadena City College
- Complete health clearance
- Provide a copy of current American Heart Association Health Care Provider CPR Card
- Purchase student malpractice insurance
Dental Hygiene Schools in California
Loma Linda University
Students interested in earning a degree in dental hygiene or hygienist can consider enrolling at Loma Linda University. A tiny, private, non-profit university called Loma Linda University is situated in the Loma Linda neighborhood.
In the most current data year, Loma Linda University awarded this degree to roughly 60 dental hygiene/hygienist students.
University of Southern California
One of the top universities in the US to earn a degree in dental hygiene/hygienist is University of Southern California. USC is a private, non-profit institution with a sizable student body that is situated in Los Angeles. USC is a top university overall, coming in at number 18 out of 2,241 institutions globally according to Best Colleges.
In the most recent data year, about 30 dental hygiene/hygienist students at USC received this degree.
Carrington College, Sacramento
If you want to earn a degree in dental hygiene or hygienist, Carrington College in Sacramento is tough to beat. A modest private for-profit college called Carrington College, Sacramento is situated in a sizable Sacramento suburb.
In the most recent year for which we have data, about 29 Carrington College, Sacramento dental hygiene/hygienist students received this degree.
Foothill College
For those seeking a degree in dental hygiene or hygienist, Foothill College is a fantastic choice. In the sizable suburb of Los Altos Hills, there is a pretty sizable public institution called Foothill College. Foothill College is a fantastic university overall, coming in at #179 out of 2,241 institutions globally according to Best Colleges.
In the most recent year for which we have data, about 72 Foothill College dental hygiene/hygienist students received this degree.
West Coast University – Orange County
Located in the sizable city of Anaheim lies the private, for-profit West Coast University – Orange County.
In the most recent year for which we have data, around 79 dental hygiene/hygienist students at West Coast University – Orange County received degrees in this field.
Conclusion
Whether you’re currently looking to join a dental hygienist program or you’re simply curious what they involve, it’s a good idea to lay out all the options available when choosing the right school. That way, you can be sure that you’re making an informed decision, and you can truly narrow down your choices.