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Home Catalog Programs of Study List of Programs Dental Hygiene

Dental Hygiene

Overview

The Sacramento City College Dental Hygiene program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

For more detailed information related to the program, students should consult the current version of the Dental Hygiene Program Handbook.

Degrees Offered

  • A.S. in Dental Hygiene

Associate Degree

A.S. in Dental Hygiene

The Dental Hygiene Program consists of prerequisite courses in addition to dental hygiene courses. Students are required to complete additional general education and graduation requirements to earn an AS degree in Dental Hygiene. The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education and can be contacted at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611. Program graduates are eligible to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, which is administered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations, the California RDH Examination, and other state and regional licensing examinations.

In addition to normal student expenses (tuition, books, etc.), the Dental Hygiene Program requires an expenditure of over $10,000 during the two-year program for uniforms, instruments, and special supplies. More than $8,000 will be needed at the beginning of the first semester. If this creates a financial burden, students should consult the Financial Aid Office for possible assistance one semester before entering the program.

Recommended Preparation
High school and college preparatory courses including algebra, biology, chemistry, and physiology are recommended.

Graduation Requirements:
Additional courses are necessary for completion of a local General Education pattern. See SCC graduation requirements.

Students must consult with a counselor to determine their individual educational plan.

A grade of “C” or better in all Dental Hygiene courses is required for progression in the Dental Hygiene program and for recommendation to apply for the Dental Hygiene licensing examination.

The Associate in Science Degree in Dental Hygiene must be obtained for graduation from the program.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
Enrollment Eligibility Courses:
ETHNS 300 Introduction to Ethnic Studies 31
BIOL 430 Anatomy and Physiology 52
BIOL 431 Anatomy and Physiology 5
BIOL 440 General Microbiology 4
[ CHEM 305 Introduction to Chemistry (5) 5 - 10
and CHEM 306 ] Introduction to Organic and Biological Chemistry (5)
or CHEM 309 Integrated General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry (5)
COMM C1000 Introduction to Public Speaking (3) 3
   or COMM 331 Group Discussion (3)
   or COMM 481 Introduction to Public Speaking - Honors (3)
ENGL C1000 Academic Reading and Writing (3) 3 - 4
   or ENGL 488 Honors College Composition and Research (4)
   or ESLW 340 Advanced Composition (4)
MATH 300 Introduction to Mathematical Ideas (3) 3 - 43
   or STAT C1000 Introduction to Statistics (4)
   or STAT C1000H Introduction to Statistics - Honors (4)
NUTRI 300 Nutrition (3) 3
   or NUTRI 480 Nutrition Honors (3)
PSYC C1000 Introduction to Psychology (3) 3
SOC 300 Introductory Sociology 3
First Semester (Fall):
DHYG 101 Introduction to Clinical Dental Hygiene 6
DHYG 103 Oral Histology and Embryology 1
DHYG 104 Patient Education and Nutrition 2
DHYG 107 Dental Morphology 1.5
DHYG 109 Infection Control and Hazardous Materials 0.5
DHYG 127 Dental Materials 2
Second Semester (Spring):
DHYG 111 Clinical Dental Hygiene I 4
DHYG 112 Periodontics I 2
DHYG 113 Head and Neck Anatomy 2
DHYG 117 Dental Radiology 3
DHYG 129 Dental Anesthesia 2
Summer Session :
DHYG 121 Clinical Dental Hygiene II 2
Third Semester (Fall):
DHYG 131 Clinical Dental Hygiene III 4.5
DHYG 134 Community Dental Health 2
DHYG 135 Clinic Seminar 1.5
DHYG 138 Oral Pathology 2
DHYG 139 Pharmacology 2
Fourth Semester (Spring):
DHYG 132 Periodontics II 1
DHYG 141 Clinical Dental Hygiene IV 4.5
DHYG 145 Clinic Seminar II 1
DHYG 149 Ethics, Jurisprudence and Dental Hygiene Practice 2
Total Units: 88.5 - 95.5

1Any course that meets the Ethnic Studies general education meets this enrollment eligibility criteria.

2BIOL 430 and 431, Anatomy and Physiology; BIOL 440, General Microbiology; CHEM 305 and CHEM 306 or CHEM 309, with 7-year recency from time of enrollment eligibility.

3MATH 300, STAT C1000, STAT C1000H or higher meets this enrollment eligibility criteria.

The Dental Hygiene Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See SCC graduation requirements.

Enrollment Eligibility

To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:

  • a high school diploma or the recognized equivalent, which will permit entrance to a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
  • enrollment in the Dental Hygiene program is based on satisfactory completion of prerequisite courses with grades of “C” or better and submission of an online application and official transcripts to Admission and Records. Enrollment eligibility courses include:
  • BIOL 430 and 431, Anatomy and Physiology; BIOL 440, General Microbiology; CHEM 305 and CHEM 306 or CHEM 309, with a cumulative minimum GPA of 3.0.
  • BIOL 430 and 431, Anatomy and Physiology; BIOL 440, General Microbiology; CHEM 305 and CHEM 306 or CHEM 309, with 7-year recency from time of enrollment eligibility.
  • NUTRI 300 or NUTRI 480, Nutrition; PSYC C1000, General Principles; SOC 300 Introductory Sociology; COMM C1000, 331 or 481, Introduction to Public Speaking; ENGL C1000, ENGWR 488 or ESLW 340, College Composition; and Ethnic Studies general education requirement (See SCC Graduation Requirements), with a cumulative minimum GPA of 2.5.
  • completion of MATH 300, STAT C1000, STAT C1000H or higher, with a grade of "C" or better.
  • enrollment eligibility courses taken for Credit/No Credit (C/NC) will be calculated into GPAs as a "C" grade.
  • DHYG 100 Introduction to Dental Hygiene is an optional course designed to introduce the practice of dental hygiene.
  • Students may choose to follow their catalog rights for prerequisites to this program, or they may choose to follow the prerequisites to this program listed at time of entry.

Enrollment Process

Eligible students are selected for the program according to the following steps:

  • Applications for enrollment are submitted online. One (1) official transcript supporting completion of prerequisite courses outside of the district must be submitted to Sacramento City College Admissions and Records by the posted due date. Enrollment applications and deadlines are available on the SCC website at https://scc.losrios.edu/academics/programs-and-majors/dental-hygiene
  • Completion of the enrollment eligibility requirements places the applicant in the random selection pool. There are no preference points from previous application submissions to meet eligibility. There is no waitlist.
  • A background check and drug screening will be required of all students upon enrollment.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • use evidence-based care to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate dental hygiene treatment for a diverse population based on their total needs.
  • incorporate and apply professional, ethical, legal, and regulatory concepts to oral health care services, community projects, and professional activities.
  • integrate and apply health literacy and culturally competent communication skills to oral health care services, academic endeavors, community projects, and professional activities.
  • assess, plan, implement, and evaluate community-based oral health projects.
  • successfully complete written and clinical examinations for dental hygiene licensure and certification.
  • apply critical thinking and self assessment skills to enhance learning, research, patient care, professional growth, and continued competency.

Career Information

This program prepares the student for employment as a dental hygienist. The registered dental hygienist is a licensed, professional, oral health educator, and clinician who works under the direction and supervision of a licensed dentist to provide preventive and therapeutic services for the control of oral diseases. Dental hygienists aid individuals and groups in attaining and maintaining optimum oral and general health through provision of services such as assessment of medical and dental conditions, oral hygiene education, oral prophylaxis - the removal of plaque, calculus, and stains from the teeth - and application of preventive agents such as fluoride and sealants. The dental hygienist may be employed in dental offices, schools, health care facilities, public health agencies, industry, and educational institutions.

Dental Hygiene (DHYG) Courses

DHYG 100 Introduction to Dental Hygiene

  • Units:0.5
  • Hours:9 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is an introduction to the practice of Dental Hygiene. Topics include vital signs, dental terminology, infection control, study strategies, and the expectations and concerns of the dental hygiene professional.

DHYG 101 Introduction to Clinical Dental Hygiene

  • Units:6
  • Hours:36 hours LEC; 216 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Enrollment Limitation:Acceptance into the Dental Hygiene program
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides an introduction to dental hygiene concepts and procedures. Emphasis is placed on the assessment phase of patient care as well as on the theory and performance of basic dental hygiene instrumentation procedures.

DHYG 103 Oral Histology and Embryology

  • Units:1
  • Hours:18 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Enrollment Limitation:Acceptance into the Dental Hygiene program
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

Oral Histology and Embryology is the study of microscopic tissues and structures of the teeth, periodontium, and oral cavity as related to the clinical practice of dental hygiene.

DHYG 104 Patient Education and Nutrition

  • Units:2
  • Hours:36 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Enrollment Limitation:Acceptance into the Dental Hygiene program
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course covers the principles and practices of preventing and controlling dental disease with emphasis on nutrition, plaque control, motivation, and chairside patient education.

DHYG 107 Dental Morphology

  • Units:1.5
  • Hours:18 hours LEC; 27 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Enrollment Limitation:Acceptance into the Dental Hygiene program
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

Dental Morphology is the study of the formation, function, and structure of the teeth, and their supporting structures.

DHYG 109 Infection Control and Hazardous Materials

  • Units:0.5
  • Hours:9 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Enrollment Limitation:Acceptance into the Dental Hygiene program
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course emphasizes the legal and ethical aspects of infectious disease transmission and their prevention. The necessary information to meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) requirements for education on infection control and hazardous material management is included.

DHYG 111 Clinical Dental Hygiene I

  • Units:4
  • Hours:36 hours LEC; 117 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:DHYG 103 and 107 with grades of "C" or better
  • Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment in the dental hygiene program.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides clinical practice of oral prophylaxis through practical applications of procedures learned in DHYG 101. In the clinic, students demonstrate various procedures on each other before applying them to patients: children over 5 years old and young adults. Techniques in patient education will be practiced. The lectures include rationale for more difficult traditional dental hygiene skills as students advance from preclinic to DHYG 111 Clinic I. Students are required to complete the minimum number of patients and services required. Clinic updates are addressed for this course during lecture.

DHYG 112 Periodontics I

  • Units:2
  • Hours:36 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:DHYG 101, 103, 104, 107, and 109 with grades of "C" or better
  • Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment in the dental hygiene program
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is a course in periodontics that includes the identification of the normal periodontium and recognition of deviations from normal. It includes the etiology and principles of periodontal disease, examination procedures, treatment, and preventive measures.

DHYG 113 Head and Neck Anatomy

  • Units:2
  • Hours:36 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:DHYG 101, 103, 104, 107, and 109 with grades of "C" or better
  • Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment in the dental hygiene program.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is a course in oral anatomy designed for the study of the head and neck structures or group of structures in relation to their function for the clinical practice of dental hygiene, especially the areas pertaining to local anesthesia.

DHYG 117 Dental Radiology

  • Units:3
  • Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:DHYG 101, 103, 104, 107, and 109 with grades of "C" or better
  • Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment in the dental hygiene program.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course covers the principles of dental radiology. Topics include laboratory experience and clinical application of procedures involved in exposing, processing, interpreting, and evaluating dental radiographs.

DHYG 121 Clinical Dental Hygiene II

  • Units:2
  • Hours:110 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:DHYG 111, 112, 113, 117, and 129 with grades of "C" or better
  • Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment in the dental hygiene program.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides continued clinical experience in performing oral prophylaxis with a wider variety of clinical cases, as well as complete assignments in clinical radiography. Students must complete a minimal number of patient treatments and services listed in the syllabus.

DHYG 127 Dental Materials

  • Units:2
  • Hours:27 hours LEC; 27 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Enrollment Limitation:Acceptance into the Dental Hygiene program.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is a survey of dental materials and techniques and their use.

DHYG 129 Dental Anesthesia

  • Units:2
  • Hours:27 hours LEC; 27 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:DHYG 101 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Corequisite:DHYG 113
  • Enrollment Limitation:Acceptance into the Dental Hygiene program.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

Dental Anesthesia covers the science behind local anesthesia with a lab component including oral injections. Anatomical structures of the head and neck and oro-facial variations from normal in a clinical setting are included in the course content. The rationale for this course is to present didactic instruction related to the indications and contraindications of the administration and reversal of local anesthetic agents. Course content will also include head and neck anatomy, physical and psychological evaluation procedures, review of the body systems, theory and psychological aspects of pain and anxiety control, selection of pain control modalities, pharmacological considerations such as action of anesthetics and vasoconstrictors, recovery and post procedure, complications and management of local anesthetic emergencies, armamentarium, techniques for maxillary and mandibular local infiltrations, field blocks and nerve blocks, proper infection control, documentation that meets the standard of care, and medical and legal considerations. Student course evaluation mechanisms are included in didactic instruction prior to preclinical injections. An emphasis will be placed on the administration of local anesthesia. Preclinical injection skills (2 for each injection) will be obtained in preparation for clinical injection requirements in DHYG 131 and DHYG 141. Injections include ASA (field block), MSA, PSA, GP, NP, AMSA, IANB (includes lingual), Buccal, mental, incisive, maxillary infiltration (1-16), and mandibular infiltration (22-27).

DHYG 131 Clinical Dental Hygiene III

  • Units:4.5
  • Hours:252 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:DHYG 121 and 129 with grades of "C" or better
  • Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment in the Dental Hygiene program.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides continued clinical experience in the provision of comprehensive dental hygiene services to a wide variety of patients with different medical and dental needs. The course focuses on progressive development of skills in areas of dental hygiene assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, preventive and therapeutic services, and evaluation and time management. Students must complete the required number of patients for the semester.

DHYG 132 Periodontics II

  • Units:1
  • Hours:9 hours LEC; 27 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:DHYG 127, 129, and 131 with grades of "C" or better
  • Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment in the Dental Hygiene program.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course develops clinical skills applicable in the treatment of patients with advanced periodontal disease. The course includes demonstrations and performance of tasks on appropriate laboratory materials. It also includes working with a live patient and with a periodontist in the clinical setting using advanced skills, including administration of local anesthesia and soft tissue curettage. Students will synthesize the results of assessments and design and implement treatment for a periodontally involved patient. Soft Tissue Curettage (STC) includes three hours of didactic and preclinical instruction.

DHYG 134 Community Dental Health

  • Units:2
  • Hours:18 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:DHYG 121 and 127 with grades of "C" or better
  • Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment in the Dental Hygiene program.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

Community Dental Health is the study of the philosophy and background of community dental health with emphasis on program planning, implementation, and evaluation. This course includes practical experience implementing programs in various community settings. Extra time outside the normal school schedule may be required for completion of community projects.

DHYG 135 Clinic Seminar

  • Units:1.5
  • Hours:27 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:DHYG 121 and 127 with grades of "C" or better
  • Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment in the Dental Hygiene program.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course integrates advanced concepts and skills into the clinical experiences of the third semester dental hygiene student. Emphasis is placed on development and implementation of comprehensive patient treatment plans, identification of resources to support evidence-based patient care, and critical thinking skills. This course introduces topics related to aging and its implication for health care providers. Emphasis is on socioeconomic and psychological aspects of aging, as well as normal age-related physiological changes. Additionally, the preparation for poster sessions in Clinic Seminar II is introduced. Clinic updates are addressed for DHYG 131 in this course.

DHYG 138 Oral Pathology

  • Units:2
  • Hours:36 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:DHYG 121 and 127 with grades of "C" or better
  • Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment in the Dental Hygiene program.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is the introduction to general pathology with a special emphasis on oral pathology. This course also addresses recognition of the normal and abnormal in the oral cavity.

DHYG 139 Pharmacology

  • Units:2
  • Hours:36 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:DHYG 121 and 127 with grades of "C" or better
  • Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment in the Dental Hygiene program.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

Pharmacology is the classification and study of drugs according to origin, physical and chemical properties. This course covers the therapeutic effect and values, particularly of drugs utilized in dentistry.

DHYG 141 Clinical Dental Hygiene IV

  • Units:4.5
  • Hours:252 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:DHYG 131, 134, 135, 138, and 139 with grades of "C" or better
  • Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment in the Dental Hygiene program.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides continuing clinical experience in performing oral prophylaxis, oral radiographic surveys, charting cases, and patient education. The clinical experience is related to all aspects of dentistry. Students must complete the minimum number of patients and services listed in the syllabus.

DHYG 145 Clinic Seminar II

  • Units:1
  • Hours:9 hours LEC; 27 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:DHYG 131, 132, 134, 135, 138, and 139 with grades of "C" or better
  • Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment in the Dental Hygiene program.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides instruction in nitrous oxide-oxygen analgesia and caries detection. Students develop critical thinking skills through the discussion of problems and special interest cases encountered in clinical experience. There will be presentations from outside speakers. Additionally, this course is designed to share and discuss unique and common situations that have occurred in the clinic, develop the skills to identify dental caries, and provide a format for research presentations of dental table clinics. This course provides instruction in the administration of nitrous oxide. This course also presents didactic instruction related to the indications and contraindications of the administration of nitrous oxide-oxygen analgesia agents. Course content also includes head and neck anatomy, physical and psychological evaluation procedures, review of the body systems, theory and psychological aspects of pain and anxiety control, selection of pain control modalities, pharmacological considerations such as the action of nitrous oxide-oxygen analgesia, recovery and post procedure, complications and management of nitrous oxide-oxygen analgesia emergencies, armamentarium, techniques for nitrous oxide-oxygen analgesia, proper infection control, documentation that meets the standard of care, and medical and legal considerations. Student course evaluation mechanisms are included in didactic instruction prior to preclinical administration of nitrous oxide. Two (2) Preclinical nitrous oxide-oxygen analgesia skills will be obtained in preparation for three (3) clinical competency administrations in DHYG 141. Each clinical competency shall include the performance of a dental hygiene procedure while administering at least 20 minutes of nitrous-oxygen analgesia. Clinic updates are addressed for DHYG 141 in this course.

DHYG 149 Ethics, Jurisprudence and Dental Hygiene Practice

  • Units:2
  • Hours:36 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:DHYG 131, 132, 134, 135, 138, and 139 with grades of "C" or better
  • Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment in the Dental Hygiene program.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is the study of the fundamental factors necessary to be employed and practice within the ethical and legal framework of the California State Dental Practice Act and the code of ethics of the American Dental Hygienists' Association.

DHYG 295 Independent Studies in Dental Hygiene

  • Units:1 - 3
  • Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment in the Dental Hygiene program or a licensed dental professional obtaining continuing education.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is designed to provide a mechanism for current dental hygiene students or licensed professionals to complete independent studies in dental hygiene education. The course is designed to allow for three uses; supplemental dental hygiene clinic time for currently enrolled dental hygiene students, remediation dental hygiene clinic time for currently enrolled dental hygiene students, or continuing education for licensed dental professionals. Continuing education from dental professionals is a mandated training requirement as a condition of continued employment. (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 5, 55041 allowed for repeatability with no limitations).

DHYG 296 National Board Pathway

  • Units:2
  • Hours:36 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Enrollment Limitation:Students enrolled in this course must have an alternate acceptance number for admission into the Dental Hygiene program.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course will review and address science National Board Dental Hygiene Exam content and address program policy compliance. Students who have met enrollment eligibility and are on a waitlist to start the program may take this course to stay engaged with critical licensure exam content until they are admitted to the program.

DHYG 297 Advanced Topics Seminar

  • Units:1
  • Hours:18 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Enrollment Limitation:Possession of or in the process of obtaining a state license for Dentists, Dental Hygienists, or Dental Assistants
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course offers advanced topics in dental practice as part of a seminar course. Topics include nitrous oxide-oxygen sedation, oral pathology, advanced instrumentation, ergonomics, infection control, and California Dental Practice Act.

DHYG 299 Experimental Offering in Dental Hygiene

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

Catalog