Dental Hygiene Bachelor of Science Degree

PROGRAM CODE: 1B46637

Registered Dental Hygienists are licensed dental health professionals who promote oral health and disease prevention by providing preventive dental care and oral care assessments. Dental Hygienists are members of the allied healthcare team and work in collaboration with other healthcare providers in educational, clinical, and therapeutic services. The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene strives to prepare professional dental hygienists with the educational opportunity to attain positions in a variety of healthcare settings and/or for graduate study in dental hygiene. Upon completion of the program, graduating students will receive a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. To earn the Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene, students must complete: (1) California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) requirements for lower division general education coursework including all required prerequisite courses; (2) all upper division dental hygiene major course requirements with a minimum grade of “C”; (3) complete a minimum of 9 units of Upper Division General Education graduation requirements; and (4) at least 24 units of upper division course work must be completed at Cypress College (residency requirement). Total degree units are 120.5-125.5 units. NOTE: Students who have previously been awarded a bachelors degree from an institutionally accredited institution shall be deemed to have fulfilled the general education course requirements for the baccalaureate degree. Students may receive units of Credit for Prior Learning (CPL).

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

OUTCOME 1: be able to perform the dental hygiene process of care to accurately assess the patient’s physical and oral health status, analyze assessment findings, perform periodontal assessments, practice management, documentation, effective communication, and professionalism.

OUTCOME 2: be able to apply problem solving strategies to the dental hygiene patient experiences to successfully treat and provide safe dental hygiene process of care to all patient types including child, adolescent, adult, geriatric patient, patients with special needs and patients who exhibit mild to moderate and moderate to severe periodontal disease.

OUTCOME 3: be able to appreciate the cultural differences of diverse populations to demonstrate patient management techniques with cultural competence throughout the educational and clinical learning experiences.

OUTCOME 4: be able to utilize problem solving strategies related to comprehensive patient care, practice management, management of medical/dental emergencies, and adherence to infection and hazard controls management to safely treat all patients including those with bloodborne infectious diseases.

OUTCOME 5: be able to serve the community through disease prevention and education to promote enhanced oral and total health.

OUTCOME 6: be competent in the ability to establish a professional relationship among allied healthcare team members, practicing interprofessional collaboration and communication while participating in outreach and serving the community.

OUTCOME 7: be able to apply ethical principles within the academic environment and to clinical decision making in a professional manner by applying the Dental Hygiene Core Values and Code of Ethics.

OUTCOME 8: be able to gain knowledge and skills to provide the highest standard of patient care in accordance with the laws set forth by OSHA, HIPAA, and Dental Hygiene Board of California, Business and Professions Code.

OUTCOME 9: be able to evaluate scientific research and demonstrate critical thinking and decision-making skills to provide evidence-based and comprehensive dental hygiene patient care.