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What is the dental hygiene program? |
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Dental hygienists use their knowledge and clinical skills to provide dental hygiene care for patients. They also use interpersonal skills to motivate, counsel and educate patients on preventing oral disease and maintaining oral health through good oral hygiene and nutrition. The Diablo Valley College dental hygiene program prepares students to work in a dental office as a professional licensed member of the dental health team.
Students learn:
- Patient screening procedures
- How to take and develop dental radiographs (x-rays)
- How to remove calculus and plaque (hard and soft deposits) from all surfaces of the teeth
- How to apply preventive materials to the teeth (e.g. sealants and fluorides)
- How to teach patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health
- How to counsel patients regarding good nutrition and its impact on oral health
- How to make impressions of patients’ teeth for study casts and (teeth) whitening trays (models of teeth used by dentists to evaluate patient treatment needs)
- How to perform documentation and office management activities
- Pharmacology and pathology for the dental hygienist
- Local anesthesia and nitrous oxide sedation
- Coronal polishing
- How to assess and evaluate periodontal conditions
- How to plan and implement appropriate treatment
The rigorous two-year program of classroom instruction and clinical experience in DVC’s own dental facility prepares students to perform the educational, clinical and laboratory responsibilities of a dental hygienist. The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association and by the United States Department of Education. This program is approved by the Dental Board of California.
Why study dental hygiene?
Dental hygienists have the personal satisfaction of working with people. They provide a valuable health care service while establishing a trusting relationship with each of their patients. It is prestigious work as a result of education and clinical training in a highly skilled discipline. The average dentist employs more than one dental hygienist making trained and qualified hygienists in high demand. Many dental offices offer flexible work schedules to accommodate a variety of lifestyle needs. The job outlook is excellent and career options include both full-time and part-time employment.
In most dental facilities, the working conditions are excellent, the surroundings are pleasant, and the work is satisfying and rewarding. Wage estimates for the full time dental hygienist range from $55,000 to $90,000 annually.
Please note: The State of California does not provide a public link for exam Passage Rates for the Dental Hygiene Program.
