Can I become a dental hygienist online with no prerequisites?

Because you cannot meet laboratory or clinical practice requirements, it’s not possible to fully obtain a dental hygiene degree online. SJVC offers a Dental Hygiene Bachelor of Science program online, although there are some admission requirements.

Medical and Dental Programs

Dental Hygiene Bachelor of Science

Q: What can you do with a Bachelor of Science degree in dental hygiene?

Dental hygienists typically need an associate’s degree in dental hygiene. Some hygienists have higher-level degrees. Typically careers in research, education, or public health programs require a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.

Q: How do I become a dental hygienist online?

While there may be hybrid dental hygiene associate degree programs, you cannot complete a CODA-approved dental hygiene program online due to laboratory and clinical practice requirements. You can, however, choose to gain your entry-level education in-person and pursue higher education online. Online classes may be beneficial when earning a Dental Hygiene Bachelor of Science degree.

Q: What is the difference between an online dental hygiene program and an on-campus program?

An on-campus dental hygiene program will include hands-on experience, laboratory work, and clinical practice hours to gain the entry-level experience to be eligible for licensure examination. SJVC’s online Dental Hygiene Bachelor of Science program is for those that have already become a Registered Dental Hygienist and wish to further their education. The program includes courses such as Teaching Dental Hygiene Theory and Practice, Dental Practice Management, Community Oral Health Assessment and Program Planning, Health Care Law and Ethics, and Research and Evidence-Based Practice in Healthcare.

Enhance your health care career opportunities by enrolling in our Bachelor of Science degree program in Dental Hygiene.

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REAL-WORLD SKILLS

With many classes to guide you, you’re certain to be prepared for your career.

START YOUR PATH

Go from an Associate Degree to a Bachelor of Science degree in as few as 12 months.

FLEXIBLE LEARNING OPTIONS

Conveniently available online.

AFFORDABLE TUITION

Affordable tuition varies by program and location.

Program Details

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

Demonstrate effective communication and presentation skills for diverse audiences
Critically evaluate information from multiple sources for application in professional settings
Apply current research and data interpretation techniques to identify and evaluate solutions for emergent issues impacting the profession
Apply critical thinking and evidence-based decision-making in dental hygiene education and health promotion
Utilize interprofessional collaboration to enhance patient-centered care

Education is the most important investment you can make in your future. There is a financial plan available for everyone, including a broad range of financial assistance options. Visit SJVC’s Net Price Calculator to get personalized information on college costs and financial aid. Check out SJVC’s Academic Catalog to learn about program costs by campus and credential level. You also can talk to an Admissions Advisor to discuss the costs of your chosen program and schedule an appointment with an experienced financial aid officer. Student loans, grants, and scholarships are available to those who qualify.

The Bachelor of Science degree program in Dental Hygiene is a fully online program. To learn more, request more information.

Institutional Accreditation
San Joaquin Valley College is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 1080 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 500, Alameda, CA 94501, (510)748-9001.

www.wscuc.org

The WSCUC is an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education.
State Approvals
CALIFORNIA

SJVC is a private institution and is approved to operate as an accredited institution by the California Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). Approval to operate means that SJVC has been found in compliance with the standards set forth in the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009 (as amended) and Title 5, Division 7.5, – Private Postsecondary Education of the California Code of Regulations. As a prospective student, you are encouraged to review this catalog prior to signing an enrollment agreement. You are also encouraged to review the School Performance Fact Sheet, which must be provided to you prior to signing an enrollment agreement.

A student or any member of the public may file a complaint about this institution with the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education by calling (888) 370-7589 or by completing a complaint form, which can be obtained on the Bureau’s internet website (www.bppe.ca.gov).

View additional State Approvals for SJVC.

What Will I Learn?

RESEARCH & EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE IN HEALTHCARE

TEACHING DENTAL HYGIENE THEORY & PRACTICE

DENTAL PRACTICE MANAGEMENT

HEALTH CARE LAW & ETHICS

Ready to Do This?

Find your path in Dental Hygiene

Talk to an admissions advisor about your option to go from an AS in Dental Hygiene to earn your Bachelor of Science degree online in as few as 12 months.

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Career Opportunities

In many situations, when a patient goes to the dentist for a routine checkup, he or she will spend the majority of his or her appointment with the dental hygienist. Registered dental hygienists perform several tasks with patients, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, including:¹

Performing preventative procedures to remove tartar, stains, and plaque
Applying sealants and fluoride to protect teeth
Taking radiographs
Assessing patients’ health and working in conjunction with the dentist for overall patient care
Documenting patients’ care and treatment plans
Educating patients about oral hygiene techniques

The Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene affords excellent opportunities for professional growth and development with education in leadership, education, and research.

SJVC Online Dental Hygiene BS Career Opportunities

Successful Grads

Ask one of our graduates about their SJVC experience and they’ll likely describe it as life-changing.

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What can you do with a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene?

The Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene affords excellent opportunities for professional growth and development with education in leadership, education, and research. Dental hygienists typically need an associate’s degree in dental hygiene. Some hygienists have higher-level degrees. Typically, careers in research, education, or public health programs require a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.²

How do I study Dental Hygiene online?

While there may be hybrid dental hygiene associate degree programs, you cannot complete a CODA-approved dental hygiene program online due to laboratory and clinical practice requirements. You can, however, choose to gain your entry-level education in person and pursue higher education online. Online classes are available when earning a Dental Hygiene Bachelor of Science degree.

What is the difference between an online dental hygiene program and an on-campus program?

An on-campus Associate Degree Dental Hygiene programs include hands-on experience, laboratory work, and clinical practice hours to gain the entry-level experience and education to be eligible to take the examinations necessary for licensure as a Registered Dental Hygienist. SJVC’s Dental Hygiene Bachelor of Science program online is for those that wish to further their education after they have already completed the on-campus AS program and become Registered Dental Hygienists. The program includes courses such as Teaching Dental Hygiene Theory and Practice, Dental Practice Management, Community Oral Health Assessment and Program Planning, Health Care Law and Ethics, and Research and Evidence-Based Practice in Healthcare.