Dental Hygiene
Welcome to Cabrillo College Dental Hygiene Program!
Important Notice: Dental Hygiene Program Admissions Update
Please be advised that the Dental Hygiene Program is currently impacted, and the waitlist has reached full capacity. As of August 15, 2025, we will no longer be accepting new applications.
Students who have completed the required prerequisites either prior to or during the Summer 2025 session are eligible to apply to the program by the application deadline of August 15, 2025.
Bio 4 – Human Anatomy
Bio 5 – Human Physiology
Bio 6 – Microbiology
Chem 30A or Chem 3/3L – Inorganic Chemistry
Chem 30B – Introductory Organic Chemistry
Engl 1A – English Composition
Applicants currently on the waitlist will be prioritized for program placement through 2028. Please note that the program admits 20 new students every other year, during even-numbered years.
The next application cycle will open in October 2027, with further details to be provided closer to that time.
Thank you for your understanding and continued interest in the Dental Hygiene Program.
Admission is based on placement to the program waitlist. Learn more about the program on our Getting into the Program page.
After graduation from the Dental Hygiene A.S. Program, you will be prepared to find a rewarding career as a dental hygienist. The Cabrillo College Dental Hygiene Program has placed a high value on educational excellence at the core of its curriculum since 1967. You’ll enter an affordable program that has great transfer rates to four year colleges and universities, and excellent pass rates on the National Board and Regional Board Exams.
Those who are ready to apply to the program and earn their Associate of Science degree or are interested in the field of dental hygiene are encouraged to attend the DH Informational Night each fall and spring.
Did you know? A dental hygiene degree from Cabrillo cost less than other dental hygiene programs. At Cabrillo the cost is about $22,000 for the entire two year program.
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What You’ll Learn on Getting into the Program page
Everything you need to know to prepare and get into the program is found on this page. You’ll find program requirements for graduation, FAQs, meeting with a counselor, how to apply and the application form, waitlist information, what happens once accepted, clinical compliance, financial information, deferral policies, accessibility, the handbook, contact form, and more. Bookmark it and visit often!.
Other Courses
Our Continuing Education courses are DBC approved. We offer CA Infection Control and CA Dental Practice Act annually in October.
A Dental Infection Control Coordinator ensures that a dental practice provides the safest environment for patients and employee. They oversee infection control standards, provide education and training, and ensure compliance with protocols and procedures.
Expanded Duties is a board approved course which allows dental hygienists to gain board required training in local anesthesia, nitrous oxide sedation, and soft tissue curettage. This is a required course for out of state hygienists to get licensed in CA.
Mission and Goals
The Cabrillo College Dental Hygiene Program inspires graduates to develop a deep sense of commitment and responsibility towards the overall health and well-being of the patients entrusted to their care, the health and wellness of their communities and the advancement of the dental hygiene profession. The program strives to prepare graduates to deliver the highest standard of care based on the most current scientific evidence and to embody the values of equity and collaboration to enrich the oral health of the individuals and communities that they serve.
Cabrillo College Dental Hygiene Program is accredited by the Commission of Dental Accreditation (CODA) and follows the guidelines of the Dental Hygiene Board of California (DHBC), the DH program's licensing body. Read about Licensure/Nolo Contendere.