These pages are intended as general information as you prepare for entry into the DH Program working toward your Associate of Science. in Dental Hygiene degree. Specific details, dates, deadlines, and details will be emailed to you, as well as discussed at the New Student Orientation and Clinical Compliance meetings.
The Dental Hygiene Program at Cabrillo College is affiliated with the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, San Francisco. Upon completion of the two-year Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene Degree program, students are eligible to take the state and national licensing examination needed to become a registered dental hygienist. Review all of the steps to get started toward your degree.
You do not need to apply to the Dental Hygiene program to work toward a certificate or take non-credit courses.
How to Apply
Read the Following Informational and Introductory Links
Make an appointment with an Academic Counselor
To ensure adequate preparation for the Dental Hygiene Program course prerequisites and academic requirements, you are to meet with a counselor prior to applying to the Program in order to complete your counseling form. Please download this version of the form and make sure to fill it out together with an academic counselor.
Apply to the DH Program
Fill out the Dental Hygiene Program Application Form
Applications for the dental hygiene program are accepted at any time throughout the year. There is no deadline.
Waitlist
You will be placed on the waitlist according to the application postmark date if you have completed the following courses. Every October Cabrillo College Dental Hygiene program will notify you via email of your placement on the waitlist. Due to the frequent changes we are not able to answer this question on the status daily. If a change impacts you directly, you will be notified immediately.
Keep Contact Information Updated
If the DH cannot contact you by phone, email or USPS your name will be dropped from the waitlist. Make sure your contact information is current by filling out this form.
Courses to Take Before Acceptance
Prerequisites
The attached course list includes all the required prerequisite courses before you will be allowed entry into the dental hygiene program. After completing the prerequisite courses in section "A" with the required grades, you can apply to the dental hygiene waitlist. While on the waitlist you must complete the remaining courses before entry into the program. Please see an academic counselor to ensure that you are completing the correct courses and to answer questions concerning prerequisites for admission to the Dental Hygiene program.
Highly Recommended Courses
The courses listed below are not mandatory for acceptance into the program. However, we encourage you to take these courses. The information will better prepare you for the Dental Hygiene program and will improve your chances for success. [link each bulleted item to the section on degree, cert, courses page.
Infection Control Coordinator
Dental Terminology
Dental Insurance
Dental Technology
Once Accepted
Attend the Spring New Student Orientation. The detailed information about the Orientation Meeting is emailed to the Placed and Alternate students in advance
Please arrive early to allow time to find parking (campus parking permits required). Purchase a folder to use as a "Professional Documents Folder." Keep copies of immunizations, test results, correspondence, and forms regarding the DH Program. Bring a photo ID (California Drivers license). Bring a pen or pencil, paper for taking notes.
Once Accepted
Attend the Spring New Student Orientation. The detailed information about the Orientation Meeting is emailed to the Placed and Alternate students in advance
Please arrive early to allow time to find parking (campus parking permits required). Purchase a folder to use as a "Professional Documents Folder." Keep copies of immunizations, test results, correspondence, and forms regarding the DH Program. Bring a photo ID (California Drivers license). Bring a pen or pencil, paper for taking notes.
Clinical Compliance
What is Clinical Compliance?
Clinical Compliance means being ready to work in a clinical setting. Clinical experience is essential to every Allied Health program, but, to serve in the clinical setting many requirements must be met in order to protect your safety, the safety of your peers, and the safety of the patients with whom you will be working.
You cannot enter the clinical site unless you are compliant.
Clinical Compliance Session
Attend the required Spring Clinical Compliance Meeting. Please arrive early to allow time to find parking (campus parking permits required). Purchase a folder to use as a "Professional Documents Folder." Keep copies of immunizations, test results, correspondence, and forms regarding the DH Program. Bring a pen or pencil and paper for taking notes along with your "Professional Documents Folder." Please do not begin any program or clinical compliance requirements until after the clinical compliance meeting.
CPR Requirements
Regardless of prior certification, each student is required to obtain and/or maintain current American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross (ARC) Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers.
A photocopy of the front and back of the Course Completion Card must be provided and kept on file in the DH Program Office.
A scanned copy of the front and back of the Course Completion Card must be uploaded to the Certified Document Tracker by the date specified.
Financial Information
Approximate Financial Expenditures
Cabrillo College student tuition, fees and books for the duration of the program.
Dental hygiene student instructional kit is approximately $5500-$6000.
Required purchase of loupes (magnifying glasses) at approximately $1200.
Additional expenses are uniforms and miscellaneous supplies, such as gloves and masks.
National Board and Regional Board exams will be taken at the end of the second year. Fees will vary depending on the exam each student chooses to take.
Deferral Policies
If you need a deferral, please review these two policies.
Accessibility
The Accessibility Support Center (ASC) provides services, accommodations, and academic support for students with disabilities and learning differences at Cabrillo College.
For Current Students
Handbook
This Student Policy Handbook is designed for and is the standard of policies, procedures, and a contract between the Cabrillo College Dental Hygiene Program and the student while enrolled in the Dental Hygiene Program. Each student is expected to know the information contained herein and use this handbook as a vital resource to student success.
Contact Form
All students are required to notify the Cabrillo College Dental Hygiene Program of any changes in personal information including name, address, phone or email within 30 days.
Find us on Social Media
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.