BS in Dental Hygiene

The Dental Hygiene Department’s mission is to shape the future of dentistry by graduating highly qualified dental hygienists with the knowledge, skills and values for lifelong learning through excellence in education, patient care, research, community service, public health, faculty and facilities.

The objective of the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program is to become competent in the knowledge, skills and values of dental hygiene, while building upon a liberal arts and science educational background that expands a view of oral health and disparity. This program focuses on the development of dental hygienists as life-long learners and critical thinkers with a commitment to professional leadership. Upon program completion and passing of the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, the graduate will be eligible to take state and regional licensing exams to become a Registered Dental Hygienist (some additional requirements may be necessary depending on the specific state or regional criteria at the time of the examination).

The Dental Hygiene program has established the following Program Learning Outcomes. Upon successful completion of the program and as required for licensure, the entry-level dental hygienist will be able to:

1. Practice professional behavior in the provision of patient care based on an individual risk assessment.
2. Exhibit critical-thinking skills utilizing self-assessment tasks for professional growth and development leading to lifelong learning.
3. Demonstrate competent communication skills to effectively interact with diverse population groups.
4. Provide competent oral health care procedures to individuals at all stages of life as determined by the evidence-based decision making approach.      
5. Participate in community-based oral health promotion and disease prevention activities.

An undergraduate student applying for admission into West Coast University must:

1. Participate in a qualitative admissions interview arranged by a University admissions representative;
2. Submit a completed application for admission;
3. Submit attestation of high school graduation or its equivalent;
4. Meet any program-specific entrance requirements as noted in the next section;
5. Complete an enrollment agreement (must be signed by a parent or guardian if the applicant is under 18 years of age);
6. Agree to take and successfully complete a four-module Computer Proficiency Requirement by the end of the first semester. (Catalog, p. 13)

Applicants, including those seeking advanced standing, for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene (BSDH) program must:

1. Complete a minimum of eight (8) hours of observation of at least two dental hygienists in clinical practice. The applicant must have the dental hygienist sign the verification form and the applicant must write a response paper following the stated parameters. Observation hours will not qualify if the license cannot be verified and/or if the applicant observes a dentist or dental assistant. Observation hours are considered as valid for one year;
2. Pass the Health Occupations Basic Entrance Exam (HOBET V) with a minimum Individual Total Score at or above 50%. An applicant has two attempts at the HOBET V exam. If an applicant does not pass the HOBET V exam after two attempts, the applicant must wait a period of six (6) months for a third attempt to pass the HOBET V and must provide proof of remediation. Passing HOBET V scores are valid for one year.

Selection Process
Dental Hygiene program applicants will be notified of acceptance status once the completed application and supporting documentation have been evaluated and the selection process has concluded. The selection process includes an objective evaluation of:

1) The HOBET V Examination subscores based on the means for Category S (maximum points possible are Reading 15, Math 20, Science 25, and English and Language Usage 15) and Individual Total Score; and

2) The Dental Hygiene Observation verification forms and response paper.

Based on a 100 point scale, 75 maximum points from the HOBET V Examination and 25 maximum points from the Dental Hygiene Observation documents, applicants are ranked and selected for admission into the Dental Hygiene program. There is no waiting list for subsequent admission. Applicants not selected must reapply and resubmit all required materials.

List of Textbooks

California Program Fees

*The Total Book Cost reflects the Manufactures Suggested Retail Price totals compiled in December 2011
**The Dental Hygiene supply kit must be purchased in its entirety from WCU.

Note:  Students who wish to take Challenge Exams will be subject to a fee of $100 for each Challenge exam.  Please see your campus Business Office for a full price listing.

¹ West Coast University also offers certain online courses to students enrolled in on-ground programs.  If a student enrolled in an on-ground program chooses to take a course or courses offered online, he/she will be subject to a Technology fee of $50 per credit hour per course in addition to the tuition charges listed above.

² All credits taken in a single semester which exceed 18 credits will be charged at $800 per credit with the exception of students in the core requirements of Dental Hygiene.

³ The Uniform and Supply costs are based on the Manufacture Suggested Retail Price as of December 2011 and are subject to change. 

Note: may change from year to year.

Dental hygiene applicants requesting transfer credit evaluation must provide official transcripts at the time of application and prior to the selection process. Only general education and prerequisite coursework will be considered and evaluated for transfer credit, and all General Education and prerequisite course(s) for the dental hygiene program must have been taken within the last five (5) calendar years. Each of the core dental hygiene courses must be taken in-residence and taken in succession. Students who submit an application for the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program without a request for transfer credit evaluation will not be awarded credit for any prior coursework.

More information on Transfer Credits