Dental Hygiene

Do you enjoy work activities that involve practical, hands-on problem solving, while educating and helping others maintain good oral health? You could learn Dental Hygiene and become a licensed health care professional who provides preventive, educational, and therapeutic dental health services directly to patients. You can gain skills to assess oral health, interpret dental radiographs (x-rays), remove plaque and stain from the teeth, apply preventive materials including fluoride and sealants, and teach patients proper oral hygiene techniques to maintain optimal oral health and support overall well-being.

Fresno City College Dental Hygiene Program (DH) is designed to educate and train students for entry level practice, obtain an Associate of Science degree and work in a structured health care setting. The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), which allows eligibility to apply for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and Clinical Licensure.

Important Update! Fresno City College has been approved by the California Board of Governors, the California Community College Chancellor's Office, and the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) to offer a Baccalaureate Degree in Dental Hygiene.

Students starting the program in Fall 2024 will be enrolled in upper division dental hygiene and general education courses to earn a Bachelors of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene with an expected graduation date of Spring 2026.

Note: The dental hygiene upper division curriculum is planned to be completed in two years after acceptance. Students must have completed all CSU or IGETC General Education Breadth Requirements for certification and all dental hygiene pre-requisite courses. Completion of the Pre-Allied Health Associate in Science degree is recommended. The Associate of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene will be discontinued.

Degrees and Certificates

Title	Degrees / Certificates
Dental Hygiene BS	Bachelor of Science (BS)
Dental Hygiene AS	Associate of Science (AS)
Dental Assisting CA	Certificate of Achievement (CA)

License Exam Pass Rates

Graduating Class of 2024 National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) 92% pass rate
Graduating Class of 2024 Job Placement Rate: 100%

Accreditation

The dental hygiene program at Fresno City College is accredited by the American Dental Associations’ Commission on Dental Accreditation. The ADA CODA is the only nationally accepted accrediting body in Dental Hygiene. The program is CODA approved without reporting until 2028.

ADA Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
www.ada.org
211 E. Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611-2678