BSDH - Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene

Prepare for a rewarding career in dental hygiene helping keep smiles healthy and bright every day.

Bachelors of Dental Hygiene Program Highlights

Earn your dental hygiene bachelor degree in as few as 34 months

Practice in technologically advanced skills and simulations labs to help master your skills and build confidence before you step foot in a dental clinic

Make an immediate impact with real patients in our Dental Hygiene Clinic

Get help preparing for your licensure exam with tutoring and one-on-one counseling

Get career support beyond graduation

Flexible BSDH program with multiple start dates throughout the year.

Student Life at WCU

Join a diverse community of passionate, dedicated individuals at WCU. With a culture that feels like a family, you will have all the support you need to be the best you can be. Join a study group to learn from your classmates or get some guidance through peer tutoring sessions. WCU’s class sizes grant you the opportunity to get to know your professors and get insight into the healthcare industry. Find a community that helps you build on your strengths and reach your academic goals.

Apply Now

Additional Information About our Dental Hygiene Program

The Dental Hygiene program’s mission is to impact the future of oral healthcare by graduating highly qualified dental hygienists through excellence in education, patient care, innovation, research, community service, public health, facilities, and faculty.

Dental hygienists skills are useful in a variety of settings. Beyond being clinicians in dental offices, dental hygienists employed in public health agencies or community health programs can help assess needs and plan appropriate healthcare programs. In colleges and universities, they can also engage in research and education.1  Our BSDH degree program can help prepare you for the role you want.

WCU Career Services offers dental hygiene career information and career planning advice. Get assistance with everything from resume writing to interview preparation to job leads. While we can’t guarantee employment, we can help you prepare to make the most of every dental hygiene career opportunity. It’s one-stop support — before and after graduation — to help you advance your education.

Our Faculty

Our dental hygienist in Orange County program provides students with opportunities to learn from an expert group of dental hygiene faculty. Our faculty members are affiliated with international, national, state and local professional organizations. They are active in providing advanced education to practicing dental hygienists and other health professionals at international, national, state, and local conferences, and continuing education events. Many of our faculty members have conducted original research and regularly contribute as authors in influential dental hygiene journals.

1California Employment Development Detailed Guide, Dental Hygienists in California

West Coast University offers a different approach to earning your BSDH degree—with a dental hygienist program you can complete in as little as 34 months. It’s a method of learning designed to help you achieve your goals—and make the most of your potential:

  • Focused dental hygienist program – once accepted into the program, you advance from general education coursework to dental hygiene courses, with no waiting period in between.
  • Learn by doing – clinical education begins in a technologically advanced simulation lab and advances into WCU’s Dental Hygiene Clinic.
  • Community service – you will provide supervised care in our no-cost Dental Hygiene Clinic to a diverse patient population who may not otherwise have access to dental hygiene services.
  • Career Services – offers career planning advice and assistance with everything from resume writing to interview preparation.

Our Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) of the American Dental Association and helps prepare you to become a dental hygienist in as little as 34 months.

Accreditation Information

The Dental Hygiene program offered at the Orange County campus is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611-2678, 800-621-8099 or (312) 440-4653, Website

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.

Dental Hygiene Clinic

WCU provides opportunities for individual learning—from our skills lab to our dedicated community Dental Hygiene Clinic, with over 15,000 patient visits a year.

At WCU, we believe each student needs and deserves exclusive time in the simulation and dental materials lab, as well as in the dental hygiene clinic. Our dental hygiene simulation lab enables students to practice pre-clinical techniques and procedures, which mimic real patient conditions. Once they have progressed, students will provide dental hygiene services to actual patients at the on-site, no-cost Dental Hygiene Clinic.

Simulation Lab

Our Simulation and Dental Materials Lab and the Dental Hygiene Clinic are well-equipped so that WCU students do not have to share, but rather have the simulation unit, dental chair, and radiology equipment for the entire dedicated teaching time.

WCU’s Dental Hygiene program is dedicated to having modern dental technology needed for student learning. Students learn various skills and procedures by using a wide range of modern equipment needed for dental hygiene care — available in one place. Additionally, students participate in community outreach. Students are also involved in activities for professional growth through professional membership and portfolio development.

West Coast University has established the following Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene Program Learning Outcomes. Upon successful completion of the program and as required for licensure, the entry-level dental hygienist would be able to demonstrate the following:

  1. Practice professional behavior in the provision of patient care.
  2. Exhibit critical thinking skills through evidence-based decision making.
  3. Demonstrate effective communication skills with diverse populations.
  4. Provide competent oral health care to individuals at all stages of life.
  5. Apply public health promotion skills in a variety of settings.
  6. Recognize the importance of lifelong learning and professional growth and development to maintain competence in an evolving health care system.

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).

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 Assessment Technologies Institute, LLC (ATI™) Test for Essential Academic Skills (TEAS®) (ATI TEAS) with a minimum Individual Total Score at or above 50.0. The applicant must wait one (1) week to retest between the first and second ATI TEAS exam. An applicant has two attempts at the ATI TEAS exam. If an applicant does not pass the ATI TEAS exam after two attempts, the applicant must wait 6 months for a third attempt with a proof of remediation is also required. Passing ATI TEAS 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 ATI TEAS sub-scores 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 ATI TEAS 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.

Learn more about Admissions Requirements here.

How Much Does The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene BSDH Program Cost?

We know school is a substantial commitment. At WCU, we want to equip you with all the information you need to make the right decision for your future.

Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene BSDH tuition costs so you can be well-informed as you navigate the application and enrollment process. To assist you in your decision, we provide a breakdown below of the BSDH program costs in Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene at West Coast University.

We offer several financial aid options – including scholarships, grants, and loan access – to help support you through your studies.

For more information about your financial support options, visit our financial aid page.

Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene

 

Degree Type

Bachelor of Science

(Summer 2023)

Bachelor of Science 

(Starting Fall I 2023)

Total Program Credits124 124
Program Length (full time)7 semesters 7 semesters
Full-Time Status
(12 to 18 credits)		$18,158 $18,158
3/4-Time Status (9 to 11 credits)$15,167 $15,167
1/2-Time Status (6 to 8 credits)$11,783 $11,783
Less than 1/2-Time Status(per credit if under 6 credits)$1,995 $1,995
Total Tuition Costs (Full-Time)$127,106 $127,106
Registration Fee (refundable)$75 $75
STRF Fee1(non-refundable)$352.50 $355
Estimated Total Book Costs2$6,359 $6,705
Estimated Total Book Shipping Cost2$636 $671
Estimate for Uniform Fees 2$250 $250
Estimate for Supplies & Licensure Prep. Fees2$5,700 $5,700
Technology Fee3 ($100 per semester)$700 $700
General Education Resource Fee4$500 $500
Estimated Total Program Costs$141,678.50 $142,062

 

1Effective April 1, 2022, the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) assessment rate will be two dollars and fifty cents ($2.50) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of institutional charges.

The State of California established the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic loss suffered by a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution, who is or was a California resident while enrolled, or was enrolled in a residency program, if the student enrolled in the institution, prepaid tuition, and suffered an economic loss. Unless relieved of the obligation to do so, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf, if you are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition.

You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment, if you are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program.

It is important that you keep copies of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, or any other information that documents the amount paid to the school. Questions regarding the STRF may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 1747 N. Market Blvd. Ste 225 Sacramento, CA 95834, (916) 431-6959 or (888) 370-7589.

To be eligible for STRF, you must be a California resident or enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid or deemed to have paid the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following:

  1. The institution, a location of the institution, or an educational program offered by the institution was closed or discontinued, and you did not choose to participate in a teach-out plan approved by the Bureau or did not complete a chosen teach-out plan approved by the Bureau.
  2. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution within the 120-day period before the closure of the institution or location of the institution or were enrolled in an educational program within the 120-day period before the program was discontinued.
  3. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution more than 120 days before the closure of the institution or location of the institution, in an educational program offered by the institution as to which the Bureau determined there was a significant decline in the quality or value of the program more than 120 days before closure.
  4. The institution has been ordered to pay a refund by the Bureau but has failed to do so.
  5. The institution has failed to pay or reimburse loan proceeds under a federal student loan program as required by law or has failed to pay or reimburse proceeds received by the institution in excess of tuition and other costs.
  6. You have been awarded restitution, a refund, or other monetary award by an arbitrator or court, based on a violation of this chapter by an institution or representative of an institution, but have been unable to collect the award from the institution.
  7. You sought legal counsel that resulted in the cancellation of one or more of your student loans and have an invoice for services rendered and evidence of the cancellation of the student loan or loans.

To qualify for STRF reimbursement, the application must be received within four (4) years from the date of the action or event that made the student eligible for recovery from STRF.

A student whose loan is revived by a loan holder or debt collector after a period of noncollection may, at any time, file a written application for recovery from STRF for the debt that would have otherwise been eligible for recovery. If it has been more than four (4) years since the action or event that made the student eligible, the student must have filed a written application for recovery within the original four (4) year period, unless the period has been extended by another act of law.

However, no claim can be paid to any student without a social security number or a taxpayer identification number.

2 The Estimate for Book, Uniform, and Supply fees reflect the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price totals compiled in January 2022 and are subject to change. Supplies become student purchases once issued to student. Students who drop or have been dismissed after supplies have been issued will assume ownership for these items and will not be eligible for refunds. For details on all of the supplies, contact the Bursar Office.

Dental Hygiene supplies are issued in DHYG 302 - Introduction to Dental Hygiene Practice with Lab.

3 Technology Fee includes student technical support, Office 365, blended and online course delivery/learning management system, mobile app, student portal technology and access, and required electronic course materials/software.

4 The General Education Resource Fee includes costs associated with ATI Smart Prep materials. The General Education Resource Fee will be waived for Active Duty, Active Duty Spouse, Reserve, Reserve Spouse, Veterans, Veteran Spouse, Department of Defense employees, dependents utilizing parent's veteran's education benefits, and Veteran Affairs employees.

Note 1: Students who wish to take Challenge Exams will be subject to a fee of $100 for each Challenge exam.  Please see the campus Bursar Office for a full price listing.

Note 2: Course Audits - If a course(s) is being audited. Credits for these courses will be included for the student's schedule status for billing, based on the schedule statuses and amounts shown above. Students in the Dental Hygiene program should refer to the Grading Requirements and Reentry Following Dismissal Policy for their program for course audits.

Note 3: The Total Tuition Cost can be converted to Cost per Credit Hour by using the following calculation:

Total Tuition Cost ($127,106) divided by the Total Program Credits (124) = Cost per Credit Hour ($1025).

If you are considering getting your Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene – we invite you to attend an Information Session.

Why WCU?

The Dental Hygiene program’s mission is to impact the future of oral healthcare by graduating highly qualified dental hygienists through excellence in education, patient care, innovation, research, community service, public health, facilities, and faculty.

Dental hygienists skills are useful in a variety of settings. Beyond being clinicians in dental offices, dental hygienists employed in public health agencies or community health programs can help assess needs and plan appropriate healthcare programs. In colleges and universities, they can also engage in research and education.1  Our BSDH degree program can help prepare you for the role you want.

WCU Career Services offers dental hygiene career information and career planning advice. Get assistance with everything from resume writing to interview preparation to job leads. While we can’t guarantee employment, we can help you prepare to make the most of every dental hygiene career opportunity. It’s one-stop support — before and after graduation — to help you advance your education.

Our Faculty

Our dental hygienist in Orange County program provides students with opportunities to learn from an expert group of dental hygiene faculty. Our faculty members are affiliated with international, national, state and local professional organizations. They are active in providing advanced education to practicing dental hygienists and other health professionals at international, national, state, and local conferences, and continuing education events. Many of our faculty members have conducted original research and regularly contribute as authors in influential dental hygiene journals.

1California Employment Development Detailed Guide, Dental Hygienists in California

Advantages

West Coast University offers a different approach to earning your BSDH degree—with a dental hygienist program you can complete in as little as 34 months. It’s a method of learning designed to help you achieve your goals—and make the most of your potential:

  • Focused dental hygienist program – once accepted into the program, you advance from general education coursework to dental hygiene courses, with no waiting period in between.
  • Learn by doing – clinical education begins in a technologically advanced simulation lab and advances into WCU’s Dental Hygiene Clinic.
  • Community service – you will provide supervised care in our no-cost Dental Hygiene Clinic to a diverse patient population who may not otherwise have access to dental hygiene services.
  • Career Services – offers career planning advice and assistance with everything from resume writing to interview preparation.

Our Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) of the American Dental Association and helps prepare you to become a dental hygienist in as little as 34 months.

Accreditation Information

The Dental Hygiene program offered at the Orange County campus is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611-2678, 800-621-8099 or (312) 440-4653, Website

Overview

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.

Dental Hygiene Clinic

WCU provides opportunities for individual learning—from our skills lab to our dedicated community Dental Hygiene Clinic, with over 15,000 patient visits a year.

At WCU, we believe each student needs and deserves exclusive time in the simulation and dental materials lab, as well as in the dental hygiene clinic. Our dental hygiene simulation lab enables students to practice pre-clinical techniques and procedures, which mimic real patient conditions. Once they have progressed, students will provide dental hygiene services to actual patients at the on-site, no-cost Dental Hygiene Clinic.

Simulation Lab

Our Simulation and Dental Materials Lab and the Dental Hygiene Clinic are well-equipped so that WCU students do not have to share, but rather have the simulation unit, dental chair, and radiology equipment for the entire dedicated teaching time.

WCU’s Dental Hygiene program is dedicated to having modern dental technology needed for student learning. Students learn various skills and procedures by using a wide range of modern equipment needed for dental hygiene care — available in one place. Additionally, students participate in community outreach. Students are also involved in activities for professional growth through professional membership and portfolio development.

Outcomes

West Coast University has established the following Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene Program Learning Outcomes. Upon successful completion of the program and as required for licensure, the entry-level dental hygienist would be able to demonstrate the following:

  1. Practice professional behavior in the provision of patient care.
  2. Exhibit critical thinking skills through evidence-based decision making.
  3. Demonstrate effective communication skills with diverse populations.
  4. Provide competent oral health care to individuals at all stages of life.
  5. Apply public health promotion skills in a variety of settings.
  6. Recognize the importance of lifelong learning and professional growth and development to maintain competence in an evolving health care system.

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).

Admissions

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 Assessment Technologies Institute, LLC (ATI™) Test for Essential Academic Skills (TEAS®) (ATI TEAS) with a minimum Individual Total Score at or above 50.0. The applicant must wait one (1) week to retest between the first and second ATI TEAS exam. An applicant has two attempts at the ATI TEAS exam. If an applicant does not pass the ATI TEAS exam after two attempts, the applicant must wait 6 months for a third attempt with a proof of remediation is also required. Passing ATI TEAS 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 ATI TEAS sub-scores 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 ATI TEAS 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.

Learn more about Admissions Requirements here.

Tuition & Financial Aid

How Much Does The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene BSDH Program Cost?

We know school is a substantial commitment. At WCU, we want to equip you with all the information you need to make the right decision for your future.

Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene BSDH tuition costs so you can be well-informed as you navigate the application and enrollment process. To assist you in your decision, we provide a breakdown below of the BSDH program costs in Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene at West Coast University.

We offer several financial aid options – including scholarships, grants, and loan access – to help support you through your studies.

For more information about your financial support options, visit our financial aid page.

Information Sessions

If you are considering getting your Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene – we invite you to attend an Information Session.

FAQs

What is a BSDH degree?

A BSDH degree (Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene) helps prepare you for a variety of careers in dental hygiene. WCU’s focused dental hygiene program gives you hands-on practical experience in our modernized Dental Materials Lab and the Dental Hygiene Clinic.

How long does it take to become a dental hygienist?

WCU’s dental hygiene program can be completed in as little as 34 months. Once accepted into the BSDH program, you progress from general education coursework to dental hygiene courses, with no in-between waiting period.

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