Dental Hygiene

Effective: Fall 2024
Associate in Science Program Map
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This program map from the 2024-2025 catalog year represents one possible pathway to complete this program. Your pathway may vary depending on your transfer plans and also previous college credit, including AP Test scores, concurrent enrollment courses and high school articulated courses.

I'm ready to get started. What do I do next?

  1. Review this program map to get an overview of the required courses
  2. Meet with a counselor to develop your customized student education plan www.chabotcollege.edu/counseling
  3. Use DegreeWorks, an online student education planning tool, to track your progress toward graduation www.chabotcollege.edu / admissions / degreeworks
Program Description
This area of study will provide students with the foundation, knowledge and skills needed to apply for licensure to practice dental hygiene. Students will earn a certificate in Radiation Safety after successful completion of the first year curriculum. Students will earn an AS degree at the completion of the program.

What can I do with this major?

Dental hygienists are preventive oral health professionals who have graduated from an accredited dental hygiene program in an institution of higher education, licensed in dental hygiene to provide educational, clinical, research, administrative and therapeutic services supporting total health through the promotion of optimum oral health." (ADEA, 2012).

Successful completion of the two-year program qualifies the student to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam and the regional board exam for licensure as a Registered Dental Hygienist.

Students in this program may choose to use their AS degree in Dental Hygiene to continue their education by earning a bachelor's degree. Career paths include but are not limited to:

  • Clinical Practice
  • Public Health
  • Education
  • Research
  • Sales
  • Entrepreneur

Learning and Career Pathway
  • Health and Wellness

Icon Key

= Critical Course = Prerequisite for Other Courses = Prerequisite Required = Required for Major GE = General Education

All students must be certified in BLS for the Health Care Provider through the American Heart Association. The Dental Hygiene Program units combined with the Associate in Science Degree (G.E.) requirements will be in excess of the minimum 60 units.

Prerequisites

39 units

Prerequisite courses are required before applying for the Dental Hygiene program and must be completed by the Fall prior to the year of application.

In-progress grades are not accepted.

BIOS 42
General Human Anatomy

5 units
GE
Examine the correlations between the structures and functions of the human body in both health and diseased states. Explore tissue and organ structure through both gross and microscopic examinations as well as organ and cadaver dissection. May not receive credit if ANAT 1 has been completed successfully.
Course Details:
  1. Prerequisite: BIOS 41
    2. or
  2. Prerequisite: BIOL 31
    3. or
  3. Prerequisite: BIOS 21C
  4. Strongly Recommended: ENGL 1

BIOS 43
Human Physiology

5 units
Human cellular and systemic body functions are studied. Emphasis is placed on physics, chemistry, and clinical concepts. Students will learn collection and analysis of data, extrapolations and conclusions. Working models, including human responses, and computer simulations are studied. Intended for students needing preparation for careers and program prerequisites in nursing, dental hygiene, physical therapy and other allied health sciences. May not receive credit if PHSI 1 has been completed successfully.
Course Details:
  1. Prerequisite: CHEM 30A
    2. and
  2. Prerequisite: BIOS 42
  3. Strongly Recommended: CHEM 30B
    4. and
  4. Strongly Recommended: ENGL 1
  • Transfers to CSU

    • BIOS 44
    Microbiology

    5 units
    Bacteria, fungi, protozoa, helminths, and viruses, with an emphasis on their relationships to humans and disease. Microbial growth and control, microbial metabolism, and microbial genetics. Microbe-host interactions, including the beneficial microflora and the pathogenesis of contemporary infectious diseases. Methods used in the laboratory, including cultivation, staining, isolation, quantification, identification, and antibiotic sensitivity testing of microbes. Intended for students planning to enter training programs leading to allied health professions, such as registered nurse and dental hygienist. May not receive credit if MICR 1 has been completed successfully.
    Course Details:
    1. Prerequisite: BIOS 41
      2. or
    2. Prerequisite: BIOL 31
      3. or
    3. Prerequisite: BIOS 21C
      4. or
    4. Prerequisite: BIOL 2
      5. or
    5. Prerequisite: BIOS 21B
      6. or
    6. Prerequisite: BIOL 4
      7. and
    7. Prerequisite: CHEM 30A
      8. or
    8. Prerequisite: CHEM 1A
    9. Strongly Recommended: BIOS 42
      10. or
    10. Strongly Recommended: ANAT 1
      11. and
    11. Strongly Recommended: ENGL 1

    CHEM 30A
    Introductory and Applied Chemistry I

    4 units
    GE
    Chemistry of inorganic compounds, atomic theory, bonding, equations, gas laws, solutions, acid-base theory and oxidation-reduction. Designed to meet the requirements of certain programs in allied health and technological fields and for general education.
    Course Details:
    1. Prerequisite: MTH 65
    2. Prerequisite: MTH 65B
      3. or
    3. Prerequisite: MTH 65L
      4. or
    4. Prerequisite: MTH 53
      5. or
    5. Prerequisite: MTH 53B

    CHEM 30B
    Introductory and Applied Chemistry II

    4 units
    Continuation of Chemistry 30A with emphasis on organic and biochemical concepts related to human physiological systems.
    Course Details:
    1. Prerequisite: CHEM 30A

    PSY 1
    General Psychology

    3 units
    GE
    Introduces students to the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Provides an overview of major psychological concepts and theories in such areas as consciousness, learning, memory, motivation, perception, personality, stress, and social behavior.
    Course Details:
    1. Strongly Recommended: ENGL 1A
  • Transfers to CSU

    • SOCI 1
    Principles of Sociology

    3 units
    GE
    Designed to illuminate the way students see their social world. Uses a sociological perspective: scientific study of human interaction and society, with emphasis on impact of groups on social behavior. Includes the systematic examination of culture, socialization, social organization, social class, race, gender, deviance, social change and empirical methodology. These content areas are woven throughout the fabric of the course, particularly as they affect the lives of at least three of the following groups: African Americans, Latinx Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, Native Americans, Arab Americans and/or women.
    Course Details:
  • Transfers to CSU

    • ENGL 1
    Critical Reading and Composition

    4 units
    GE
    This is an introductory course offering integrated instruction in reading, critical thinking, and expository and argumentative writing, intended to develop the ability to read and write complex, college-level prose. Theme-based units of study will examine ideas in relation to individuals' world view and contexts from which these ideas arise. Primary texts will showcase diverse writers, including marginalized voices. Some research required.
    Course Details:
    1. Prerequisite: ENGL 102

    NUTR 1
    Introduction to Nutrition Science

    3 units
    GE
    Scientific concepts of nutrition related to the function of nutrients, sources and recommended intakes. Nutritional assessment and the role of nutrition in the maintenance of health.
    Course Details:
    1. Strongly Recommended: CHEM 30A
      2. and
    2. Strongly Recommended: MTH 53
      3. and
    3. Strongly Recommended: ENGL 1A
  • Transfers to CSU

    • COMM 1 or COMM 10 (choose one)

    3 units
    GE

    COMM 1
    Fundamentals of Speech Communication

    3 units
    Emphasis on developing, organizing, researching, and delivering informative, persuasive, or entertaining ideas to an audience. This course also includes developing critical listening, audience analysis, and problem-solving skills for public speech making. Communication theory and best practices for communication to a public are analyzed.
    Course Details:
    1. Strongly Recommended: ENGL 1
  • Transfers to CSU
    • or

    COMM 10
    Interpersonal Communication

    3 units
    An introductory course designed to help students develop interpersonal communication competencies. Students begin by exploring personal identity, including race, culture, gender, and family. Then examine how these individual identities impact personal relationships. Finally, we will identify strategies to reduce miscommunication and conflict in interpersonal relationships. Overall, through readings, lecture/discussion, and assignments we will examine the power of communication and its effects on our lives and relationships.
    Course Details:
    1. Strongly Recommended: ENGL 1
  • Transfers to CSU

    • Semester 1

    15 units

    Once admitted into the Dental Hygiene program, all of the required courses below must be completed. 

    DHYG 50A
    Dental Hygiene Orientation I

    0.5 units
    Orientation to the dental hygiene program to include information regarding scheduling, course requirements, financial aid considerations, program policies and procedures as well as core competencies.

    DHYG 60
    Dental Anatomy and Morphology

    1.5 units
    Development, eruption, and structures of the intraoral cavity and extraoral structures; structures of the teeth, tooth numbering systems, occlusion and anomalies. Identification of teeth and oral structures.

    DHYG 60S
    Dental Anatomy and Morphology Independent Study

    0.5 units
    Supplemental instruction on the development and anatomical structures of the head and neck, oral cavity and dentition. Tooth identification including: tooth anatomy, eruption patterns, tooth numbering systems, anomalies, and occlusion. Restorative considerations and classifications.
    Course Details:
    1. Corequisite: DHYG 60

    DHYG 61
    Head and Neck Anatomy

    2 units
    Anatomy of the head, neck and oral cavity; structure and function of the oral cavity and adjacent structures. Emphasis on clinical recognition of normal structures, , their vascular supply and the regional osteology.

    DHYG 61S
    Head and Neck Anatomy Independent Study

    0.5 units
    Supplemental instruction on the embryology of the head, neck and oral cavity, structure and function of the oral cavity and adjacent structures. Emphasis on the recognition of normal structures, the anatomical relationships between structures and regional osteology.

    DHYG 69A
    Oral Health Care Education

    2 units
    Educational techniques and technical skills used to assist individuals and groups in becoming integrally involved in their dental/oral health care. Information and application of information related to oral health care, oral health promotion and disease prevention.
    Course Details:

      DHYG 71A
      Pre-Clinical Dental Hygiene

      4 units
      Laboratory and clinical experiences in patient assessment, dental hygiene care planning, goal setting and implementation of instrumentation techniques for providing prevention- oriented dental care and non-surgical periodontal therapy. Emphasis on post-treatment evaluation. Application of theory to the treatment of clinical patients.

      DHYG 71S
      Pre-clinical Dental Hygiene Independent Study

      1 unit
      Supplemental instruction in the use of dental hygiene instruments. Emphasis on instrumentation technique including the use of fulcrum options, modified pen grasp, direct and indirect vision.

      DHYG 74A
      Dental Radiography I

      3 units
      Introduction to the principles of radiography, x-radiation protection, operation of x-ray equipment, infection control procedures and hazardous waste maintenance. Practice in film exposure, processing, mounting and interpretation.

      Semester 2

      14.5 units

      DHYG 51
      General and Oral Pathology

      4 units
      Oral pathology and dysfunctions of systems of the body which directly affect the oral cavity. Significance of oral and general pathology in relationship to treatment by the dental hygienist. Relationship of oral and general pathology related to the disease process.
      Course Details:

        DHYG 55A
        Dental Materials

        1.5 units
        General, specialty, preventive and restorative materials will be covered, with focus on components, properties, classification and manipulation of specific materials. Lab activities designed to prepare student for use of materials within the dental setting.
        Course Details:
        1. Prerequisite: DHYG 69A

        DHYG 69B
        Treatment and Evaluation in Dental Hygiene

        1 unit
        Continued development of the principles of assessment in dental hygiene care. Prevention, non-surgical periodontal therapy and maintenance through application of the Dental Hygiene process, including assessment, planning, goal setting, implementing and evaluation used in providing dental hygiene care. Emphasis on evaluation of dental hygiene care as an essential component of the dental hygiene process.

        DHYG 71B
        Clinical Dental Hygiene

        4 units
        Continuation of laboratory and clinical experiences in patient assessment with emphasis on dental hygiene care planning, goal setting and implementation of instrumentation techniques for providing prevention-oriented dental care and non-surgical periodontal therapy. Emphasis on post-treatment evaluation. Introduction to the technical skills and procedures used in the clinical practice of dental hygiene.

        DHYG 73
        Educational Theories in Dental Hygiene Care

        1.5 units
        Basics of research processes associated with clinical dental hygiene practice. Teaching, learning, and research processes. Application of principles for patient education. Identification of effective environments for teaching and learning.

        DHYG 74B
        Dental Radiography II

        1.5 units
        Continuation of clinical experience in exposing films, group and individualized criticism of mounted films; principles of Panographic and Digital radiology; special patient needs; occlusal and pedodontic surveys; emphasis on radiographic interpretative skills.

        DHYG 75
        Medical Emergencies

        1 unit
        Prevention, recognition and management of medical emergencies that occur in the dental setting.

        Semester 3

        15 units

        DHYG 50B
        Dental Hygiene Orientation II

        0.5 units
        Orientation for second year dental hygiene students focusing on patient management and scheduling as well as policies and procedures for treating periodontally involved patients.

        DHYG 52A
        Periodontics

        2 units
        Normal periodontium and the deviations from health, with emphasis on the hygienist's responsibility in examination, data collection and recognition of disease. Dental Hygiene therapy for periodontal disease prevention, active case management and maintenance programs. Contributing factors to disease process and case management. Decision-making for patient referral to the periodontal specialist.

        DHYG 54
        Pharmacology

        2 units
        Sources, dosages, therapeutic action, and side effects of drugs used in dentistry and dental hygiene. Includes legal and ethical aspects of drug usage.
        Course Details:
        1. Corequisite: DHYG 57

        DHYG 56A
        Community Dental Health I

        1 unit
        Study of individual and community oral health problems relative to personal, family, and public health needs.

        DHYG 57
        Expanded Functions for the Dental Hygienist

        2 units
        Dental hygiene advanced clinical functions including clinical practice in administration of local anesthetics, topical anesthetic agents, nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia and soft tissue curettage.

        DHYG 72S
        Advanced Periodontal Procedure

        0.5 units
        Lecture experiences in advanced instrumentation techniques; workshops on recognizing patients’ medical needs and their relationship to dental treatment.
        Course Details:
        1. Prerequisite: DHYG 71B

        DHYG 80A
        Patient Management

        1 unit
        The focus of this course are patient care competencies in providing dental hygiene care for the child, adolescent, adult and geriatric patient. Students will assess the treatment needs of patients and modify procedures as needed in order to provide effective dental hygiene treatment.
        Course Details:
        1. Prerequisite: DHYG 71B
        2. Corequisite: DHYG 56A
          3. and
        3. Corequisite: DHYG 81A

        DHYG 81A
        Clinical Practice I

        5 units
        Continuation of clinical experience in performing dental hygiene therapy with emphasis on the young child and periodontal patient; patient education in prevention and control of dental disease and emergency procedures.
        Course Details:
        1. Prerequisite: DHYG 69B
          2. and
        2. Prerequisite: DHYG 71B
        3. Corequisite: DHYG 56A
          4. and
        4. Corequisite: DHYG 57
          5. and
        5. Corequisite: DHYG 80A
          6. and
        6. Corequisite: DHYG 83

        DHYG 82A
        Clinical Experience Seminar I

        1 unit
        Discussion and analysis of case-based clinical situations. Case studies addressing client care, protocol and advanced clinical techniques. Exploration of and education in cultural and linguistic competence.
        Course Details:
        1. Corequisite: DHYG 80A

        Semester 4

        12.5 units

        DHYG 56B
        Community Dental Health II

        1 unit
        Continuation of Dental Hygiene 56A. Emphasis is on the role of the dental hygienist in health promotion and health communication. Focus is on the implementation and evaluation of a community health project, epidemiology, research and social responsibility. Benefits and public concerns related to community water fluoridation.
        Course Details:
        1. Prerequisite: DHYG 56A

        DHYG 50C
        Dental Hygiene Orientation III

        0.5 units
        Orientation for second year dental hygiene students. This course will prepare students for the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam through computerized testing with case based and didactic questions. This course will also review clinical requirements for graduation, patient scheduling, mock boards and the regional clinical board exam.
        Course Details:
        1. Prerequisite: DHYG 81A

        DHYG 52B
        Advanced Periodontics

        1 unit
        Continuation of 52A. Research-based comprehensive periodontal therapy. Focus on systemic diseases and their relationship to periodontal disease and adjunct periodontal treatment modalities through the use of evidence-based research and case studies.

        DHYG 58
        Dental Office Practice

        1 unit
        Dental office practices based on sound dental economics, legal and ethical framework of the State Dental Practice Act, and patient needs and services.
        Course Details:
        1. Corequisite: DHYG 81B

        DHYG 80B
        Advanced Clinical Topics

        1 unit
        Advanced clinical topics with discussion in patient management, ergonomics, clinical boards, licensure, employment, lasers in dentistry and insurance CDT codes. This course includes guest speakers on various topics and preparation for the work industry.
        Course Details:
        1. Prerequisite: DHYG 80A
        2. Corequisite: DHYG 81B
          3. and
        3. Corequisite: DHYG 82B
          4. and
        4. Corequisite: DHYG 83

        DHYG 81B
        Clinical Practice II

        5 units
        Continuation of clinical experience with a variety of clinical cases of adults and children to include a broad spectrum of clinical applications.
        Course Details:
        1. Corequisite: DHYG 58
          2. and
        2. Corequisite: DHYG 80B
          3. and
        3. Corequisite: DHYG 82B
          4. and
        4. Corequisite: DHYG 83

        DHYG 82B
        Clinical Experience Seminar II

        2 units
        Discussion and analysis of complex case-based clinical situations. Ethical, legal decision making, occupational standards and incident reporting in the clinical setting. Review of materials pertaining to the National Dental Hygiene Board and the Clinical State Licensing exams.
        Course Details:
        1. Corequisite: DHYG 58
          2. and
        2. Corequisite: DHYG 80B

        DHYG 83
        Patients with Special Needs

        1 unit
        Dental Hygiene therapy with emphasis on the management of patients with special needs. Management of this population will include current clinical in-office strategies, as well as applications of mobile dentistry and teledentistry technology.
        Course Details:
        1. Prerequisite: DHYG 80A
        2. Corequisite: DHYG 80B
          3. and
        3. Corequisite: DHYG 81B

        General Education Requirements

        Students may earn an AS degree at Chabot with completion of any one of the following general education patterns: 

        • Local AS pattern 

        • CSU General Education Breadth pattern 

        • IGETC General Education pattern 

        See the general education course lists: https://www.chabotcollege.edu/counseling/transfer/ge-requirement-transfer-archive.php.  

        It is recommended that all students meet with a Chabot College counselor to review and create an individualized student education plan. See the Counseling Department webpage for information on how to speak with a counselor: www.chabotcollege.edu/counseling. 

        . 

        Total Units: 96 units
        This program map is not a guarantee of course availability or financial aid applicability.