Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BSDH)
Prepare for a rewarding career in dental hygiene helping keep smiles healthy and bright every day.
10 Weeks
10-week terms allow for start dates throughout the year
34 Months
Earn your Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree in as little as 34 months
124 Credits
Complete 124 credits to obtain your dental hygiene bachelor’s degree
Dental Hygiene Program Highlights
Comprehensive curriculum that includes a research course and training on emotional intelligence
Simulation labs equipped with one station per student to help you maximize practice time
On-site WCU Dental Hygiene Clinic right on campus for real-life experience with patients
Help preparing for your licensure exam with tutoring and one-on-one counseling
Why Choose the Dental Hygiene Program at WCU?
Our BSDH program, offered at the WCU Orange Country Campus, helps you prepare for exciting roles in dental care. Become a qualified dental hygienist with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to deliver excellence in patient care, research, and community service.
As a WCU dental hygiene student, you get your own dedicated simulation unit, dental chair, and radiology equipment for the duration of class so you can maximize practice time and develop confidence. Additionally, you’ll get real-life experience while giving back to the community at our WCU Dental Hygiene Clinic (located right on campus!) where you’ll get to experience every aspect of running a dental facility.
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About Our BSDH Program
Explore WCU’s dental hygiene program, the technology used for learning, and the student experience.
Overview: Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene Program
Program Details
Program Pace
On-Campus
124 Credits
34 Months
7 Semesters
Curriculum
General Education
Category and Requirements | WCU Course Requirements | Transferable / Options |
---|---|---|
Foundational Course | (3): Foundations of Higher Education | Non-transferable |
A. Written Communications (6 Semester Credits) |
* (3): Written Communication I * (3): Written Communication II |
Equivalent to
Equivalent to |
B. Oral and Interpersonal Communications (3 Semester Credits) |
* (3): Oral Communication | Equivalent to |
C. Critical Thinking and Ethical Reasoning (3 Semester Credits) |
* (3): Critical Reasoning | Equivalent to |
D. Quantitative Literacy (6 Semester Credits) |
(3): College Mathematics I (3): Statistics |
Equivalent to
Equivalent to |
E. Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 Semester Credits) |
* (3): Psychology (3): Sociology |
Equivalent to Equivalent to |
G. Scientific Reasoning (19 Semester Credits) |
(4): Human Anatomy (4): Human Physiology (4): Chemistry (3): Biochemistry DH (4): General Microbiology |
Equivalent to Equivalent to Equivalent to is Non-transferableEquivalent to |
A minimum of 46 credits is required for graduation. |
Core Dental Hygiene Courses
Introduction to Dental Hygiene Practice w/Lab | 4 | |
Infection Control Lab | 1 | |
General Pathology Immunology and Medical Terminology | 2 | |
Pre-Clinical Dental Hygiene I w/Lab | 4 | |
Oral Pathology | 3 | |
Pre-Clinical Dental Hygiene II | 4.5 | |
Cultural Competency in Healthcare | 1 | |
Medically Compromised Care & Emergencies | 3 | |
Pre-Clinical Dental Hygiene III | 3.5 | |
Dental Radiology Science w/Lab | 2 | |
Dental Embryology Histology and Anatomy w/ Lab | 3 | |
Dental Radiology Interpretation w/Clinic | 1.5 | |
Preventive Dentistry and Risk Assessment | 2 | |
Head & Neck Anatomy | 2 | |
Pain Management w/Lab | 3 | |
Dental Materials w/Lab | 2.0 | |
Basic and Applied Pharmacology | 3 | |
Introduction to Periodontology | 2 | |
Clinical Seminar I | 1 | |
Clinical Practice I | 2.5 | |
Clinical Seminar II | 1 | |
Clinical Practice II | 3 | |
Clinical Seminar III | 1 | |
Clinical Practice III | 3 | |
Biochemistry and Nutrition | 2 | |
Clinical Seminar IV | 1 | |
Clinical Practice IV | 3.5 | |
Research Methodology | 2 | |
Applied Research Lab | 1 | |
Ethics Seminar | 1 | |
Dental Public Health | 2 | |
Community Dental Health Project | 1 | |
Practice Management and Jurisprudence | 2 | |
Applied Periodontology | 2 | |
Advanced Dental Hygiene Topics | 1 | |
Professional Development Project | 1.5 | |
Total Credit Hours: | 78.0 |
Program Credit Distribution
BSDH
General Education Semester Credits | 46.0 |
Core Dental Hygiene Semester Credits | 78.0 |
Total Program Semester Credits | 124.0 |
Tuition & Financial Aid
How Much Does the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene 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 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 at ֻƬ.
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
Enrolling prior to 4/1/24
Tuition and Fees:
Bachelor of Science (Prior to Fall I 2024) |
Bachelor of Science (Starting Fall I 2024) |
|
Total Program Credits | 124 | 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) | $355 | $355 |
Estimated Total Book Costs2 | $6,705 | $6,556 |
Estimated Total Book Shipping Cost2 | $671 | $656 |
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 | $142,062 | $141,898 |
Enrolling after 4/1/24
Bachelor of Science (Prior to Fall I 2024) |
Bachelor of Science (Starting Fall I 2024) |
|
Total Program Credits | 124 | 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) | $0 | $0 |
Estimated Total Book Costs2 | $6,705 | $6,556 |
Estimated Total Book Shipping Cost2 | $671 | $656 |
Estimate for Uniform Fees2 | $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 | $141,707 | $141,543 |
Indirect Costs:
10 Month Academic Year | ||||
Prior to Fall I 2024 | Starting Fall I 2024 | |||
with parents | off campus | with parents | off campus | |
Federal Student Loan Fees | $100 | $100 | $100 | $100 |
Course Materials (Personal Electronic Device-1st year only) |
$1000 | $1000 | $1,000 | $1,000 |
Food & Housing | $2,980 | $9,920 | $3,120 | $10,410 |
Transportation | $2,060 | $2,060 | $2,160 | $2,160 |
Personal Expenses | $6,740 | $6,740 | $7,070 | $7,070 |
Total | $12,880 | $19,820 | $13,450 | $20,740 |
1 Effective April 1, 2024, the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) assessment rate will be zero dollars and zero cents ($0.00) 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- The institution has been ordered to pay a refund by the Bureau but has failed to do so.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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. 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 Veterans Affairs employees.
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.
4The purpose of the Cost of Attendance (COA) is to provide students and families with an estimated cost to attend ֻƬ. The COA includes both direct and indirect cost estimates. Direct costs are paid directly to ֻƬ and are shown separately for each program. Indirect costs are not paid to ֻƬ and are estimates students may use to budget expenses they may incur while attending school. While actual indirect costs may vary, ֻƬ estimates these amounts based on the number of months in an academic year and whether students will live with parents or off campus.
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).
Admission Requirements
Applicants, including applicants for advanced standing, for the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BSDH) program must:
- Complete a minimum of 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 valid for one year.
- 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. Individuals who are unable to score at or above 50.0 may be admitted to the program under the following conditions:
- Must achieve a minimum summative score between 120.0 or above and a total score below 50.0 on the ATI TEAS Examination.
- Must enroll in General Education courses.
- Must meet regularly with an advisor and assigned tutor.
- Pass the ATI TEAS with a minimum composite score of 50.0 in order to progress into dental hygiene core courses.
- Students unable to achieve a passing ATI TEAS score before the conclusion of General Education coursework will be dismissed from the University, however, may reapply for admissions. Those unable to meet the terms of admission to the program may be referred to the Student Conduct Committee and may be dismissed from the university.
For more information on admission requirements, including our transfer credit policy, please visit .
Academic Calendar
New academic terms begin, on average, every 10 weeks. For the most updated list of term start and completion dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Additional Information About our Dental Hygiene Program
The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program’s mission is to impact the future of oral health care by graduating highly qualified dental hygienists through excellence in education, faculty, patient care, innovation, research, community service, public health, and facilities.
Program Learning Outcomes
ֻƬ 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:
- Practice professional behavior in the provision of patient care
- Exhibit critical thinking skills through evidence-based decision making
- Demonstrate effective communication skills with diverse populations
- Provide competent oral healthcare to individuals at all stages of life
- Apply public health promotion skills in a variety of settings
- Recognize the importance of lifelong learning and professional growth and development to maintain competence in an evolving healthcare system
The objective of the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program is to help students 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.
Programmatic Accreditation
The Dental Hygiene program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) of the American Dental Association. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653.
Commission on Dental Accreditation
211 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 440-2500
Mission
The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program’s mission is to impact the future of oral health care by graduating highly qualified dental hygienists through excellence in education, faculty, patient care, innovation, research, community service, public health, and facilities.
Learning Outcomes
ֻƬ 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:
- Practice professional behavior in the provision of patient care
- Exhibit critical thinking skills through evidence-based decision making
- Demonstrate effective communication skills with diverse populations
- Provide competent oral healthcare to individuals at all stages of life
- Apply public health promotion skills in a variety of settings
- Recognize the importance of lifelong learning and professional growth and development to maintain competence in an evolving healthcare system
The objective of the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program is to help students 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.
Accreditation
The Dental Hygiene program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) of the American Dental Association. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653.
Commission on Dental Accreditation
211 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 440-2500
Career Services
Career Planning & Job Search Assistance
WCU Career Services offers dental hygiene career information and career planning advice. Receive assistance with everything from resume writing to interview preparation and job leads.1
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.
Dental Hygienist Job Opportunities
Dental hygienists can work in a wide variety of settings. According to the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, these include:
- Private oral health practices
- Services in hospitals
- Managed care organizations
- Federal, state, and municipal health departments
- Primary and secondary school systems
- Private businesses and industries
- Correctional institutions
- Private and public centers for pediatric, geriatric, and other special needs groups2
Our Career Services team can help you identify dental hygienist job openings and help you take steps to pursue those opportunities.
Experience WCU for Yourself!
Attend an info session to learn what all the buzz is about.
Featured Faculty
Michelle Hurlbutt, RDH, MSDH, DHSc
Dean & Professor, Dental Hygiene at WCU
Dr. Michelle Hurlbutt is the Dean of Dental Hygiene at ֻƬ where she has held this position since 2015. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree from the University of Nebraska, her Master of Science in Dental Hygiene Education from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and her Doctor of Health Science from Nova Southeastern University.
Michelle joined ֻƬ in 2014 and has been in dental hygiene education for over 20 years, teaching a variety of courses including research methodology, pharmacology, nutrition, medically compromised care, and radiology. Her career has spanned private practice, public health, corporate, continuing education, consulting, writing, and dental hygiene education.
Michelle was a charter member of the Dental Hygiene Board of California, the regulatory agency governing the practice of dental hygiene, where she served from 2009 to 2020. A career-long member of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, Michelle is a past president of the California Dental Hygienists’ Association and the Nebraska Dental Hygienists’ Association.
Michelle was Editor of the California Dental Hygienists’ Association Journal from 2007 to 2010. Currently Michelle serves on the Editorial Advisory Board for the American Dental Hygienists’ Association’s Journal of Dental Hygiene.
FAQs
What is a BSDH degree?
A BSDH degree stands for a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. This degree helps prepare you for a career as a dental hygienist in a variety of dental healthcare settings.
How long does it take to become a dental hygienist?
WCU’s dental hygiene program can be completed in less than three years — 34 months to be exact. The program is completed over the course of 7 semesters.
Can I start my dental hygiene coursework right away?
Yes. Once accepted into the BSDH program, you will be begin any of your required general education coursework and will be provided your start date for your dental hygiene coursework.
How does WCU help prepare me for the real world of patient care as a dental hygienist?
WCU’s focused dental hygiene program gives you hands-on practical experience in our technologically advanced simulation center and the Dental Hygiene Clinic.
Our simulation labs include industry-current dental hygiene equipment and learning technology, allowing you to practice pre-clinical techniques and procedures in scenarios that mimic real patient conditions.
Once you progress in your program, 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. It’s an opportunity to give back to the community while perfecting your skills. Our Dental Hygiene Clinic receives more than 15,000 patient visits a year.
Why should I get a bachelor’s in dental hygiene instead of an associate degree?
A Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene provides you with an in-depth, well-rounded education on various aspects of the dental hygienist career. In our BDSH program, you get a deep dive into dental hygiene education, where you will learn best practices for diagnosing and treating various oral diseases and conditions, analyzing research, implementing process improvements, ethics in healthcare, and more. You will learn how to be a critical thinker and apply leadership skills. Our BSDH program helps prepare you to work collaboratively in a dental healthcare team and provide patients with quality care.
What’s the difference between a dentist and a dental hygienist?
Dentists diagnose and treat problems with the teeth, gums, and other parts of the mouth. Their duties include removing tooth decay, filling cavities, removing or repairing damaged teeth, prescribing medication, administering anesthetics, and more.3
Dental hygienists, meanwhile, are primarily focused on prevention of diseases and oral hygiene. Their work duties include but are not limited to examining patients for oral diseases, performing preventive care (such as dental cleanings and the application of sealants), performing non-surgical periodontal therapy (such as scaling and root planing for gum disease), documenting patient care and treatment plans, and educating patients about how they can improve and maintain their oral health. Most dental hygienists work in dentist offices or corporate dental practices.4, 5
Will I learn from experienced faculty?
Our dental hygienist students 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.
Is financial aid available?
Financial aid is available to those who qualify. Depending on your eligibility, you may be able to apply for various forms of financial aid, including student loans, scholarships, grants, federal work-study, and employer tuition reimbursement. View the list of that are available to students of our undergraduate on-campus programs. You can also learn about all your financial options on our Tuition & Financial Aid page.
What should I do if I want to learn more about the BSDH program at WCU?
To learn more about this program, click “Request Info” at the bottom of this page to fill out a form and a WCU representative will contact you. You can also sign up to attend an information session.
Our Location
Campus Address
1477 S. Manchester Ave
Anaheim, CA 92802
(714) 782-1700
The Dental Hygiene program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) of the American Dental Association. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653. Commission on Dental Accreditation: 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611; (312) 440-2500;
Have Questions?
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1 WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.
2 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, April 25). Dental hygienists. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
3 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Physician Assistants, Updated Sept. 30, 2022
4 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Dental Hygienists, Updated Sept. 8, 2022
5 California Dental Hygienists’ Association, Accessed February 2, 2023
Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.
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