Cabrillo College Dental Hygiene Program Counseling Meeting March 10, 2011 Bridgete H. Clark, RDH, DDS

They are health care professionals who focus on preventing and treating oral diseases to protect teeth, gums and patient’s overall health. Are graduates of accredited college & university dental hygiene education programs Licensed oral health professionals – R.D.H.

Performs health care assessments that include the review of patient’s health history, dental charting, oral cancer screening, and evaluation of gum disease. Removes plaque and calculus from above and below the gum line using dental instruments. Administers local anesthetic and/or nitrous oxide analgesia. Expose, process and interprets dental radiographs. Educates patients on proper oral hygiene techniques to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Enjoys people: An effective dental hygienist has great communication skills to engage the patient in the outcome of their own oral care. Likes biology: The theory behind oral hygiene is based on how our bodies react to bacteria in our mouth and ridding the mouth of the bacteria that causes infection and bone loss. Eye for detail, great tactile skills & patience: Scaling and root planing is performed in a small location... the mouth, where much of the treatment is by feel and magnification. Engaged dental team member: The dental hygienist is a part of a dental team; including the dentist, dental assistants and practice coordinator.

Personal satisfaction: Improving patient oral health while establishing trusting clinician/patient relationships. Variety: Dental hygienists have the opportunity to meet the oral health needs of many different patients and population groups each day and throughout their career. Flexibility: Full and part-time employment in private dental practices, community clinics, educational and research institutions. Fair compensation: As a licensed health professional, a clinician can earn from approximately $350 per day/$50,000 a year.

Two year program: includes courses in Clinical Assessment, Tooth Morphology, Oral Health Education, Dental Materials, Oral Pathology, Dental Radiology, Local Anesthesia, Dental Radiographic Interpretation, Law & Ethics, Periodontics, and Community Oral Health. The Dental Hygiene Clinic: o New facility opened Summer 2010 o 18 chair computer equipped main clinic o 6 chair digitally equipped radiology clinic and panoramic unit o Computerized patient appointment scheduling o Dental software instruction and use

How to be admitted into the program: o Complete pre-requisites as soon as possible o Submit an application with official transcripts o The counseling office will review your application for acceptance into the program o Current wait list is short- 1 to 2 year wait o Securing financing for the two years in the program Pre-requisites: o Chemistry 30B – Intro to Organic Chemistry o BIO 4 - Human Anatomy o BIO 5 - Human Physiology o BIO 6 - Microbiology o ENG 1A or 1AH – English Composition

 Finish your General Education Requirements  Get dental experience ~ network  Work and save money  Organize and prepare

Two Year DH Program Costs DH FIRST YEAR ESTIMATED PROGRAM COSTS Tuition640 Textbooks1,160 Campus Bus/Parking - (Purchase from Santa Cruz Metro $50 for 30 days - Aug- Dec) 250 Health Services- ( See Orientation Guide for fees) 800 DH Student Kit - (Instrument and Clinic Supplies) 8,000 Student Dues175 Professional Liability Insurance – (Optional, Highly Recommended) 70 Miscellaneous Supplies & ongoing supplies1,830 Total First Year Program Costs12,800

DH Program Costs DH SECOND YEAR ESTIMATED PROGRAM COSTS Tuition530 Campus Bus/Parking - (Purchase from Santa Cruz Metro $50 for 30 days - Feb- May) 200 Health Services (See Orientation Guide for fees) 800 Professional Liability Insurance – (Optional, Highly Recommended) 70 Student Dues175 National Board Examination Review Course (+ hotel & fees) 400 National Board Examination fee350 WREB or CA State Board Licensing fee3,000 RDH Pin100 Total Second Year Program Costs7,000 Two-year estimate Total19,800

Professional Clinical Image for DH Students  Uniforms: Scrub pants and tops covered by a lab coat  Safety glasses and/or loupes  White leather “nurse-type” closed toed shoes  Odor-free make-up, hand creams, and deodorant  Fingernails must be natural, clean, and trimmed short  Hair is worn off the shoulders,back away from the face.  Men: clean shaven is recommended. Mustaches and beards must be  neat and professional looking.  Jewelry: No bracelets, watches, rings, and small post earrings  No other facial piercings are allowed, i.e. nose rings, not recommended for men  Visible tattoos must be covered

Well established program  Reputation New state of the art facility  Beautiful campus Sparkling beaches  Community support Campus student services to enhance success Great educational value  Short waitlist