The Shasta College Dental Hygiene Program is a two-year Associate of Science Degree program of full-time classroom and clinical instruction. The Program will admit a maximum of 12 students per year with preference going to applicants from twelve Northern California counties.

The educational objective of the Associate of Science Degree Dental Hygiene Program is to prepare the student who, upon graduation and successful completion of the National Board Examination and the California State Board Examination, will be able to function within the scope of dental hygiene as defined by the State of California Dental Hygiene Practice Act. This graduated entry-level dental hygienist will then serve the diverse community of Northern California to provide direct patient care in a variety of healthcare settings, which include private dental offices, managed care organizations, schools, public health clinics, hospitals and long-term care facilities.

Please see the Program Learning Outcomes for pass rates: https://www.shastacollege.edu/academics/programs/health-sciences/dental-hygiene-as-degree/

Program Goals

To prepare the dental hygiene student for gainful employment as a dental professional so that they may provide oral health care to the diverse community within Northern California, utilizing the highest professional knowledge, judgment, and clinical skills.

To prepare the dental hygiene student for application of scientific and theoretical principles that is relevant to the practice of dental hygiene.

To prepare the dental hygiene student to perform the entire scope of practice as defined by the Dental Hygiene Board of California, which includes advanced non-surgical periodontal therapy procedures, delivery of local anesthesia and nitrous oxide sedation, and other functions, which are legally specified by the California Dental Practice Act.

To prepare the dental hygiene student for a commitment to life-long learning, self-evaluation, and contribution to the changing health needs of society.

Accreditation

The Shasta College Dental Hygiene Program is approved by the Dental Hygiene Board of California www.dhbc.ca.gov. Third party comments can be made at https://www.dhbc.ca.gov/formspubs/form_complaint.pdf.

The Shasta College program in dental hygiene is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of “approval without reporting requirements.”  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 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611.  The Commission’s web address is:  http://www.ada.org/en/coda.

Next regular CODA site visit: Spring 2030

211 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60611
(312) 440-4653

Notice of Third Party Comments

The Commission currently publishes, in its accredited lists of programs, the year of the next site visit for each program it accredits. In addition, the Commission posts its spring and fall site visit announcements on the Site Visit Process and Schedule area of the Commission's website for those programs being site visited in the current and next year. Parties interested in these specific dates (should they be established) are encouraged to contact the Commission office.

The United States Department of Education(USDE) procedures require accrediting agencies to provide an opportunity for third-party comment, either in writing or at a public hearing (at the accrediting agencies' discretion) with respect to institutions or programs scheduled for review. all comments must relate to accreditation standards for the discipline and required accreditation policies.

Dental Hygiene accreditation standards and/or the Commission's policy on third-party comments may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 211 East Chicago​ Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, or by calling 1-800-621-8099, extension 4653 or visiting https://www.ada.org/en/coda/policies-and-guidelines/file-a-complaint.