Which Schools Offer Dental Hygiene Degrees in San Diego, CA?

There are a couple of 2-year, public colleges near San Diego, CA, that offer dental hygiene programs. Learn about each school and read about the programs available.

What You Need to Know

A dental hygiene program can be completed in two years. Common prerequisites include a minimum of math and science classes at the high school or postsecondary level. Students complete classroom and dental lab learning. Graduates of these community college programs are prepared for professional licensing exams. Read on to learn more about dental hygiene programs in the San Diego area.

Associate's Degree Programs in Dental Hygiene near San Diego, California

Cypress College

The dental hygiene program at Cypress College is accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA) and can prepare you for the California state licensing examination. Your curriculum might include topics like dental anatomy, dental anesthesiology, oral embryology and patient assessment. You could gain practical experience with dental cleanings, fluoride applications and sealants at the school's on-campus dental clinic.

• Program Name: Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene
• Program Length: Two years
• Tuition and Fees: $1,140 per year for CA residents; $6,158 per year for non-residents (2018-2019)
• Prerequisites: High school diploma, four science courses, three general education courses, minimum 2.5 GPA for all college coursework
• Requirements: Demonstration of good physical and mental health
• School Type: 2-year, public; 15,794 students (all undergraduate)

Southwestern College

This school's 2-year dental hygiene associate's program admits 36 students annually and teaches preventative, therapeutic and restorative techniques in dental care. While enrolled, you'll engage in a combination of classroom learning and laboratory practice. Topics you may study include oral histology, pathology, dental radiography and dental ethics. You'll learn professional skills under the supervision of dentists and registered dental hygienists at the National City Higher Education Center, Southwestern College's dental hygiene clinic.

• Program Name: Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene
• Program Length: Two years
• Tuition and Fees: $1,338 per year for CA residents; $6,602 per year for non-residents (2018-2019)
• Prerequisites: Completion of 37 units of prerequisite coursework at the college level, including anatomy, physiology, chemistry, microbiology, nutrition and sociology
• Requirements: Demonstration of reading proficiency
• School Type: 2-year, public; 18,569 students (all undergraduate)

Students near San Diego, CA, can earn their Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene in two years from either Cypress College or Southwestern College.