Dental Hygiene
Apply for AdmissionWhy Study Dental Hygiene
The Dental Hygiene Program at Foothill College, established in 1964, is recognized statewide for producing educated and highly qualified dental hygienists. From 1964 to 2017, the program awarded an Associate of Science degree in Dental Hygiene.
In 2016, the program transitioned to a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene, with the Class of 2018 becoming the first graduates. This two-year program prepares students to excel in the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam and Regional Board Exams for Licensure as Registered Dental Hygienists. See the table below for pass rates.
In spring 2018, the program launched its fully online Bachelor of Science degree Completion Track, with the first graduates completing the program in spring 2019. This track enables licensed dental hygienists to advance their education while working, opening pathways to careers in education, corporate/industry roles, research, and public health.
Become a Dental Hygienist
Choose Entry-Level Track
You are a Dental Hygienist
Choose AS to BSDH (Completion) Track
Accreditation
Foothill College Dental Hygiene Entry-Level Track and Dental Assisting Programswill undergo a CODA accreditation site visit on June 9-11, 2026. In line with CODA
policy, third-party comments related to the standards or CODA procedures are invited
and must be submitted by April 10, 2026.
Degrees & Certificates
View list below for programs offered at Foothill. Then select program map for a possible schedule that fulfills program and college requirements.
For program requirements and full course listings, view degrees and certificates information.
Bachelor of Science Degree
Quick Look at Dental Hygiene Courses
For complete course details, including units, hours and prerequisites, view course catalog. For when a course is offered, view class schedule.
- D H 50 Orientation to Dental Hygiene
- D H 70R Independent Study in Dental Hygiene
- D H 71R Independent Study in Dental Hygiene
- D H 72R Independent Study in Dental Hygiene
- D H 73R Independent Study in Dental Hygiene
- D H 200L Introduction to Dental Hygiene
- D H 300A Oral Biology I
- D H 300B Oral Biology II
- D H 302 Assessment Procedures in Dental Hygiene
- D H 304 Pre-Clinical Dental Hygiene
- D H 305A Introduction to Dental Radiography I
- D H 305B Dental Radiography II
- D H 305C Dental Radiography III
- D H 305D Dental Radiography IV
- D H 308 Clinical Technique
- D H 310 Dental Materials
- D H 312 Emergency Procedures
- D H 314 Dental Health Education
- D H 316A Periodontics I
- D H 316B Periodontics II
- D H 318 Introduction to Clinic
- D H 320A Clinical Dental Hygiene I
- D H 320B Clinical Dental Hygiene II
- D H 320C Clinical Dental Hygiene III
- D H 320D Clinical Dental Hygiene IV
- D H 322 Local Anesthesia
- D H 324 Oral Pathology
- D H 326A Community Dental Health I
- D H 326B Community Dental Health II
- D H 326C Community Dental Health III
- D H 328A Clinical Dental Hygiene Theory I
- D H 328B Clinical Dental Hygiene Theory II
- D H 328C Clinical Dental Hygiene Theory III
- D H 330 Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen Analgesia
- D H 332 Ethics, Law & Business Practices
- D H 350A Dental Hygiene Research & Capstone Project I
- D H 350B Dental Hygiene Research & Capstone Project II
- D H 350C Dental Hygiene Research & Capstone Project III
- D H 352 Health Communication & Cultural Issues
- D H 354 Health Care Management
- D H 356 Education Theory, Practice & Administration
More Resources
- To provide an excellent education and inclusive learning environment where students can thrive and grow into competent and compassionate oral healthcare providers.
- To bridge the equity gap in achievement for our students and provide them with the tools and resources they need to be successful.
- To provide exceptional oral healthcare utilizing the most current evidence-based, best practices to meet the needs of a diverse community of patients.
- To promote collaboration and teamwork among students, faculty, staff and patients and the desire for service leadership.
We commit to uphold the following core values to ensure a humanistic culture within our program. We recognize that our core values will grow and change to meet the needs of our community.
Excellence, Respect, Integrity, Honesty, Trust, Transparency, Forgiveness, Sustainability, Responsibility, Confidentiality.
The Foothill College Dental Hygiene Program strives to provide a safe environment that fosters mutual respect for all individuals and recognizes the diverse and unique backgrounds, cultures and experiences of each student, faculty, staff and patient.
Our purpose s to create a safe space that allows each person the opportunity to learn and grow as individuals but to also work collaboratively to meet common goals. As a community we understand the importance of human relationships and interactions and respect individual differences while appreciating our similarities.
At the Foothill College Dental Hygiene Program, we respect individual differences and recognize our similarities. Demonstrating empathy, kindness and understanding we guide students in the development of their educational foundation, professionalism, and critical thinking skills while promoting intellectual diversity.
Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning and to always strive for excellence in all aspects of their education. Faculty members exemplify professionalism at the highest standards and use current best teaching practices to motivate and empower students.
This program has impacted me personally because I finally was able to reach a life goal of receiving my bachelor’s. Now that I reached my goal I plan to work both clinically and in education. During the program we learned new skills and I’m even considering possibly opening my own business in the future. Over all great program.
Jessica SaucedoRDH, BS-DH
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