Best Schools for a Dental Assisting and Dental Hygienist Degree - San Jose, CA
There are 17 schools within 50 miles of San Jose, CA, that have dental assisting and dental hygienist certificate and/or degree programs. Read an overview of 3 schools' programs, requirements and admission info and find out which school is the right one for you.
Comparison of San Jose Dental Assisting and Dental Hygienist Schools
San Jose City College is located about 3 miles from downtown San Jose and offers a certificate and an associate's degree in dental assisting. Situated about 15 miles from San Jose in Los Altos Hills, Foothill College offers a certificate and an associate's degree in dental assisting, in addition to an associate's degree in dental hygiene. San Jose students will travel about 26 miles to attend classes at Chabot College in Hayward. An associate's degree in dental hygiene is available through this school. Aspiring dental assistants or dental hygienists should be aware that, in addition to books, most programs have extra expenses for uniforms, kits and supplies.
| San Jose City College | Foothill College | Chabot College | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Assisting or Dental Hygiene Programs Offered | Certificate of Achievement in Dental Assisting, Associate of Science in Dental Assisting | Certificate of Achievement in Dental Assisting, Associate in Science in Dental Assisting, Associate in Science in Dental Hygiene | Associate in Arts in Dental Hygiene |
| Related Programs Offered | Certificate of Achievement or Associate of Science in Medical Assisting | Certificate of Clinical Achievement in Primary Care Associate, Certificate of Achievement or Associate in Science in Physician Assisting | Certificate of Achievement or Associate in Arts in Medical Assisting |
| School Type | 2-year; public | 2-year; public | 2-year; public |
| Total Enrollment (2011-2012) | 10,107* | 15,765* | 13,865* |
| Campus Setting | Large city | Large suburb | Midsize city |
| Tuition and Fees (2011-2012) | $1,042 in state; $6,664 out-of-state* | $1,215 in-state; $6,210 out-of-state* | $892 in-state; $6,052 out-of-state* |
| % of First-Year Students Receiving Any Form of Aid (2010-2011) | 62%* | 28%* | 65%* |
| Acceptance Rate (2013) | N/A - Open admissions* | N/A - Open admissions* | N/A - Open admissions* |
| Retention Rate (2010-2011) | 59% for full-time students; 28% for part-time students* | 69% for full-time students; 32% for part-time students* | 72% for full-time students; 39% for part-time students* |
| Graduation Rate (2011) | 19% (19% transfer-out rate)* | 53% (15% transfer-out rate)* | 24% (14% transfer-out rate)* |
| Relevant Facilities | On-campus dental clinic with 10 dental exam rooms and 5 x-ray rooms | Foothill College Dental Hygiene Clinic | Chabot College Dental Hygiene Clinic |
| Noteworthy | One of California's oldest community colleges | Dental hygienist program is fully accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation | Program graduates had a 100% pass rate in 2012 on the National Dental Hygiene Board Exam |
| Distance from Downtown (Driving Time) | 3.4 mi. (7 min.) | 15.4 mi. (17 min.) | 26.1 mi. (31 min.) |
Source: *NCES College Navigator.
Programs at San Jose City College
Dental students in these fully-accredited programs gain their lab experience on campus with mannequins and their clinical experience through community dental offices. Applicants should have current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Certificate of Achievement in Dental Assisting
Full-time students take courses in dental assisting at beginning, intermediate, expanded and clinical levels, for a total of 31.5 units. In the clinical dental courses, students fulfill supervised internships in dental offices.
Associate of Science in Dental Assisting
In addition to meeting the requirements for the certificate program, associate's degree candidates complete general education courses, a physical activity class and general electives. This brings the total required units to 60.
Programs at Foothill College
Many of the dental programs' faculty members serve as instructors in both the dental assisting and dental hygiene programs. Dental assisting students complete clinical experience hours in dental offices and at the University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry, while students in the dental hygiene program serve their internships on-campus in the Foothill College Dental Hygiene Clinic.
Certificate of Achievement in Dental Assisting
Candidates for this accredited program should have a minimum 2.0 high school grade point average. Classes required for this 10-month, 45-unit certificate program include chair-side dental assisting, dental sciences, radiography, infection control, office emergency procedures, dental health education, dental office business practices, special patient populations and instruction in pit/fissure sealants. In addition, students must earn CPR certification and demonstrate minimum English/math achievement.
Associate in Science in Dental Assisting
Students complete all courses included in the certificate program, as well as required courses in English and math and electives, to fulfill the 90-unit degree requirement.
Associate in Science in Dental Hygiene
This 2-year program begins in the summer and requires completion of 152 units for the major. Candidates are chosen for this selective program according to previous coursework, grade point average, background in science and related work experiences. Courses include human anatomy/physiology, pharmacology, radiography, oral biology, clinical technique, dental materials, microbiology, pathology, periodontics, nutrition, anesthesia and dental ethics.
Program at Chabot College
The dental faculty at this school is comprised of 4 full-time members and 10 adjunct instructors. This school's dental hygiene clinic is located on campus.
Associate in Arts in Dental Hygiene
This accredited program begins in the summer and spans 2 years. Courses include dental anatomy/morphology, oral health education, radiology, oral pathology, dental materials, medical emergencies, educational theories, periodontics, pharmacology, nutrition, expanded functions, patient management and dental office practice. During the 3rd summer of this program, students take part in an advanced clinical rotation. In addition to the major courses, students complete general education requirements to earn this degree.
Other School Options
Cabrillo College, situated about 36 miles from San Jose in Aptos, offers an associate's degree in dental hygiene. Located in San Mateo, about 32 miles from San Jose, College of San Mateo offers a 2-semester, 29.5 unit certificate in dental assisting.
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