Dental Hygiene — B.S. (Entry Level)

The B.S. degree is organized as a four-year college curriculum. The freshman and sophomore years of largely prescribed, preprofessional study may be taken at any regionally-accredited college. The professional curriculum begins with the junior year in the School of Dentistry. The curriculum is approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association. The first class at this University graduated in 1961.

After completion of the required prerequisite course work, the A.S. degree dental hygiene student enters the seven-quarter program leading to the Associate in Science degree in dental hygiene. The student will meet eligibility in the sixth quarter—after successful completion of course work—for the written Dental Hygiene National Board Examination. After successful completion of the seventh quarter, the graduate will be eligible to sit for a state and/or regional clinical board examination.

The Bachelor of Science degree in dental hygiene applicant must meet the following minimum requirements:

• 96 quarter or 64 semester units of accredited college course work.
  NOTE: Loma Linda University requires all students who graduate with a baccalaureate degree to complete a minimum of 68 quarter units of general education, which is integrated into the entire undergraduate program.
• A grade point average of 2.7 or higher in science and nonscience course work, averaged separately; a minimum grade of C for all pre-entrance course work to be transferred to the University. The entering grade point average is typically 3.2 or higher.
• A personal interview with a representative designated by the School of Dentistry. This interview will assess personal qualities; such as, values, spiritual heritage, communication skills, service orientation, and volunteer experience. The interview is by invitation only.
• Three personal letters of reference.
• A minimum of twenty (20) hours observation with a dental hygienist. Completion of observation hours prior to an interview is recommended. Dental assisting experience is also highly recommended.
• Dental hygiene applicants are expected to complete all general education requirements before matriculating in the School of Dentistry. A student may be accepted with a deficiency in one or more of the areas but is expected to eliminate deficits before registering for the Dental Hygiene Program.
• Required science courses must be completed within five years prior to the desired date of matriculation.

Dental hygiene general education requirements (B.S. degree)

Domain I: 28-32 units

Religion and Humanities

Four (4) quarter or 3 semester units of religion for each full year of attendance at a Seventh-day Adventist college, based on the total units graded; humanities courses (20-24 quarter units or 14 semester units) selected from a minimum of three content areas—history and/or civilization, fine arts theory, literature, philosophy/ethics, foreign language, performing arts/visual arts (not to exceed 4 quarter units).

Domain II: 24-32 units

Scientific Inquiry and Analysis and Social Sciences

One full year of chemistry covering inorganic, organic, and biochemistry—each with laboratory; human anatomy and human physiology with laboratory (may be two separate courses or sequential courses); microbiology with laboratory. Required science course work must be completed within five years prior to matriculation. Nonremedial college mathematics or statistics. Introductory sociology, general psychology, and cultural anthropology/diversity courses are required.

Domain III: 9-13 units

Communication

English composition and literature, a complete sequence (two semesters or two quarters); and a speech/interpersonal communication/persuasion course are required. Introductory courses in computers are highly recommended.

Domain IV: 2-6 units

Health and Wellness

A personal health or nutrition course and two physical education activity courses are required.

For total unit requirements for graduation, see LLU General Education Requirements.

Normal time to complete the program

2 years (7 academic quarters) at LLU — full-time enrollment required

NOTE: Consult advisor regarding other courses that may be applied towards graduation.