So, all told, there are a total of 47 units that need to be taken for “prerequisites” for the dental hygiene program at Pasadena City College. But not all of these have to be taken before you apply to the program. All prerequisites need to be completed before applying to the Pasadena City College dental hygiene program. The prerequisites here are the most stringent of all the 28 dental hygiene schools in California. The PCC dental hygiene program consistently rates among the highest in California. In fact, their program is considered by many dental professionals to be one of the best dental hygiene programs in the Country! Although the program has always been very competitive, you also have several ways to increase your chances of being accepted. Read on to see how your GPA, work experience, “shadowing” a currently licensed Registered Dental Hygienist, and more can benefit you!
The selection process for the dental hygiene program may seem a bit complex. There is a random drawing from the most qualified applicants. So, there’s points awarded for OVERALL GPA of Prerequsite courses, points for grades of SPECIFIC prerequisite courses, points for dental-related work experience, points for dental-related licensure and/or education, and points for “shadowing” a currently licensed and practicing Registered Dental Hygienist.
So, let’s go over this “points system” step-by-step……
GPA for ALL prerequisite courses: the maximum points that can be earned is 6 points. The mathematical calculation used is as followed(note that the points don’t round up or down):
Now, let’s figure out the ACTUAL GPA to find out how many points we’ve earned. If you haven’t taken any of these classes yet, no worries: just imagine yourself getting all A’s!!
Your HYPOTHETICAL grades:
Okay, let’s do the math on this to determine our true GPA:
Points assigned for grades:
Any D’s or F’s you receive don’t qualify; those courses need to be taken again.
So, multiply the grade point value(you got an “A”, worth 4 points) times the amount of units: 4 x 4 = 16
So, for the hypothetical grades above:
Total Points – 154
Divide total number of points(154) by total number of units taken(44): 154/44 = 3.50
So, based on the point guide:
You will be given 4 preference points.
Grades for SPECIFIC prerequisite courses: the maximum points that can be earned is 42 points. So, the grades earned for 7 of the prerequisite courses give you the opportunity to earn as many as FORTY TWO preference points. This is where you have, by far, the opportunity to earn the highest amount of points to put you at the top of the pile when it comes to the selection process for the Pasadena City College dental hygiene program. The way points are earned is easy: 6 points for each “A”, 4 points for each “B”, and 2 points for each “C”. The specific prerequisite classes are:
So, if you Ace all seven courses, you’ll earn the maximum of 42 points! 6 A’s and 1 B, 40 points, and so on……
The maximum number of points that can be earned is 4 points.
So, if you maintain a license in the dental field, or are currently taking an RDA program, you can earn points. Again, the maximum amount is 6 points.
Maximum points awarded for work experience is 4.
A prospective dental hygiene program applicant is considered full-time when the job is at least 32 hours/week.
The maximum points awarded for observing an RDH is 3 points.
Observation/shadowing of a licensed Dental Hygienist must be documented and logged, and the dental hygiene program at Pasadena City College recommends that observation happens in at least 2 different clinical settings.
To calculate ALL points you can put towards the selection process, add up points from each section:
The maximum amount of points that can be earned and used in the selection process is 59 points. As noted earlier, the way to earn the most points is through the final grades for the SPECIFIC prerequisite courses.
The costs associated with the dental hygiene program at Pasadena City College are about the same as the rest of the dental hygiene schools in California. The per unit cost is currently $46.00, which comes out to just above $2,700 tuition for the entire program. This doesn’t include the costs associated with taking the prerequisites. The “dental hygiene kit” is purchased directly through the program, and varies year to year. Currently, it’s approximately $6,000. There’s also student health fees, parking permits, student association fees, etc. One of the biggest costs, along with all the other dental hygiene schools in California, is books. Most people are familiar with the high cost of textbooks. They can be as much as $300 PER BOOK! So, it’s safe to say books alone can run as much as $3,000 for the program.
Pasadena City College 626-585-7123 1570 E Colorado Blvd Pasadena, CA 91106
Dental hygienists are trained professionals who provide preventative care for oral health and treat oral diseases. They work closely with the dentists and assist them in performing important dental procedures such as root canals, extractions, cavity fillings, crown fittings, etc. Dental hygienists duties also include cleaning teeth, taking x-rays and instructing patients on dental hygiene practices.
To become a dental hygienist, one must pass from a dental hygienist school. These schools can be found throughout the U.S. The school and the programs must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, a specialized accreditation agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.
Programs offered by accredited dental hygienist schools are of either two-year or four-year full-time durations. Students who successfully complete a two-year program are awarded an associate degree. This program is offered by California community colleges and vocational schools. This program is ideally suited for students opting to work in private dentist’s office.
Students who successfully complete a four-year program are awarded an associate, a certificate or a bachelor’s degree. Graduating dental hygienists are employed in private dental practice, hospitals, clinics, teaching institutions, research facilities, etc.
Master degree programs are available through colleges and universities. It prepares graduates for careers in teaching, administration and research.
Admission requirements vary with schools, but a minimum requirement is a high school diploma with courses in science, mathematics and English. National scholastic test scores or respective college entrance test scores are the other criteria.
The program curriculum includes content in the areas of general education, biomedical sciences, dental sciences and dental hygiene sciences. Clinical practice is required throughout the course duration to ensure that the students attain clinical competence and develop appropriate judgment. The student should also achieve adequate practical patient experience during the program.
The accreditation agency has laid down requirements for schools to comply. It would be worthwhile to check and ensure that the school one plans to join complies with these. Some of the requirements are:
It is important for an aspiring dental hygienist to choose a school which best suits them. Websites like www.ada.org provide extensive information on schools, programs, accreditation, licensing, placements, etc.
A dental hygienist graduating from an accredited school will be competent in providing the dental hygiene process of care for patients of all ages and patients with special needs. They will have good interpersonal skills and will be competent in managing community based oral health programs. They will also be trained in providing life support measures in medical emergencies related to dental hygiene practice.
Dental hygiene schools in California prepare the aspiring dental hygienist to pursue a rewarding career and provide practical experience with academic learning.