Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene -West Coast University

West Coast University (WCU) is a private university that offers a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. This program prepares students for a career as dental hygienists. Dental hygienists are licensed healthcare professionals who provide preventive and therapeutic care for the oral cavity. They work closely with dentists to help patients maintain healthy teeth and gums. In this article, we will discuss the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program at West Coast University.

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program at West Coast University is a four-year degree program that consists of both academic and clinical coursework. The program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to become licensed dental hygienists. The program is offered at both the Los Angeles and Anaheim campuses.

The program’s curriculum includes courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, dental materials, radiology, periodontology, and oral pathology. Students also take courses in communication, ethics, and professionalism to prepare them for working with patients and other healthcare professionals. The program’s clinical component provides students with hands-on experience working with patients in a dental setting.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program at West Coast University, students must meet certain admission requirements. These requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent, a minimum GPA of 2.5, and completion of prerequisite courses in biology, chemistry, and math. Students must also pass a criminal background check and drug screening.

Applicants must submit official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities. They must also provide proof of immunizations and a current CPR certification. The application process also includes an interview with the admissions committee.

Program Curriculum

The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program at West Coast University consists of 180 quarter units. The curriculum is divided into two components: academic coursework and clinical coursework.

Academic Coursework

The academic coursework component of the program includes courses in the basic sciences, social sciences, and humanities. These courses provide students with a broad knowledge base and help them develop critical thinking skills. Some of the courses included in this component are:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Microbiology
• General and Organic Chemistry
• English Composition
• Psychology
• Sociology

Clinical Coursework

The clinical coursework component of the program provides students with hands-on experience working with patients in a dental setting. The clinical component is divided into two parts: preclinical and clinical.

During the preclinical component, students learn the basic skills needed to provide dental hygiene care. They practice on mannequins and simulated patients before working with real patients. The preclinical component includes courses in:

• Dental Anatomy and Tooth Morphology
• Dental Materials
• Radiology
• Periodontology

During the clinical component, students work with real patients under the supervision of licensed dental hygienists and dentists. They provide preventive and therapeutic care, including:

• Oral Health Assessments
• Oral Cancer Screenings
• Prophylaxis (cleanings)
• Scaling and Root Planing
• Fluoride Treatments
• Local Anesthesia Administration

Clinical rotations are conducted in a variety of settings, including private dental offices, public health clinics, and hospitals.

Program Outcomes

The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program at West Coast University prepares students to become licensed dental hygienists. Upon graduation, students are eligible to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and the California State Board Examination.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of dental hygienists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. The demand for dental services will increase as the population ages and as research continues to link oral health to overall health.

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