West Coast University

West Coast University’s Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BSDH) program is designed for hands-on practice. Students learn by doing, starting with simulation labs that are equipped with an individual station for each student. This helps students maximize practice time during classes and labs.

Additionally, students get real-life experience at the WCU Dental Hygiene Clinic. Receiving more than 15,000 patient visits per year, the clinic lets students experience every aspect of running a dental clinic, while providing supervised services to community members who might otherwise not have access to dental care. Gain experience while giving back to your community!

WCU’s focused curriculum enables students to complete all prerequisites and general education at WCU before beginning the dental hygiene courses. Students can earn their BSDH degree in as few as 34 months.

The BSDH program also gives students the opportunity to conduct original research and present it at state and national awards. Over the last few years, WCU dental hygiene students have received top honors at the American Dental Hygienists’ Association's National Student Original Research competition.

The BSDH program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) of the American Dental Association and helps prepare their students for licensure and practice.

Your experience counts with WCU – ask how the education you have completed can apply toward your degree.

Courses begin three times per year- January, June, and August.

Admission Requirements

Applicants, including applicants for advanced standing, for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene (BSDH) program must:

1.      Complete a minimum of 8 hours of observation of at least two dental hygienists in clinical practice. The applicant must have the dental hygienist sign the verification form and the applicant must write a response paper following the stated parameters. Observation hours will not qualify if the license cannot be verified and/or if the applicant observes a dentist or dental assistant. Observation hours are considered as valid for one year;

2.      Pass the Assessment Technologies Institute, LLC (ATI™) Test for Essential Academic Skills (TEAS®) (ATI TEAS) with a minimum Individual Total Score at or above 50.0.  An applicant has two attempts at the ATI TEAS exam.  If an applicant does not pass the ATI TEAS exam after two attempts, the applicant must wait 6 months for a third attempt with a proof of remediation is also required.  Passing ATI TEAS scores are valid for one year.  Individuals who are unable to score at or above 50.0 may be admitted to the program under the following conditions: 

1.       Must achieve a minimum summative score between 120.0 or above and a total score below 50.0 on the ATI TEAS Examination.

2.       Must enroll in General Education courses. 

3.       Must meet regularly with an Advisor and assigned tutor. 

4.       Pass the ATI TEAS with a minimum composite score of 50.0 in order to progress into Dental Hygiene Core Courses. 

5.       Students unable to achieve a passing ATI TEAS score before the conclusion of General Education coursework will be dismissed from the University, however, may reapply for admissions.  Those unable to meet the terms of admission to the program may be referred to the Student Conduct Committee and may be dismissed from the university.  

Please Note: Application deadlines and information about the ATI TEAS Examination and Dental Hygiene Observation are provided during the application process and at Information Sessions.

Dental Hygiene Transfer Credit Evaluation: Dental hygiene applicants requesting transfer credit evaluation must provide official transcripts no later than the application deadline. Only general education and pre-requisite coursework will be considered and evaluated for transfer credit, and all general education and prerequisite course(s) for the dental hygiene program must have been taken at an appropriately accredited institution. Science courses must be taken within the last five years to be accepted for transfer credit. Each of the core dental hygiene courses must be taken in-residence and taken in succession. The maximum allowable transfer credits applied to the Dental Hygiene program shall not exceed 40 credits. Authority for all final transfer credit decisions is given to the program dean/chair. Students who submit an application for the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program without a request for transfer credit evaluation will not be awarded credit for any prior coursework.

https://westcoastuniversity.smartcatalogiq.com/current/West-Coast-University-Catalog

Location

The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program is offered at the Orange County campus, located in beautiful Southern California. This campus is nestled in the heart of Anaheim, near Disneyland, with the Dental Hygiene clinic overlooking the California Adventure Park and the palm trees iconic to SoCal.  Additional information on the program can be found at: http://westcoastuniversity.edu/

Contact Information:

Maggen Burchett, Director of Admissions 714-782-1655

The Dental Hygiene program offered at the Orange County campus is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611-2678, 800-621-8099 or (312) 440-4653, http://www.ada.org/en/coda/accreditation/