Program Description

Dental Hygiene is an undergraduate program focused on preventive oral health services and continuing care. The purpose of the program is to develop professionals prepared for the current practice of dental hygiene and future changes in oral health.

We invite you to view the information on the American Dental Education Association's Go Dental page for more information about a career in dental hygiene.

Program Website  |  Catalog

Program Length

113 units, 2 years

Possible Careers

The hygienist works in association with the dentist in private practice offices, industrial organizations, schools, hospitals, local, state or federal public health services, and the armed forces.

Application Deadlines

There are currently no published application deadlines.

Admissions Requirements

- 96 quarter or 64 semester units of accredited college class work
- GPA of 3.0 or higher in science courses
- Courses must be a C or higher to meet LLUSD requirements
- Science courses must be completed within 5 years of beginning the program

Dental hygiene applicants are expected to complete all general education listed under prerequisites before matriculating in the School of Dentistry.

Prerequisites

The dental hygiene applicant must meet the following minimum requirements:

- Chemistry - Introductory inorganic, organic and biochemistry (1 year)
- Anatomy and Physiology I and II (2 classes)
- Microbiology (1 class)
- Introduction to Sociology (1 class)
- Introduction to Psychology (1 class)
- Freshman English (fluency in English is required) (1 year)
- College level math (1 class)
- Speech (1 class)
- Cultural Anthropology (1 class)
- Personal Health or Nutrition (1 class)
- Physical Education (2 activity courses required)
- Humanities - 20 Quarter or 14 Semester Units (3 areas required from the list below):
- History/Civilization
- Fine Arts Theory
- Performing Arts (4 units max)
- Literature
- Foreign Language
- Philosophy/Ethics/Religion

Discipline Accrediting Agency

Discipline Accrediting Agency: https://coda.ada.org/en

State Accrediting Agency

State Accrediting Agency: https://dhbc.ca.gov/
Integrating faith and health
Integrating faith and health
Loma Linda University educates and encourages a balanced life by living our values of humility, compassion, justice, integrity, excellence, freedom and self- control. You will be surrounded by faculty who are committed to healthcare innovation and research while engaging your spirituality.

Expected Cost of Attendance

The following estimated cost of attendance is based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year. Estimated amounts may vary based on a number of factors. Students may use these estimates when applying for financial aid.

Required Program Costs

Academic Year 2023-2024

Year of Program
Months Enrolled
Year 1
9
Year 2
12
Tuition & Fees $40,110 $52,600
Books, Materials, Supplies & Equipment Allowance
(May or may not be purchased through the school)
$9,105 $1,650

Other Educational Costs

Non-required costs that can be funded with scholarships/loans.

Year of Program
Months Enrolled
Year 1
9
Year 2
12
Living Expense (Food & Housing Allowance)
Students will be assigned one of the following Living Expense Budget Options:
  • On Campus Dorm
  • $10,800 $14,400
  • LLU Owned Rental Property
  • $17,280 $23,040
  • LLU Owned Rental w/ Dependents
  • $18,180 $24,240
  • Undergraduate Dependent w/ Parents
  • $6,480 $8,640
  • Off Campus
  • $17,280 $23,040
    Transportation Allowance $3,150 $4,200
    Miscellaneous Personal Expenses $2,700 $3,600
    Federal Student Loan Fees $134 $134
    Cost of Obtaining Professional License 0 0
    Dependent Care
    (See Budget Revision Request form)
    Available upon Request
    Disability-Related Expenses
    (See Budget Revision Request form)
    Available upon Request

    Notes

    • Estimated amounts are for the academic year specified only. Amounts are based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year. International students need to calculate 12 months of living expenses based on these amounts.
    • Amounts are expected to increase each year consistent with inflation in the professional education sector.
    • To qualify for financial aid, most students must be enrolled at least half time in an aid eligible program and be taking degree requirements. Half time is 6 units in a quarter for undergraduate programs and 4 units in a quarter for graduate programs.