Key Takeaways
- Sacramento offers multiple accredited dental hygiene programs with strong clinical training and licensure preparation.
- Sacramento City College and Carrington College are the primary local options; University of the Pacific offers advanced pathways within commuting distance.
- Most programs award an Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene and take 2 to 3 years to complete after prerequisites.
- California dental hygienists must graduate from a Dental Board of California approved program and pass national and state clinical exams.
- The median annual salary for dental hygienists in California exceeds $110,000, making the field one of the highest-paying allied health careers requiring an associate degree.
Why Choose a Dental Hygiene Program in Sacramento?
Sacramento is a strong location for dental hygiene education due to its combination of accredited colleges, large healthcare networks, and consistent demand for oral healthcare professionals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental hygienists are projected to see steady job growth nationwide, and California consistently ranks as the highest-paying state for this profession.
Local programs emphasize hands-on clinical training, high licensure pass rates, and community-based patient care. For students who want a stable healthcare career without spending four years in school, dental hygiene offers an efficient path with excellent earning potential.
Accredited Dental Hygiene Programs in Sacramento, California
Below is a consolidated comparison of the primary dental hygiene programs serving Sacramento-area students. All listed programs are accredited and meet California licensure requirements.
SchoolDegree AwardedProgram LengthAccreditationEstimated TuitionClinical TrainingSacramento City CollegeAssociate of Science (A.S.)2 Years (after prerequisites)CODA AccreditedLower cost for CA residentsOn-campus dental clinicCarrington College (Sacramento)Associate of Science~2 YearsCODA AccreditedHigher private tuitionClinical labs + externshipsUniversity of the Pacific (Stockton)Bachelor completion optionsVariesCODA AccreditedPrivate university ratesAdvanced clinical environment
Sacramento City College
Sacramento City College offers one of the most competitive and affordable dental hygiene programs in the region. Students earn an Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene and complete extensive supervised clinical practice in the campus dental clinic.
Highlights:
- Strong reputation in Northern California
- Comprehensive patient care experience
- Lower tuition for California residents
- High licensure exam preparation standards
The program includes coursework in oral anatomy, periodontology, radiology, pharmacology, and community dental health. Admission is selective and typically requires prerequisite science courses with competitive GPA scores.
Carrington College – Sacramento Campus
Carrington College provides a private college option for students seeking smaller class sizes and streamlined admissions. The Associate of Science program combines classroom instruction, simulation labs, and supervised clinical experiences.
Best for:
- Students seeking accelerated pathways
- Those who prefer a private institution environment
- Applicants needing flexible enrollment timelines
Tuition is generally higher than community colleges, but financial aid and federal student loans are available to qualifying students.
University of the Pacific
Although located in nearby Stockton, University of the Pacific offers opportunities for licensed hygienists pursuing advanced degrees. This is ideal for students planning leadership, education, or public health roles later in their careers.
Program Curriculum and Clinical Training
All accredited dental hygiene programs in Sacramento follow standards established by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and the Dental Board of California.
Core Coursework
- Head and Neck Anatomy
- Oral Pathology
- Dental Radiography
- Periodontology
- Pain Management
- Community Oral Health
Hands-On Clinical Experience
Students must complete hundreds of supervised clinical hours treating real patients. Services include cleanings, periodontal therapy, sealants, fluoride treatments, and patient education. Clinical rigor is a defining factor separating top-tier programs from average ones.
Admission Requirements and Prerequisites
Admission to Sacramento dental hygiene programs is competitive. Typical requirements include:
- Completion of prerequisite science courses such as Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, and Chemistry
- Minimum GPA requirement, often 2.5 to 3.0 or higher
- CPR certification
- Dental shadowing or volunteer experience
- Entrance exams or supplemental applications in some cases
Prospective students should begin prerequisite planning at least one year in advance. Completing sciences with strong grades significantly improves acceptance odds.
Tuition Costs and Financial Aid
Cost varies significantly depending on whether you attend a public or private institution.
- Community colleges: Lowest tuition for California residents; total program costs may range from several thousand dollars plus supplies and fees.
- Private colleges: Higher tuition, potentially exceeding $40,000 for the full program.
Students can apply for FAFSA, California College Promise Grant, federal loans, grants, and institutional scholarships. Many programs also provide payment plans.
Licensing Requirements in California
Graduating from an accredited program is only the first step. To practice as a Registered Dental Hygienist in California, you must:
- Graduate from a Dental Board of California approved program.
- Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination.
- Pass a state-approved clinical examination.
- Complete a law and ethics examination.
- Apply for licensure through the Dental Board of California.
California maintains rigorous standards, but graduates of Sacramento programs are fully prepared to meet these requirements.
Career Outlook and Salary in Sacramento
Dental hygiene remains one of the most financially rewarding associate-level healthcare professions. In California:
- Median annual salary exceeds $110,000
- Hourly wages frequently range from $50 to $65+
- Strong demand in private practices, public clinics, and specialty offices
Sacramento’s growing population and expanding healthcare infrastructure contribute to consistent job availability. Many graduates secure employment shortly after licensure.
How to Choose the Best Dental Hygiene Program for You
The right program depends on your goals, finances, and academic background. Consider the following decision framework:
1. Accreditation Status
Only enroll in CODA-accredited programs approved by the Dental Board of California.
2. Clinical Hours and Patient Volume
More hands-on training typically means greater confidence entering the workforce.
3. Cost vs. Return on Investment
Community college programs often deliver exceptional ROI due to lower tuition and high salary outcomes.
4. Licensure Pass Rates
Request recent exam pass rate statistics from admissions offices.
5. Class Size and Faculty Access
Smaller cohorts may provide individualized instruction and mentorship.
Application Tips for Competitive Programs
- Earn A grades in science prerequisites.
- Gain dental office shadowing experience.
- Submit applications early and verify documentation requirements.
- Attend program information sessions when available.
- Maintain strong communication with admissions counselors.
Students who combine strong academics with dental exposure consistently improve their acceptance chances.
Is a Dental Hygiene Career Worth It in Sacramento?
For students seeking a respected healthcare career with strong income potential and flexible scheduling, dental hygiene stands out. Sacramento offers accredited programs with excellent clinical preparation, competitive salaries, and meaningful patient impact. By carefully comparing cost, curriculum, and licensure preparation, you can confidently select the program that aligns with your career goals.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Hygiene Programs in Sacramento
How long does it take to become a dental hygienist in Sacramento?
Most Sacramento programs take 2 to 3 years after you finish your prerequisites. You should plan on at least one extra year to complete science courses like Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology before you start the core dental hygiene program.
Which Sacramento schools offer accredited dental hygiene programs?
In the Sacramento area, Sacramento City College and Carrington College (Sacramento campus) offer CODA-accredited associate degree programs. University of the Pacific in Stockton offers advanced and degree-completion options for licensed hygienists within commuting distance.
What are the basic admission requirements for these programs?
You usually need prerequisite science courses (Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, and Chemistry), a minimum GPA around 2.5–3.0 or higher, current CPR certification, and some dental shadowing or volunteer experience. Some schools may also require entrance exams or supplemental applications.
How much does a dental hygiene program in Sacramento cost?
Community colleges such as Sacramento City College are the most affordable for California residents, with total costs in the lower thousands plus books, instruments, and fees. Private programs like Carrington College usually cost more and can exceed $40,000 for the full program, but financial aid and payment plans are often available.
What steps do you need to take to get licensed as a dental hygienist in California?
You must graduate from a Dental Board of California approved, CODA-accredited program, pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, pass a state-approved clinical exam, complete a California law and ethics exam, and then apply for your Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) license with the Dental Board of California.
What is the typical salary for dental hygienists in California?
The median annual salary for dental hygienists in California is above $110,000, with many positions paying $50 to $65 or more per hour, depending on location, experience, and work setting.
.svg)
