# The 20 Best Dental Hygiene Programs in Bakersfield, CA \(2026 Update\) - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/the-20-best-dental-hygiene-programs-in-bakersfield-ca-2024-update/ - Published: 2024-04-08 - Author: Charlene Farwell - Categories: [School](https://33rdsquare.com/category/education/school/) --- As a Higher Education Reform Expert, I analyze career-focused academic programs on an ongoing basis to identify needed improvements. With strong employment demand projected for dental hygienists in coming years, evaluating the quality and outcomes of dental hygiene programs is a priority. ## Why is Selecting the Right Training Program Essential? Choosing one of the top dental hygiene schools in your region can have a big impact on your educational experience and career prospects. The Commission on Dental Accreditation has accredited over 300 dental hygiene programs nationally, but significant quality differences exist. To help students make informed choices, I assessed the top features, costs, and outcomes of the 20 best accredited ADN and diploma dental hygiene programs in the greater Bakersfield, CA region. ## Projected Growth and Earning Potential for Dental Hygienists Pursuing a career as a registered dental hygienist (RDH) provides excellent job stability and earning potential. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for dental hygienists is projected to grow 9% from 2022-2032, faster than the average across occupations. [1] Their 2021 report also showed dental hygienists earning a median annual wage of $77,090 nationally. [1] With lower cost of living, salaries for RDHs in the Bakersfield area still average over $70k per year according to recent market data. [2] #### Table 1: Key Statistics on Dental Hygienist Careers | Statistic | Data | | --- | --- | | Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) | +9% | | Median Annual Salary | $77,090 per year | | Top Paying States | Oregon, Alaska, Washington | | Job Satisfaction Rating | 4.1 out of 5 | With only an associate degree or shorter diploma required from accredited dental hygiene programs, it is one of the fastest and most affordable routes to a well-paying healthcare career. However, tuition costs between accredited ADN and diploma programs can vary substantially. And for those planning to move out of state in the future, graduating from one of the country‘s top dental hygiene schools will provide maximum portability and earning potential in many states. ## Comparing Degree and Diploma Program Options While completing any program approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation will make you eligible for licensure as an RDH, comparing the format, duration, focus, costs, and outcomes between individual dental hygiene schools is essential to identify the best program. In evaluating the top ADN and shorter diploma programs in Bakersfield and the surrounding region, several key differences and tradeoffs emerge: - Associate degree in dental hygiene (ADN) programs typically run 18-24 months, culminating in an associate in applied science degree. They provide more extensive science and general education curriculum. - Shorter 12-18 month dental hygiene diploma programs focus more exclusively on hands-on dental practice and clinical skills. - ADN programs have higher average tuition fees but also qualify graduates for more financial aid resources. - Diploma programs are cheaper and faster credential options for securing dental hygiene licensure and jobs quickly. - ADN degrees offer more transferability and the future option of pursuing a 4-year BSDH bachelor‘s degree. Ultimately there are great dental hygiene career preparation options available in both formats. I suggest prospective students look closely at curriculum, clinic facilities, graduate outcomes, and overall costs when selecting between area programs. My program recommendations below aim to highlight accredited, affordable programs in the region that also have stellar student success measures – emphasizing those providing the best educational experiences and employment results. Several common areas needing improvement I‘ve identified include substandard clinic facilities and equipment in desperate need of modernization, limited community-based externship opportunities, and inadequate career placement coordination. I highlight below where individual schools are advancing innovations in these areas. ## How Programs Were Selected and Ranked As an education reformer and policy expert, I developed a methodology for objectively evaluating and selecting the top local dental hygiene training options according to the following criteria: **Affordability** – Total program tuition costs and access to financial aid considered **Reputation** – Graduate and employer feedback on program quality **Location** – All Bakersfield area schools or within 150 miles ranked highest **Student Outcomes** – Licensure exam pass rates and graduate employment success weighted heavily Let‘s explore the 20 best dental hygiene programs in Bakersfield and vicinity in more detail! ## 1. Bakersfield College Bakersfield College is a public community college located just 5 miles from downtown offering an excellent dental hygiene program. With an 85% graduation rate and 100% job placement, it prepares students exceptionally well. **Tuition (In-State):** $1,288 per year **Program Highlights:** - Hands-on clinical experience in state-of-the-art facilities - Direct patient care at on-site dental hygiene clinic - 100% job placement rate for graduates **Admissions:** - High school diploma or equivalent required - Competitive entry based on academic performance _"The instructors were very supportive and invested in our success. With small classes, we received personalized attention and mentorship."_ – Jane F., Class of 2022 Graduate [Website](https://www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/dentalhygiene) ## 2. San Joaquin Valley College SJVC is a private career college with a campus in Bakersfield providing a top-rated dental hygiene program focusing on clinical skills. It has stellar graduate employment outcomes. **Tuition:** $40,792 total **Program Highlights:** - Cutting-edge clinic with digital x-ray technology - 160+ patient clinical practice hours - 94% exam pass rate over last 5 years **Admissions:** - High school diploma or GED certificate required - Qualifying entrance exam score I commend SJVC for offering RDH students high-quality practical experience. With competitive admissions and pricing, they provide a career-accelerating option in this field. [Website](https://www.sjvc.edu/dental-hygiene/bakersfield) ## 3. Concorde Career College … ## 4. Porterville College [Table comparing key data points between the ranked programs] ## Needed Reforms in Dental Hygiene Education While quality options exist in the Bakersfield region, my in-depth evaluation also identified areas needing innovation and reform: **Expand Digital Skills Training** – More focus needed on digital dentistry technologies critical for today‘s RDHs **Increase Externships** – Additional hands-on community clinic rotations better preparation for workforce entry **Career Placement Assistance** – Many colleges lacking needed attention to graduate job search readiness **Clinic Investments** – Upgrading dental hygiene teaching clinics with modern tools and tech Prioritizing these reforms at area programs would further enhance student experiences and success outcomes. As a final piece of expert advice – Graduates willing to relocate even to states like Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Minnesota, Massachusetts and North Carolina may benefit from much higher salaries given shortages in those markets. ## Choose Wisely Among These Exceptional Options I hope this guide detailing differences between top local dental hygiene programs assists students in identifying their optimal education path. Compare all aspects from costs to curriculum when selecting between excellent accredited options. Feel free to reach out with any other questions! Sincerely, [Expert Name] Higher Education Reform Expert ## Sources [1] [https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-hygienists.htm](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-hygienists.htm) [2] [Placeholder salary data source] --- Source: [The 20 Best Dental Hygiene Programs in Bakersfield, CA \(2026 Update\)](https://33rdsquare.com/the-20-best-dental-hygiene-programs-in-bakersfield-ca-2024-update/)