Article originally posted on Oxnard College website.
Oxnard College ranks #17 nationally on a 2017 assessment of the Top 50 Dental Hygiene programs in the United States. The report, published this summer by The Best Colleges.org, compiles institutional and student success data from the National Center for Education Statistics. The analysis weighs four criteria in equal measure: Admissions Rate (25 percent), Retention Rate (25 percent), Default Rate (25 percent), and Graduation Rate (25 percent). Oxnard College is one of only three institutions in California to make the Top 50 national list. As the 15th highest scorer, OC places behind Taft College (#6) and Foothill College (#15); New York University’s Dental Hygiene Program ranks first.
As one of the strongest occupational career tracks, dental hygienists can expect a bright future in California. According to the 2016 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data for Ventura County, the mean annual wage for dental hygienists in the Oxnard-Ventura-Thousand Oaks area is $102,660
It’s worth noting that our Dental Hygiene program has ranked as high as first in the nation based on results from the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam (NBDHE). The NBDHE stopped publishing scores in 2009. Yet, Oxnard College has maintained its incredible record of student success. Consecutively, for years running, 100 percent of OC Dental Hygiene graduates have passed all state and national board licensure exams. This year was no different. Our program celebrated another perfect pass rate in 2017. Says Director Dr. Armine Derdiarian, “We are thrilled to continue our 100 percent licensure legacy.”
Behind this success is a tremendous team of faculty – Dr. Armine Derdiarian, Dr. Margaret Newville, and – and staff. Their teaching talent and student focus have made this program all that it is – a truly exceptional pathway to greater opportunity. “Our students are fortunate to have such an outstanding program, and its success is due to our incredible faculty,” praised Oxnard College President Azari.”
Photo: Oxnard College
Of note – In 2016, we celebrated the opening of Oxnard College’s new dental hygiene and dental assisting facility. Funded by Measure S, this 9,617 sq. foot single story building will support one of California’s very best dental programs and help meet the growing demand for oral care specialists in Ventura County. View a gallery of the grand opening here.
