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AS to BS-DH

Congratulations to
AS to BS-DH
Completion Program
Class of 2023! Class of 2023 Virtual Graduation Screen shot

Class of 2023 in person picture

 

Here are some thoughtful testimonials that our graduates have to say:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foothill AS to BS-DH program was a great learning experience for me. I felt the curriculum was excellent, well-paced, and allowed students to balance family, work and school obligations. The professors were accessible, supportive and encouraged our success. After 16 years out of school, the classes challenged me to learn new technology, improve my writing, communication and research skills. I feel very prepared to continue my educational journey to obtain my RDHAP and Master's Degree in the near future.
-Janice Ma Hashimoto, RDH, BSDH

 

 

"The AS to BS-DH program at Foothill College has been a life-changing experience for me. This program has had a profound impact on both my personal and professional growth. It has given me a strong sense of accomplishment and confidence in my abilities as a dental hygienist. Professionally, the AS to BS-DH program opened doors I never imagined possible. The comprehensive curriculum provided a solid foundation in Dental Hygiene, equipping me with advanced knowledge and skills that elevated my practice to new heights. This program has opened doors to a broader range of career opportunities and expanded my knowledge and skills in the field. With my bachelor's degree in dental Hygiene, I am now eligible for supervisory and management roles, also working as a clinical instructor and a dental research team member. I am excited to continue my education and pursue a master's degree in dental Hygiene, where I can contribute to the profession through research, teaching, and advocacy. The AS to BS-DH program at Foothill College transformed my professional path and ignited a passion for lifelong learning. I am grateful for the knowledge, support, and opportunities this program has provided me. I hope my testimonial inspires others in the dental hygiene field to strive for excellence and pursue advanced education."
-Anonymous - Class of 2023 Graduate

 

 

"All of the staffs and professors at Foothill have been accommodating and helpful throughout the program. I would highly recommended for working Dental Hygienists."
- Ka Bao Vang-Cruz, RDH, BSDH

 

"This program made it possible for me to reach my goal of earning a Bachelor's degree online while also meeting my other responsibilities in life. I gained knowledge and experience that will help me to be a better dental professional, a better parent, and a person."  
-Amy Miller, RDH, BSDH 

 

"I enjoyed taking classes online to complete my bachelor's degree in Dental Hygiene. I would recommend the online program for working hygienist that have only their Associate's degree. You have the choice to complete the program in a year or 2 years. I recommend the 2 years if you work as a full time dental hygienist." 
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Maria Iliana Chagolla, RDH, BSDH

 

"The AS to BS-DH program gave me the opportunity to collaborate and learn from my peers. It was very beneficial to be exposed to another RDH's interest in a particular subject. This has made me a more well rounded RDH clinically. My plan is to teach dental hygiene at my local community college. I have already been in contact with the program director and have applied for a position this fall as an adjunct professor and will have an interview in August after graduation. I am very excited for the opportunity that this degree has afforded me!
-Maria Fatima Pacheco-Amerine, RDH, BSDH

 

“The AS to BS-DH program at Foothill College has been an incredible experience for me. Personally, it has boosted my confidence and passion for oral health care. Now that I have my Bachelor's Degree in Dental Hygiene, I plan to pursue a teaching position and higher education. I encourage fellow dental hygienists to excel in their education and embrace the remarkable opportunities that await them.
-Thelma Porras-Guaderrama
, RDH, BSDH

"The Foothill College BSDH program was feasible for me because of the affordable cost and the asynchronous learning. I am very grateful for this program, as it enabled me to complete a personal goal while fulfilling my passion for lifelong learning. I graduated from Foothill College Dental Hygiene program in 1990, and I found it fun to be a student of Foothill College once again. It is time for me to move out of clinical care, and my hope is that my BSDH degree will make that possible. I am planning to move in to a public health or teaching role. This program challenged me and expanded my mind. I think all dental hygienists should complete a BSDH program!    "
-Laurie M. Smalley,RDH, BSDH 

 

"This program was the perfect fit for me as a working hygienist and mom. The 2 year track was the perfect amount of school work to balance with work and home life. I felt very supported throughout the entire program, and the way it flows makes it very manageable and not overwhelming at all. I highly recommend this program for any RDH wanting to get their BSDH! "
-Rachel Gonsalves, RDH, BSDH

"I have been practicing Dental Hygiene since 1990. As the years have gone on, I have seen my patients age. Some have been placed into Assisted Living facilities. I considered acquiring my RDHAP so that I could treat those patients, and realized that first I would need to earn a BS degree. 
I learned about Foothill Colleges AS to BSDH program through a facebook post in a Dental Hygiene group. I was excited about participating within an online program, since I cannot afford to reduce my work hours in order to return to school. The program worked well with my schedule - any question I asked was answered quickly by the faculty... and every exchange with my classmates was positive. I would highly recommend this
program. "
-Jeanette Marie Kren, RDH, BSDH

Getting my AS to BSDH degree has been a fantastic process. This degree is applicable to our dental hygiene profession - I’ve been able to apply the things I’ve learned directly into practice. I’ve grown as a leader and soon I hope to join the academia environment as a professor in dental hygiene. This program is not without challenges, but it allows real growth. 
-Anynomous, Class of 2023 Graduate

 

"Inspired by the immense growth I experienced during the AS to BS-DH program, I have decided to pursue my Master's Degree in Dental Hygiene. I am eager to delve deeper into research, education, and advocacy within the field. By continuing my education, I aim to contribute to the advancement of dental hygiene practice, shape policy decisions, and mentor future dental hygienists.

To all dental hygienists aspiring to excel in their education, I encourage you to seize the opportunities presented by programs like the AS to BS-DH program at Foothill College. The knowledge and skills you gain will not only elevate your professional capabilities but also empower you to make a positive difference in the lives of your patients and the broader oral healthcare community. Embrace the journey and embrace the endless possibilities that lie ahead."
-Shirley C Jamarck, RDH, BSDH

 

 

"I really appreciated the option to complete my BS degree in only one year. The homework load was heavy at times, but with some flexibility to work part-time while in the program, it was completely doable. I'm excited to have this degree as I feel I will have more career opportunities now. I'm not sure what career I may eventually end up in outside of clinical dental hygiene, but I'm happy that I have the capability to explore my options. Overall, this program was convenient, affordable, and educational and I'm extremely glad I chose to follow through with it. "
-Casey Reinhardt, RDH, BSDH

"I've grown so much in the last two years. The courses were all relevant to dental hygiene practice. The professors were all very helpful. I feel my communication and writing skills have especially improved because of the program. I plan to apply for a clinical instructor position at my local dental hygiene school now that I have my BS degree." 
-Holly Erickson, RDH, BSDH

 

"I am glad I applied for the bachelor's degree in Dental Hygiene. I learned new material regards health and how to apply myself in creating a curriculum, business plan, and how to create a positive environment in my operatory for every patient. I have not gained any new job positions, but planning on teaching CE courses in the evening as an extra income to be able to stay home with my daughter on Fridays. I would love to go back to Fresno City College and possibly teach in the clinical aspect to help students gain confidence in their hand skills." 
-Maria Iliana Chagolla, RDH, BSDH

 

I was nervous and unsure of my abilities coming into this program. However I am leaving this program knowing that I can take what I have learned and bring it with me for the rest of my professional and personal life. I will continue to work in a private practice for a few years to gain practical experience and then I plan to work in some form of education. This program opened up numerous doors for my future including becoming an RDHAP, a rep for a dental company, or to return to my roots and become a teacher to future dental professionals. I have options with my future now that I have my Bachelor's degree.
-Anonymous, Class of 2023 Graduate

 

 

The program is well designed for working professionals. The course is broken down well and is not overwhelming. I really appreciate the piece by piece approach in completing the work in all courses. The instructors were really helpful and always guided me to the right path. 
-Ekta Kataria, RDH, BSDH

 

 

Foothill's BSDH completion program allowed me to gain my Bachelor's Degree even with a full life. During the program, I'm working as a full time dental hygienist, commuting 3 hours a day, and a full time mom with 2 kids--a toddler and I got pregnant and gave birth to my second on my second year in the program. This degree opens up opportunities for me other than clinical work. It was difficult at times, but my advise is to take it week by week. As long as you finish your weekly tasks, you're succeeding. Support in your private life is very important because it is a challenging program. 
-Charmaine Ann S. Reyes, RDA, RDH, BSDH

 

I am a graduate of the Foothill Dental Hygiene AS to BS program 2023. I would like future and prospective students to know how vital and useful the AS to BS program has been to my career in community health. Foothill provided me with direction about the current state of dental disease and gave me the necessary tools to combat them. I am the Dental Hygiene Outreach Supervisor for a 38 clinic FQHC. As the DHOS I am responsible for community events, school sealant programs, and mobile clinic utilization. As most grants support community outreach and increasing access I am project manager and writer of our many Grant Projects. Additionally I have written and presented several courses for community education, RDH peer education,  and have plans to present a course to our 22 dental providers. As my skills have expanded, I have also expanded my influence and effectiveness in community health. The skills I learned at Foot hill have catapulted my knowledge, my effectiveness, and my career. With Foothills help I am better prepared and  fulfill my  purpose as an RDH in increasing access to care and decreasing disease. My skills have given me the confidence to recently apply for Associate Dental Director of my FQ. While I may not get the position, I will definitely be asking for a well-deserved raise. Thank you to my professors and the Foothill AS to BS program!
-Anonymous, Class of 2023

 

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Questions?
We're Here to Help!

Carmelyn Paguio, DH Completion Track Coordinator

AStoBSDH@foothill.edu 


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