Pre-Dental Hygiene Track, Public Health, AS

Program Code:

This is a draft edition of the 2026-2027 catalog. Information is subject to change.

Program Description

The Associate of Science in Public Health, Pre-Dental Hygiene Track offers foundational coursework in community health, public health, health education, and related disciplines. This program prepares students to apply for the TMCC Bachelor’s Degree in Dental Hygiene or to transfer into a public health or related program at a four-year institution.

Public Health Career Map

Recommended Course Schedule

Plan of Study Grid
1st semesterUnits
BIOL 189A
Fundamentals of Life Science
or Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology
3
BIOL 190L Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory 1
ENG 101
Composition I 1
or Composition Enhanced
or Composition I for International and Multilingual Students
3
MATH 124 College Algebra (Or higher) 3
PSY 101 General Psychology 3
 Semester Total13
2nd semester
BIOL 223 Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4
CHEM 121 General Chemistry I 4
ENG 102
Composition II
or Composition II For International and Multilingual Students
3
PBH 281
Introduction to Biostatistics in Public Health
or Introduction to Statistics
or Practical Statistics
3
US & NV Constitutions/Humanities 3 3
 Semester Total17
3rd semester
BIOL 224 Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4
CHEM 220 Introductory Organic Chemistry 4
SOC 101 Principles of Sociology 3
COM 113 Fundamentals of Speech Communications 3
PBH 120
Foundations of Personal Health and Wellness
or Introduction to Public Health
3
 Semester Total17
4th semester
BIOL 251 General Microbiology 4
NUTR 223 Principles of Nutrition 3
PBH 220 Introduction to Public Health Biology 3
Diversity/Fine Arts 3 3
 Semester Total13
 Total Units60
3

See program recommendations or requirements.

Program Requirements

Associate of Science degrees are designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university.  

To earn an AS degree, students must:

  1. Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 (see requirements for graduation.)
  2. Complete a minimum of 15 units within the college.
  3. Satisfy General Education requirements for the AS.
  4. Have no financial or library obligation to the college.
General Education Requirements
English3-6
Required:
Composition II 1
Composition II For International and Multilingual Students
Mathematics
MATH 124College Algebra (Or higher)3
Science
BIOL 189AFundamentals of Life Science3
or BIOL 190A Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology
BIOL 190LIntroduction to Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory1
CHEM 121General Chemistry I4
Social Science
PSY 101General Psychology3
Humanities3
Recommended:
American Experiences and Constitutional Change
Fine Arts3
Recommended:
Theatre: a Cultural Context
Survey of African, Oceanic, & Native American Art
Women in Art
Dance Appreciation
Additional College Requirements
Diveristy 2(3)
Recommended:
Theatre: a Cultural Context
Survey of African, Oceanic, & Native American Art
Women in Art
Dance Appreciation
Science 2(6)
U.S. and Nevada Constitutions 2(3)
Recommended:
American Experiences and Constitutional Change
Degree Requirements
BIOL 223Human Anatomy and Physiology I4
BIOL 224Human Anatomy and Physiology II4
BIOL 251General Microbiology4
CHEM 220Introductory Organic Chemistry4
COM 113Fundamentals of Speech Communications3
NUTR 223Principles of Nutrition3
PBH 101Introduction to Public Health3
or PBH 120 Foundations of Personal Health and Wellness
PBH 220Introduction to Public Health Biology3
PBH 281Introduction to Biostatistics in Public Health3
or STAT 152 Introduction to Statistics
SOC 101Principles of Sociology3
Total Units60
1

If you place into ENG 102 or ENG 114 the additional 3 required units will become elective units. 

2

Course may also count toward degree requirements. Please consult with Academic Advising.

Program Outcomes

Students completing the degree will:

PSLO1: Recognize how the social, cultural, economic, political, geographical, and biological environments affect personal and community health.

PSLO2: Describe and apply behavioral strategies to promote personal health and wellness, and disease and illness prevention.

PSLO3: Demonstrate the ability to gather and interpret evidence-based information, and effectively communicate, in both written and oral formats, on topics related to community health.

PSLO4: Describe and apply the fundamental principles of chemistry, human anatomy and physiology, as they relate to human health.

Transfer Agreements

AA/AS degrees are designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university. General information about general transfer agreements can be found on the Academic Advising website. Students who intend to transfer to another college or university should speak with a TMCC Academic Advisor and consult with that institution. The transfer institution determines how TMCC courses will transfer. TMCC has agreements with the following institutions towards a bachelor's degree in the same or similar discipline.