Education committee recommends probation, $5,000 fine and remediation for Cabrillo College dental hygiene program; committee also creates task force on minimum-

Board staff presented the Education Committee with the results of an unannounced site visit to Cabrillo College—s dental hygiene program on Feb. 12, 2026 that was prompted by complaints. Education specialist Adena Petty and subject-matter expert John Galliano told the committee staff found eight program deficiencies; the most consequential was that Cabrillo had not ensured students completed required clinical sessions and competencies, which the staff report described as "empty chairs" in clinic schedules and missing documented competency demonstrations.

Galliano told the committee he participated in the site visit, reviewed faculty and program records, and found evidence from faculty communications and follow-up contacts that supported staff—s determination that program administration had in several instances interfered with the program director and faculty—s ability to run clinical education consistent with the standards. Staff recommended requiring the graduation cohort of 2026 to complete all deficient clinical hours and competencies prior to graduation, issuing a $5,000 citation, and placing Cabrillo on a three-year probation with quarterly reporting and the possibility of announced or unannounced site visits during the probation period.

Cabrillo representatives responded in person. Vice President of Instruction Tavares Harris said the college is "100% committed" to meeting DHBC requirements, listed steps already taken (equipment replacement, faculty hiring, and a roughly $250,000 reallocation toward program improvements), and disputed some characterizations about motive. Newly appointed program director Faye Corey said she had inherited the issues when hired, described specific remediation steps (extra clinic sessions on Fridays/Saturdays and added clinics to fill "empty chairs") and committed to hiring more faculty and ensuring that students meet competencies before sitting for licensure.

Public commenters included current students and class leaders who said faculty had supported them and that the program had improved this term, local dentists and professional groups who urged continued collaboration, and former Cabrillo staff who described repeated administrative problems and alleged retaliation. Subject-matter experts and several board members pressed that program deficiencies date back years and that probation and formal notification of students and applicants were appropriate.

After extended questioning on remediation plans, student notifications, and the legal authority for sanctions, the Education Committee voted to recommend that the full board require Cabrillo—s class of 2026 to complete all deficient clinical hours and competencies prior to graduation, issue a citation and $5,000 fine, and place Cabrillo on a three-year probation with quarterly reporting; the committee further directed staff to include notice requirements for current and prospective students. The committee also approved creating a Minimum Student Requirement Task Force to review DHBC laws, regulations and code of standards and recommend regulatory amendments to establish minimum direct-patient-care and weekly clinical-hour expectations.

The motions were forwarded to the full board for final action. Committee members emphasized the goal of preserving students—s educational opportunities while protecting patient safety and ensuring consistent enforcement of program standards.