Dental Hygiene

Dental Hygiene

Dental Hygiene

Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)

120 credits (plus 55 credits of prerequisites)

This program prepares the student for employment as a dental hygienist including the expanded duties allowed by Washington State Law. This program has received accreditation status from the Commission on Dental Accreditation which allows students, upon graduation, to take the National Board Examination and the clinical licensing examination in the state where she or he plans to practice. Clinical experience is provided at the Lake Washington Technical College's dental clinic under the supervision of licensed dentists and licensed dental hygienists. Additional clinical experience occurs in a variety of off-campus settings located in the greater Seattle area.

There is a formal admissions process for entry into this program. The curriculum in the Dental Hygiene program consists of seven quarters, including a six-week summer quarter of full-time professional and clinical education preceded by two quarters of prerequisite courses. The prerequisite science courses must be at least seven years current upon program entry; be measured by a proficiency examination; or be waived by special petition to the Dental Hygiene Director. The dental hygiene courses must be taken successively. Any developmental coursework a student may be required to complete may increase the program length.

Dental Hygiene AAS graduates will:

• Successfully complete both national and regional exams required for licensure administered by the American Dental Association.
• Be prepared for employment as expanded duties Registered Dental Hygienists and members of the oral healthcare team.
• Possess the critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to develop a dental hygiene diagnosis for all dental patients.

Admission Dates: fall, by special admission

*Correction: The Community Dental Health sequence was labeled incorrectly.

Dental Hygiene

Expanded Duties

Certificate of Completion

6 Credits

This program prepares the student for full, unrestricted employment as a dental hygienist with expanded duties allowed by Washington State Law. This program is being reviewed by the Washington State Department of Health for accreditation status. When fully accredited, the student will be eligible to take the restorative and anesthetic portions of the Western Regional Clinical Exam as required for licensure in Washington State. Clinical experience is provided at Lake Washington Technical College"s dental clinic under the supervision of licensed dentists and licensed dental hygienists. There is a formal admissions process for entry into this program. The curriculum in the Dental Hygiene program consists of seven quarters, including a six-week summer quarter of full-time professional and clinical education preceded by two quarters of prerequisite courses. The prerequisite science courses must be at least seven years current upon program entry; be measured by a proficiency examination; or be waived by special petition to the Dental Hygiene Director. The dental hygiene courses must be taken successively. Any developmental coursework a student may be required to complete may increase the program length.

Admission Dates: fall, by special admission.