Dental Hygiene

Dental Hygiene - AAS-T

Attend the online session and learn about our Nursing & Allied Health Programs, and about funding and student support resources that can help you get started at BTC.

Attend the online session and learn about our Dental Hygiene Program! Learn more about our new admission process, application window, entry requirements and about funding and student support resources that can help you get started at BTC.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in the health care industry as a dental hygienist, then look into BTC’s Dental Hygiene program. You’ll learn the clinical skills and core professional values needed to launch a rewarding dental hygiene career in private and public settings, such as dental offices and public health clinics. The Dental Hygiene Program is designed for students interested in pursuing an education for entry into the profession of Dental Hygiene. 10 students will be accepted into the Dental Hygiene Program for each application cycle.

The Dental Hygiene Program at Bellingham Technical College is designed as a sequence of didactic, laboratory and clinical courses that fulfill the educational objectives established by the American Dental Association (ADA) Commission on Dental Accreditation. The Program is 7 consecutive quarters in length. Upon successful completion, students are granted an Associates Degree in Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T) Bellingham Technical College Dental hygiene students learn under the supervision of licensed dentists and dental hygienists on state-of-the-art equipment in BTC’s on-campus dental clinic. Program graduates are well-positioned for employment in the dental industry, with the hands-on clinical experience employers need today.

Note: BTC has not made a determination that the Dental Hygiene curriculum meets educational requirements for licensure/certification outside of Washington State. We encourage students who plan to work out-of-state to check relevant local licensure/certification requirements.

Dental Hygiene Video

Employment Information

87% BTC graduate placement rate

$85,197 starting annual wage
$94,037 average annual wage
$102,835 potential annual wage

Employment and Wage Data Sources

BTC graduate employment rates:
The graduate employment rate reflects placement rates of students who graduated from BTC in 2014-15, 2015-16, and 2016-17. The Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges Data Linking for Outcomes Assessment database pulls from Unemployment Insurance (UI) data across Washington and Oregon. UI data do not reflect BTC graduates who (a) are employed in states beyond those listed above or outside of the United States, (b) are self-employed, (c) are active duty members of the armed forces, (d) continued on to another educational institution, and/or (e) did not provide a social security number while enrolled at BTC.

Wages:
Washington State Employment Security Department 2018 Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates ( esd.wa.gov) reflect 2014-2017 employment

Starting annual wage = 25th percentile
Average annual wage = 50th percentile
Potential annual wage = 75th percentile

Estimated Program Costs

Estimated Books, Tools and Supplies Costs

Tuition Fees and Rates

Entry Information

When Can I Start?

Students interested in the Dental Hygiene Program are encouraged to meet with Allied Health College Navigator Laura Doss by emailing advising@btc.edu. The college navigator will help you plan a course of study.

BTC is pleased to announce that the Dental Hygiene Program will be entering 10 students into the program every year* starting Fall 2021!

*BTC is awaiting final approval from the Commission of Dental Accreditation (CODA) for a second Dental Hygiene cohort.

A new admissions process is coming to the Dental Hygiene Program starting Fall 2021. This new process will roll out over two academic years. The updated checklist provides more information about the new admissions process.

Dental Hygiene Admissions Checklist
Dental Hygiene FAQ

Transition year 2021-2022:

Program is in the process of updating the entry requirements, including Healthcare Experience.
Only students who applied previously with a complete application and who meet the new prerequisite course requirements will be eligible to apply using the online application in February 2021.
Eligible students must apply using the online application. If an eligible student does not apply by the deadline using the application portal they will have to meet all the new admission requirements and wait to apply during the 2022-2023 Application Window.
BTC staff will email eligible previous applicants information about applying to the program January 2021.

Full Implementation year 2022-2023:

All applicants must meet the new admission requirements, including healthcare experience, and be program-ready prior to applying.
Online application required, link to the application portal will be posted on website.
APL-DT Application Window date will be posted on the website in September 2021.
Deadline to submit transcripts for evaluation, Healthcare Experience Verification form, and ATI TEAS scores will be posted on the website in September 2021.

This program typically admits students into first quarter program core courses in the fall.

What are the Minimum Entry Requirements?

ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) v.6

Applicants must score at the "PROFICIENT" level or higher in each of the four areas on one transcript. See the Test of Essential Academic Skills- ATI TEAS Handout for more information about this entrance assessment.

Deadline to submit ATI TEAS scores for the 2022-2023 Application Window will be posted in September 2021.

Healthcare Experience

Applicants must submit a Healthcare Experience Verification Form for prior approval.

Dental Hygiene Healthcare Experience Verification Form

Deadline to submit Healthcare Verification form for the 2022-2023 Application Window will be posted in September 2021.

Pre-Program Course Requirements

Prior to applying to program complete all prerequisite courses and/or Transcript Evaluation Process completed for all courses taken at another institution.

ALL COURSES MUST BE A MINIMUM OF 5 QUARTER CREDITS OR 3 SEMESTER CREDITS
The following courses must be completed with a B (3.0) or higher in each course:

General Biology W/ Lab (BIOL& 160)
Human A & P 1 (BIOL& 241)
Human A & P 2 (BIOL& 242)
Microbiology (BIOL& 260)
Introduction to Chemistry (CHEM& 121) OR General Chemistry w/ Lab I (CHEM& 161)
Intro to Organic/Bio-Chemistry (CHEM& 131)
Interpersonal Communications (CMST& 210) or Public Speaking (CMST& 220)
English Composition I (ENGL& 101)
English Composition II (ENGL& 102)
PreCalculus I (MATH& 141) or Math in Society (MATH& 107) or Introduction to Statistics (MATH& 146)
Nutrition (NUTR& 101)
General Psychology (PSYC& 100)
Introduction to Sociology (SOC& 101)

Note: ONLY for students who are transferring prior credits to BTC. Deadline to submit transcripts for evaluation for the 2022-2023 Application Window will be posted in September 2021

Physical Requirements

AFTER admissions acceptance into the program and prior to beginning program classes students must submit proof of all Clinical Placement Requirements.

Clinical Placement Requirement Info Sheet
This program requires a criminal history background check prior to attending the clinic practicum. Criminal History Background Check Information Sheet
Blood-borne Pathogen Policy

What are My Next Steps?

1. Apply to BTC and Financial Aid
2. Assess Your Starting Point
3. Take an Advising & Registration Session
4. Prepare to Attend

Other Program Information

Notice of Privacy Practices

Classes

Total Program Credits: 124

Quarter 1
DHYG 112 Dental Hygiene Clinical Practice I 5 CR
First of six (6) sequential courses designed to provide clinical skills essential for the practice of dental hygiene. Skill development of patient appraisal, basic instrumentation, infection control and individualized preventive care is emphasized.
Prerequisites:
Acceptance into the Dental Hygiene program. MATH& 107 or higher, BIOL& 160, BIOL& 241, BIOL& 242, BIOL& 260, CHEM& 121 or CHEM& 161 and CHEM& 162, CHEM& 131, ENGL& 101, ENGL& 102, and PSYC& 100, CMST& 210 or CMST& 220, SOC& 101, NUTR& 101, all with a B or higher. Healthcare Experience verification. ATI TEAS scores: Reading 69.0 or higher, Mathematics 63.3 or higher, Science 45.8 or higher, and English & Language Usage 60.0 or higher.
Future Offerings:
Fall 2021-2022
09/20/2021-12/09/2021 T 9:00a-12:00p Beebe Openings: 10
Beebe
W 8:00a-11:00a Beebe
Th 8:00a-1:00p Beebe
DHYG 114 Principles of Dental Hygiene I 3 CR
First of seven (7) sequential courses providing theoretical background and skill development for the clinical practice of dental hygiene. Problem solving and critical thinking related to patient assessment and management. Communication skills and professionalism are emphasized.
Prerequisites:
Acceptance into the Dental Hygiene program. MATH& 107 or higher, BIOL& 160, BIOL& 241, BIOL& 242, BIOL& 260, CHEM& 121 or CHEM& 161 and CHEM& 162, CHEM& 131, ENGL& 101, ENGL& 102, and PSYC& 100, CMST& 210 or CMST& 220, SOC& 101, NUTR& 101, all with a B or higher. Healthcare Experience verification. ATI TEAS scores: Reading 69.0 or higher, Mathematics 63.3 or higher, Science 45.8 or higher, and English & Language Usage 60.0 or higher.
Future Offerings:
Fall 2021-2022
09/20/2021-12/09/2021 F 9:00a-12:00p Beebe Openings: 10
DHYG 115 Oral & Dental Anatomy 2 CR
Integrated anatomy, histology, and physiology of the head and neck region. Crown anatomy, root morphology and tooth development as applied to clinical situations.
Prerequisites:
Acceptance into the Dental Hygiene program. MATH& 107 or higher, BIOL& 160, BIOL& 241, BIOL& 242, BIOL& 260, CHEM& 121 or CHEM& 161 and CHEM& 162, CHEM& 131, ENGL& 101, ENGL& 102, and PSYC& 100, CMST& 210 or CMST& 220, SOC& 101, NUTR& 101, all with a B or higher. Healthcare Experience verification. ATI TEAS scores: Reading 69.0 or higher, Mathematics 63.3 or higher, Science 45.8 or higher, and English & Language Usage 60.0 or higher.
Future Offerings:
Fall 2021-2022
09/20/2021-12/09/2021 W 11:00a-1:00p Wollens Openings: 10
W 2:00p-3:00p Wollens
DHYG 116 Oral Radiology I 4 CR
Theoretical background and practical application of dental radiography. Exposure techniques, processing, mounting, and evaluation of dental radiographs; principles of production, use of X-radiation, radiation safety procedures and patient education.
Prerequisites:
Acceptance into the Dental Hygiene program. MATH& 107 or higher, BIOL& 160, BIOL& 241, BIOL& 242, BIOL& 260, CHEM& 121 or CHEM& 161 and CHEM& 162, CHEM& 131, ENGL& 101, ENGL& 102, and PSYC& 100, CMST& 210 or CMST& 220, SOC& 101, NUTR& 101, all with a B or higher. Healthcare Experience verification. ATI TEAS scores: Reading 69.0 or higher, Mathematics 63.3 or higher, Science 45.8 or higher, and English & Language Usage 60.0 or higher.
Future Offerings:
Fall 2021-2022
09/20/2021-12/09/2021 T 2:00p-4:00p Wollens Openings: 10
M 2:00p-4:00p Wollens
DHYG 128 General Pathology 4 CR
Reaction of the human body to injury from physical, chemical, and biological agents. Inflammation, necrosis, cellular degeneration, disturbances of growth, circulation, and neoplasia. Selected diseases manifesting typical symptomology.
Prerequisites:
Acceptance into the Dental Hygiene program. MATH& 107 or higher, BIOL& 160, BIOL& 241, BIOL& 242, BIOL& 260, CHEM& 121 or CHEM& 161 and CHEM& 162, CHEM& 131, ENGL& 101, ENGL& 102, and PSYC& 100, CMST& 210 or CMST& 220, SOC& 101, NUTR& 101, all with a B or higher. Healthcare Experience verification. ATI TEAS scores: Reading 69.0 or higher, Mathematics 63.3 or higher, Science 45.8 or higher, and English & Language Usage 60.0 or higher.
Future Offerings:
Fall 2021-2022
09/20/2021-12/09/2021 M 9:00a-1:00p Beebe Openings: 10
HLTH 154 HealthCare Provider First Aid and CPR 1 CR
This course will teach both professional level CPR and first aid. CPR will cover adult, child and infant skills, barrier devices and use of the AED (automated external defibrillator). The first aid component will cover all requirements per OSHA and WISHA and will discuss some advanced first aid skills. The CPR portion does require a written exam to be passed with 84% as well as skills evaluation prior to card issuance. Text required.
Future Offerings:
Quarter 2
DHYG 122 Dental Hygiene Clinical Practice II 5 CR
Theoretical background and practical application of dental radiography. Exposure techniques, processing, mounting, and evaluation of dental radiographs; principles of production, use of X-radiation, radiation safety procedure and patient education.
Prerequisites:
DHYG 112 with a C or higher.
Future Offerings:
Winter 2021-2022
01/04/2022-03/24/2022 TWTh 9:00a-12:00p Beebe Openings: 24
Beebe
DHYG 124 Principles of Dental Hygiene II 3 CR
Sequential course providing theoretical background for the practice of dental hygiene. Problem solving and critical thinking related to patient assessment and management.
Prerequisites:
Dental Hygiene Program Admission.
Future Offerings:
Winter 2021-2022
01/04/2022-03/24/2022 F 8:00a-11:00a Beebe Openings: 24
DHYG 126 Oral Radiology II 2 CR
Oral radiographic techniques for patients with special needs; extraoral and occlusal projections. Interpretation of potential pathology and recognition of common dental restorative materials. Refinement of exposure techniques and evaluation. Coordinates with DHYG 122.
Prerequisites:
DHYG 116 with a C or higher.
Future Offerings:
Winter 2021-2022
01/04/2022-03/24/2022 F 12:00p-2:00p Wollens Openings: 24
DHYG 113 Dental Materials 4 CR
A study of materials used in dentistry including practical applications and chairside assisting. Study includes general properties, composition, and manipulation of common dental materials. Ethical situations pertaining to treatment planning and the use of dental materials by dental hygienists.
Prerequisites:
Dental Hygiene Program Admission.
Future Offerings:
Winter 2021-2022
01/04/2022-03/24/2022 T 1:00p-5:00p Brown Openings: 24
Brown
M 8:00a-10:00a Brown
DHYG 125 Medical Emergencies 3 CR
Equipment, drugs, signs and symptoms of medical emergencies that may occur in dental offices. Individual and team practice in carrying out emergency procedures in timed simulations: pulse, respiration, blood pressure, emergency drug setup, and oxygen.
Prerequisites:
Acceptance into the Dental Hygiene program. MATH& 107 or higher, BIOL& 160, BIOL& 241, BIOL& 242, BIOL& 260, CHEM& 121 or CHEM& 161 and CHEM& 162, CHEM& 131, ENGL& 101, ENGL& 102, and PSYC& 100, CMST& 210 or CMST& 220, SOC& 101, NUTR& 101, all with a B or higher. Healthcare Experience verification. ATI TEAS scores: Reading 69.0 or higher, Mathematics 63.3 or higher, Science 45.8 or higher, and English & Language Usage 60.0 or higher.
Future Offerings:
Winter 2021-2022
01/04/2022-03/24/2022 M 12:00p-4:00p Wollens Openings: 24
DHYG 137 Pharmacology 3 CR
The action of selected pharmaceutical agents. Emphasis on drug interactions, routes of administration, and effects on body systems. Recognition of potential impact on dental hygiene practice.
Prerequisites:
DHYG 128 with a C or higher.
Future Offerings:
Winter 2021-2022
01/04/2022-03/24/2022 Th 1:00p-4:00p Beebe Openings: 24
Quarter 3
DHYG 131 Restorative Dentistry I 4 CR
Principles of direct restorative techniques including cavity preparation terminology, outline form, cavosurface margin, and advanced dental anatomy of the tooth crown. Laboratory experience with direct restorative dental materials. Placement, carving, finishing, and polishing of amalgam and composite restorations on dentoforms. Alginate impressions and model trimming for working and study models. Rubber dam, matrix and wedge application. Case studies for clinic preparation.
Prerequisites:
DHYG 113 with a C or higher.
Future Offerings:
Spring 2021-2022
04/05/2022-06/22/2022 T 12:00p-4:00p Beebe Openings: 24
Beebe
T 10:00a-12:00p Beebe
DHYG 132 Dental Hygiene Clinical Practice III 5 CR
Sequential course providing practice of dental hygiene skills. Problem solving and critical thinking related to patient assessment and management. Communication skills and professionalism emphasized.
Prerequisites:
DHYG 122 with a C or higher.
Future Offerings:
Spring 2020-2021
04/06/2021-06/23/2021 F 8:30a-3:30p Beebe Openings: 16
WF Beebe
W Beebe
Beebe
M Beebe
Spring 2021-2022
04/05/2022-06/22/2022 MF 9:00a-2:00p Beebe Openings: 24
Beebe
Beebe
Beebe
DHYG 134 Principles of Dental Hygiene III 3 CR
Sequential course providing theoretical background for the clinical practice of dental hygiene. Emphasis on patient education and treatment planning related to patients’ age and stage. Nutrition and relationship to oral diseases.
Prerequisites:
DHYG 124 with a C or higher.
Future Offerings:
Spring 2020-2021
04/06/2021-06/23/2021 Online Beebe Openings: 16
Spring 2021-2022
04/05/2022-06/22/2022 W 9:00a-12:00p Beebe Openings: 24
DHYG 138 Periodontology 3 CR
Study of the periodontium emphasizing periodontal diseases, their classifications, and the etiological factors involved. Preventive measures within the scope and responsibility of the dental hygienist are correlated with basic sciences and clinical aspects of periodontal diseases.
Prerequisites:
DHYG 128 with a C or higher.
Future Offerings:
Spring 2020-2021
04/06/2021-06/23/2021 Online Karhinen Openings: 16
Spring 2021-2022
04/05/2022-06/22/2022 Th 9:00a-12:00p Karhinen Openings: 24
DHYG 118 HISTOLOGY & EMBRYOLOGY 2 CR
The study of oral histology including developmental origins and microscopic organization of selected oral and facial structures. The embryonic development of the face and palate will be described and correlated with more common craniofacial malformations. The formation, eruption and histological organization of the teeth and their supporting tissues will be examined in considerable detail, as well as the oral mucosa and salivary glands.
Prerequisites:
Acceptance into the Dental Hygiene program. MATH& 107 or higher, BIOL& 160, BIOL& 241, BIOL& 242, BIOL& 260, CHEM& 121 or CHEM& 161 and CHEM& 162, CHEM& 131, ENGL& 101, ENGL& 102, and PSYC& 100, CMST& 210 or CMST& 220, SOC& 101, NUTR& 101, all with a B or higher. Healthcare Experience verification. ATI TEAS scores: Reading 69.0 or higher, Mathematics 63.3 or higher, Science 45.8 or higher, and English & Language Usage 60.0 or higher.
Future Offerings:
Spring 2020-2021
04/06/2021-06/23/2021 Online Beebe Openings: 17
Spring 2021-2022
04/05/2022-06/22/2022 Th 1:00p-3:00p Beebe Openings: 24
Quarter 4
DHYG 141 Restorative Dentistry II 1 CR
Properties of restorative materials and case studies for student clinic preparation. Practical experience using restorative dental materials. Placement experience and finishing of composite and amalgam restorations on typodonts and clinic patients.
Prerequisites:
DHYG 131 with a C or higher.
Future Offerings:
Summer 2021-2022
07/06/2021-08/27/2021 T 3:00p-6:00p Beebe Openings: 10
Beebe
DHYG 142 Hygiene Clinical Practice IV 5 CR
Sequential course providing practice of dental hygiene skills. Problem solving and critical thinking related to patient assessment and management. Demonstration of professional growth and self assessment.
Prerequisites:
DHYG 132 with a C or higher.
Future Offerings:
Summer 2021-2022
07/06/2021-08/27/2021 F 3:00p-6:00p Karhinen Openings: 10
M Karhinen
M Karhinen
F 9:00a-3:00p Karhinen
DHYG 144 Principles of Dental Hygiene IV 3 CR
Sequential course providing theoretical background of dental hygiene skills. Literature review and research reports, oral cancer and tobacco cessation emphasized.
Prerequisites:
DHYG 134 with a C or higher.
Future Offerings:
Summer 2021-2022
07/06/2021-08/27/2021 W 8:30a-9:30a Karhinen Openings: 10
DHYG 149 Pain Management 4 CR
Exploration of pain control methods including local anesthesia and nitrous oxygen analgesia. Health history evaluation, local and systemic complications, anesthetic solutions, vasoconstrictors and drug interactions. Techniques of local anesthesia, including block and infiltration techniques are practiced. Administration of nitrous oxide is also practiced.
Prerequisites:
DHYG 137 with a C or higher.
Future Offerings:
Summer 2021-2022
07/06/2021-08/27/2021 T 11:00a-2:00p Beebe Openings: 10
Beebe
T 8:00a-10:00a Beebe
Quarter 5
DHYG 211 Restorative Dentistry III 2 CR
Practical experience using restorative dental materials. Placement experience and finishing of composite and amalgam restorations on typodonts and clinic patients.
Prerequisites:
DHYG 141 with a C or higher.
Future Offerings:
Fall 2021-2022
09/20/2021-12/09/2021 T 1:00p-5:00p Beebe Openings: 12
Beebe
DHYG 212 Dental Hygiene Clinical Practice V 8 CR
Sequential course providing practice of dental hygiene skills. Problem solving and critical thinking related to patient assessment and management. Demonstration of professional growth and self assessment.
Prerequisites:
DHYG 142 with a C or higher.
Future Offerings:
Fall 2021-2022
09/20/2021-12/09/2021 MF 8:00a-5:00p Karhinen Openings: 12
Karhinen
Karhinen
DHYG 214 Principles of Dental Hygiene V 3 CR
Sequential course providing theoretical background of dental hygiene skills. Quality assurance, advanced instrumentation theory, periodontal files, planning dental hygiene treatment for special needs patients. Research paper, case studies.
Prerequisites:
DHYG 144 with a C or higher.
Future Offerings:
Fall 2021-2022
09/20/2021-12/09/2021 Th 1:00p-4:00p Karhinen Openings: 12
DHYG 216 Community Oral Health I 4 CR
A systematic approach to developing community oral health programs. Surveillance systems, epidemiology charts, Healthy People 2010. Teamwork activities. Water fluoridation, sealants, fluoride rinse programs, varnish, mouth guards. Lesson plans. Steps in program planning. Health Education theories.
Prerequisites:
DHYG 144 with a C or higher.
Future Offerings:
Fall 2021-2022
09/20/2021-12/09/2021 TTh 9:00a-11:00a Karhinen Openings: 12
DHYG 219 Oral Pathology 3 CR
A study of oral diseases and manifestations of systemic diseases. Utilizes independent learning and internet resources.
Prerequisites:
DHYG 128 with a C or higher.
Future Offerings:
Fall 2021-2022
09/20/2021-12/09/2021 W 9:00a-12:00p Beebe Openings: 12
Quarter 6
DHYG 221 RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY IV 2 CR
Laboratory experience with direct restorative dental materials. Placement, carving, finishing, and polishing of amalgam and composite restorations on dentoforms.
Prerequisites:
DHYG 211 with a C or higher.
Future Offerings:
Winter 2021-2022
01/04/2022-03/24/2022 T 1:00p-5:00p Beebe Openings: 12
Beebe
DHYG 222 Dental Hygiene Clinical Practice VI 8 CR
Sequential course providing practice of dental hygiene skills. Problem solving and critical thinking related to patient assessment and management. Demonstration of professional growth and self assessment.
Prerequisites:
DHYG 212 with a C or higher.
Future Offerings:
Winter 2021-2022
01/04/2022-03/24/2022 MF 8:00a-5:00p Karhinen Openings: 12
Karhinen
Karhinen
DHYG 224 Principles of Dental Hygiene VI 3 CR
Sequential course providing theoretical background of dental hygiene skills. Ethics and jurisprudence, current therapeutic trends, insurance coding, scheduling and patient recall, hygiene assisting and record keeping.
Prerequisites:
DHYG 214 with a C or higher.
Future Offerings:
Winter 2021-2022
01/04/2022-03/24/2022 T 9:00a-12:00p Karhinen Openings: 12
DHYG 226 Community Oral Health II 4 CR
Assessment indices, dental hygiene diagnosis. Program planning, funding and budgets; legislation. Cultural issues in public health. Implementation of a team community oral health project. Epidemiology and biostatistics related to community oral health.
Prerequisites:
DHYG 216 with a C or higher.
Future Offerings:
Winter 2021-2022
01/04/2022-03/24/2022 W 8:00a-12:00p Karhinen Openings: 12
DHYG 228 Oral Therapy 3 CR
Philosophy and theoretical background of advanced periodontal therapy. Soft tissue management planning. Periodontal surgery techniques. Management of other oral conditions: implants, supportive perio therapy.
Prerequisites:
DHYG 219 with a C or higher.
Future Offerings:
Winter 2021-2022
01/04/2022-03/24/2022 Th 1:00p-4:00p Karhinen Openings: 12
DHYG 229 Dental Hygiene Seminar 1 CR
Review and practice for the National Dental Hygiene Board Examination.
Prerequisites:
DHYG 221, DHYG 222, DHYG 224, DHYG 226 & DHYG 228 (Corequisites)
Future Offerings:
Winter 2021-2022
01/04/2022-03/24/2022 W 1:00p-2:00p Beebe Openings: 12
Quarter 7
DHYG 231 Restorative Dentistry V 1 CR
Case studies and special project designed to enhance student understanding of clinical restorative practice. Application of research in dental materials.
Prerequisites:
DHYG 221 with a C or higher.
Future Offerings:
Spring 2021-2022
04/05/2022-06/22/2022 T 4:00p-6:00p Beebe Openings: 12
Beebe
DHYG 232 Dental Hygiene Clinical Practice VII 8 CR
Sequential course providing practice of dental hygiene skills. Problem solving and critical thinking related to patient assessment and management. Demonstration of professional growth and self assessment.
Prerequisites:
DHYG 222 with a C or higher.
Future Offerings:
Spring 2021-2022
04/05/2022-06/22/2022 MF 8:00a-5:00p Karhinen Openings: 12
Karhinen
Karhinen
DHYG 234 Principles of Dental Hygiene VII 3 CR
Sequential course providing theoretical background of dental hygiene skills. Focus is to meet needs of graduating dental hygiene students: current therapeutic trends, research, career opportunities and job search strategies. Financial planning, guest speakers. Dental practice act and licensure requirements. Application for board examinations. Specialized clinical skills.
Prerequisites:
DHYG 224 with a C or higher.
Future Offerings:
Spring 2021-2022
04/05/2022-06/22/2022 W 1:00p-4:00p Karhinen Openings: 12
DHYG 236 Community Oral Health III 2 CR
Careers in Public Health, table clinics or poster presentations. Involvement in local projects; community health program completion and evaluation. Leadership for community projects. Research.
Prerequisites:
DHYG 226 with a C or higher.
Future Offerings:
Spring 2021-2022
04/05/2022-06/22/2022 Th 9:00a-11:00a Karhinen Openings: 12

Program Outcomes

The Dental Hygiene Program is designed to prepare students to become Dental Hygienists. Technical and professional competency development will involve the following outcomes:

Demonstrate positive work ethics, team skills and professional values integral the profession of Dental Hygiene.
Utilize wellness, health determinants, & characteristics of various patient populations to promote oral health and reduce health risks in a variety of settings.
Apply current dental hygiene techniques, instruments, and materials to provide preventive and therapeutic services in accordance with all safety and health standards.
Assess, plan, implement & evaluate community based health promotion and prevention programs and activities to benefit the general population
Demonstrate cognitive retention of dental terminology, theory, and science.
Identify and access opportunities for professional growth and development.
Apply the principles of evidence based research and decision making in the planning and implementation of dental hygiene care.
Qualify for all national and regional examinations required to practice as a Registered Dental Hygienist in the State of Washington.
Manage medical emergencies and provide appropriate life support measures using professional judgement.

Employment Outlook

Dental hygienists are in high demand and the outlook is that the demand for hygienists is expected to grow. About 87% of BTC Dental Hygiene students are employed within nine months of graduation. The average annual wage in this field is $94,037, with an earning potential of about $102,835 per year.*

Criminal convictions may restrict or prevent student participation with internships and employment in this industry.

Dental hygienists in dental offices and clinics.

Faculty & Support

Laura Doss

College Navigator

360.752.8548
ldoss@btc.edu
College Services (CS), Room 105

Laura Doss has been at BTC for 10 years in the roles of Academic & Career Advisor, Student Navigator, Instructor, Completion Coach and now College Navigator for the Allied Health Programs. Laura earned her Bachelor of Science while serving in the US Army and stationed in Germany and her Master of Education while stationed at Fort Sill, OK. Her initial education and training was in the mental health field before moving into education. Outside of work, Laura likes to spend time with her four kids, walking the trails, cuddling with her tiny dog and reading a ton of books!

Alisa Wollens

Dental Assisting & Dental Hygiene Programs Coordinator/Instructor

360.752.8570
AWollens@btc.edu
B Building (B), Room B8-B

Fall 2021-2022
09/20/2021-12/09/2021	T	9:00a-12:00p	Beebe	Openings: 10
			Beebe
	W	8:00a-11:00a	Beebe
	Th	8:00a-1:00p	Beebe

Fall 2021-2022
09/20/2021-12/09/2021	W	11:00a-1:00p	Wollens	Openings: 10
	W	2:00p-3:00p	Wollens

Fall 2021-2022
09/20/2021-12/09/2021	T	2:00p-4:00p	Wollens	Openings: 10
	M	2:00p-4:00p	Wollens

Fall 2021-2022
09/20/2021-12/09/2021	M	9:00a-1:00p	Beebe	Openings: 10

Winter 2021-2022
01/04/2022-03/24/2022	TWTh	9:00a-12:00p	Beebe	Openings: 24
			Beebe

Winter 2021-2022
01/04/2022-03/24/2022	F	12:00p-2:00p	Wollens	Openings: 24

Winter 2021-2022
01/04/2022-03/24/2022	T	1:00p-5:00p	Brown	Openings: 24
			Brown
	M	8:00a-10:00a	Brown

Winter 2021-2022
01/04/2022-03/24/2022	M	12:00p-4:00p	Wollens	Openings: 24

Winter 2021-2022
01/04/2022-03/24/2022	Th	1:00p-4:00p	Beebe	Openings: 24

Spring 2021-2022
04/05/2022-06/22/2022	T	12:00p-4:00p	Beebe	Openings: 24
			Beebe
	T	10:00a-12:00p	Beebe

Summer 2021-2022
07/06/2021-08/27/2021	F	3:00p-6:00p	Karhinen	Openings: 10
	M		Karhinen
	M		Karhinen
	F	9:00a-3:00p	Karhinen

Summer 2021-2022
07/06/2021-08/27/2021	W	8:30a-9:30a	Karhinen	Openings: 10

Spring 2020-2021
04/06/2021-06/23/2021	F	8:30a-3:30p	Beebe	Openings: 16
	WF		Beebe
	W		Beebe
			Beebe
	M		Beebe
Spring 2021-2022
04/05/2022-06/22/2022	MF	9:00a-2:00p	Beebe	Openings: 24
			Beebe
			Beebe
			Beebe

Spring 2020-2021
04/06/2021-06/23/2021	Online		Beebe	Openings: 16
Spring 2021-2022
04/05/2022-06/22/2022	W	9:00a-12:00p	Beebe	Openings: 24

Summer 2021-2022
07/06/2021-08/27/2021	T	11:00a-2:00p	Beebe	Openings: 10
			Beebe
	T	8:00a-10:00a	Beebe

Fall 2021-2022
09/20/2021-12/09/2021	MF	8:00a-5:00p	Karhinen	Openings: 12
			Karhinen
			Karhinen

Fall 2021-2022
09/20/2021-12/09/2021	TTh	9:00a-11:00a	Karhinen	Openings: 12

Winter 2021-2022
01/04/2022-03/24/2022	W	8:00a-12:00p	Karhinen	Openings: 12

Winter 2021-2022
01/04/2022-03/24/2022	W	1:00p-2:00p	Beebe	Openings: 12

Spring 2021-2022
04/05/2022-06/22/2022	T	4:00p-6:00p	Beebe	Openings: 12
			Beebe

Dental Hygiene

Dental Hygiene

Dental Hygiene - AAS-T

Employment Information

Estimated Program Costs

Entry Information

When Can I Start?

What are the Minimum Entry Requirements?

Pre-Program Course Requirements

Physical Requirements

What are My Next Steps?

Other Program Information

Classes

Total Program Credits: 124

Quarter 1

Quarter 2

Quarter 3

Quarter 4

Quarter 5

Quarter 6

Quarter 7

Program Outcomes

Employment Outlook

Faculty & Support

Laura Doss

Alisa Wollens