Bellingham Technical College Dental Hygiene Program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and has been granted the accreditation status of “approval without reporting requirements”. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education.
The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. The Commission’s web address is: https://coda.ada.org/
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. A cohort of 10 students will be accepted into the Dental Hygiene Program each application year.
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. BTC 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. Upon successful completion, students are awarded an Associates Degree in Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T) and are eligible for licensure as a Dental Hygienist in WA State. Program graduates are well-positioned for employment in the dental industry, with the hands-on clinical experience employers need today.
To practice as a dental hygienist in the state of Washington (WA), you must be licensed through the Washington State Department of Health. The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 18.29 and the Washington Administrative Code, Chapter 246-815 (WAC) outline the practice, act, and licensure criteria for dental hygienists. Specifically, the Department of Health - Dental Hygiene Licensure site details the licensure requirements. In addition to earning your AAS-T degree from the Bellingham Technical College Dental Hygiene Program, you will also be required to successfully pass the National Dental Hygiene Board Examination, the WA State Drug and Law exam, the WA state approved local anesthesia written and practical exams, a WA state approved restorative practical exam, and a WA state approved dental hygiene practical exam.
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.
1Employment data come from the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) and reflect three-year averages among BTC students employed in either Washington or Oregon. Students are included in the employment rate if they left with a credential. Rates are not shown for programs with fewer than 10 students meeting the above criteria.
2Whatcom County and WA State wage data come from Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates. Wage data represent occupations that BTC faculty have identified as the most relevant career paths for program graduates. Note that these wages reflect employees with varying educational levels/credentials. For cases in which multiple occupations have been identified by faculty, a weighted percentile is calculated using each occupation’s percentile wage and employment size estimate. Wages are not shown for programs for which occupations do not meet the ESD’s minimum thresholds for publishing. If the program has wage data that involves shift work, these ESD wages reflect the same number of hours used in the annual wage calculation. Starting wage = 25th percentile, median wage = 50th percentile, wage potential = 75th percentile.
Estimated costs based on 7 quarters to complete this program The first quarter of study will likely be more expensive as students pay for materials needed to start the program.
The 2026-2027 Application Portal is now closed. After application review, an email will be sent to confirm if it is complete or incomplete. Please allow up to three weeks for the review of applications. Official seat offers will be sent at the end of March.
All applicants to the BTC Dental Hygiene program must be Program-Ready before they can apply online during the Application Window.
Students are considered Program-Ready once they have completed the following:
All prerequisite foundation courses, either at BTC or another institution, with required minimum grades and number of credits.
The transcript evaluation process for all courses taken at another institution must be complete before applying to the program.
ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) (see below under Minimum Entry Requirements)
Healthcare Experience (see below under Minimum Entry Requirements)
Once a student has been offered and accepted a seat in the Dental Hygiene program, and before they enroll in program coursework, they must have a current BTC application on file with Dental Hygiene as their program of intent.
Pre-Application Self-Audit Students are encouraged to conduct a self-audit before submitting their application to their intended program. These Self-Audit Instructions serve as a guide to ensure they meet all requirements and are fully prepared to apply.
How are points awarded? One point is awarded for each of the following categories:
Successful completion* of 15 or more credits of dental hygiene prerequisite courses at BTC**
Successful completion* of 30 or more credits of dental hygiene prerequisite courses at BTC**
Successful completion of a Nursing or Allied Health degree or certificate program at BTC
Applied last academic year with a complete application
Applied the last 2 consecutive years with a complete application
* Minimum grade must be met to earn point ** Points are not awarded for program/certificate credits; repeated courses only count once
This program typically admits students into first quarter program core courses in the fall.
Students interested in the Dental Hygiene program should apply to the college and contact Admissions at 360.752.8345 or at admissions@btc.edu for assistance with getting started at BTC. A college application and your score on assessment testing and/or previous transcripts will determine where you begin your course sequence.
What are the Minimum Entry Requirements?
A completed college admissions application and placement in English and Math. BTC uses a Guided Self-Placement process to help you choose the best starting point for your English and Math courses. Your selections will determine whether you begin with program coursework or complete prerequisites classes first. To get started or for help determining your English and math placement, contact the Outreach department at Outreach@btc.edu
ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)
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.
Students can take the TEAS through the BTC Assessment Center or remotely through ATI.
Prior to applying to the program students complete all prerequisite courses at BTC or complete the transcript evaluation process for 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)
Math in Society (MATH& 107) OR higher
Nutrition (NUTR& 101)
General Psychology (PSYC& 100)
Introduction to Sociology (SOC& 101)
Clinical Placement Requirements
AFTER admissions acceptance into the program and prior to beginning program classes, students must submit proof of all Clinical Placement Requirements. You will receive an email from the department with deadlines for completing clinical requirements, and instructions for creating an account and submitting documentation. Account creation, criminal background history and urine drug screening will cost an estimated $175.
Nursing and Allied Health students must obtain a criminal background check through Complio/American DataBank. The background check must include the following categories: State, County, and National criminal background history; sex offender registry check; Social Security Number trace; and the Office of the Inspector General ("OIG"). Some clinical partners also require students to complete a background check through the Background Check Central Unit (BCCU) for Washington State Department of Social and Health Services authorized service providers.
The College will maintain records on all students that clinical partners may use to document compliance with RCW 43.43.830-842. Criminal background check findings will be shared with clinical partners who will determine if it is satisfactory for the facility. If the results of a background check are less than satisfactory, clinical sites may deny access to that student. If clinical partners have determined criminal background check findings to be less than satisfactory, the student will not be able to complete the program of study.
Bellingham Technical College is not responsible for a student’s ineligibility for employment and/or state licensure. Washington State Department of Health does background checks prior to certifying a license. The disqualifying crimes and negative actions can be found on the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services website.
Students must provide a negative 10-panel urine drug test through Complio. Dilute urine analysis samples require rescreening within five business days at an additional cost and a second dilute sample is considered positive. You will receive an email from the department if your final drug test results are positive, and you will be ineligible to participate in the program for one year.
Notice About Marijuana Usage
Students who test positive for THC (marijuana, including prescription marijuana) will not be allowed entrance to Nursing and Allied Health programs with clinical components. Drug screening is a requirement of our clinical partner agencies. Although private recreational and medical use of marijuana is legal in Washington state, our clinical partner agencies are governed by federal laws, and marijuana is a prohibited substance at the federal level. If your final drug test results are positive, you will be ineligible to participate in the program that year and will be allowed to reapply to the program 12 months from the date of the positive test.
Students must have proof of all the required immunizations uploaded and accepted by Complio before they can attend clinical. Required immunizations include:
Students must submit proof of negative TB status to the program annually. TB screening tests are valid for one year. Most students complete the 2-step TB Skin Test (TST).
Students are required to be American Heart Association (AHA) BLS Provider (Healthcare Provider) CPR certified. The course must be completed after July 1 so that certification will not expire while in the program. Costs associated with the CPR course are not included in program costs. Courses sponsored by the American Red Cross or any other agency are not acceptable. AHA 201 Healthcare Provider CPR is offered at BTC: Go to www.btc.edu/TakeClasses to find dates and times. The course must include an in-person hands-on skills check. Online courses that do not include in-person hands-on skills are not acceptable.
You must submit proof of current health insurance coverage. Student Injury-only insurance is acceptable and information on how to enroll is available on the BTC website. Your health insurance must be current throughout the duration of the program.
You are now able to sign up for classes in ctcLink using the class list below. It requires certain steps to work smoothly. Please read and follow the instructions:
Once at the beginning of each session:
Follow the link below which will open the ctcLink login screen in a new browser tab
In the new tab login to ctcLink
Return back to this tab
These steps log you into ctcLink and keep you logged in until you log out manually or close your browser. If you or a public computer it is good security practice to logout and close all browser windows when you are done.
Click on the name of the class below to show future offerings
Click the 'Find in ctcLink' button below the class you wish to find. (Button will only show if registration is open.)
A new tab with the ctcLink Class Search tool will open
Without changing any of the filter options, click the 'Search' button
Only the specific class you selected will show. If logged in following the steps above, you will be able to register for the class.
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 preventative 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), CHEM& 131, ENGL& 101, ENGL& 102, PSYC& 100, (CMST& 210 or CMST& 220), SOC& 101, and NUTR& 101 all with a B or higher, Healthcare Experience verification, and 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.
Co-requisites: DHYG 114, DHYG 115, DHYG 116, and DHYG 128.
Current & Future Offerings:
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 emphasized.
Prerequisites: Admission to the Dental Hygiene Program, MATH& 107 or higher, BIOL& 160, BIOL& 241, BIOL& 242, BIOL& 260, (CHEM& 121 or CHEM& 161), CHEM& 131, ENGL& 101, ENGL& 102, PSYC& 100, CMST& 210 or CMST& 220, SOC& 101, NUTR& 101 all with a B or higher, Healthcare Experience verification, and 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.
Co-requisites: DHYG 112, DHYG 115, DHYG 16, and DHYG 128.
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
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.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Dental Hygiene program. MATH& 107 or higher, BIOL& 160, BIOL& 241, BIOL& 242, BIOL& 260, (CHEM& 121 or CHEM& 161), CHEM& 131, ENGL& 101, ENGL& 102, PSYC& 100, (CMST& 210 or CMST& 220), SOC& 101, and NUTR& 101 all with a B or higher, Healthcare Experience verification, and 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.
Co-requisites: DHYG 112, DHYG 114, DHYG 116, and DHYG 128.
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
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), CHEM& 131, ENGL& 101, ENGL& 102, PSYC& 100, (CMST& 210 or CMST& 220), SOC& 101, NUTR& 101 all with a B or higher, Healthcare Experience verification, and 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.
Co-requisites: DHYG 112, DHYG 114, DHYG 115, DHYG 128.
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
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), CHEM& 131, ENGL& 101, ENGL 102, PSYC& 100, (CMST& 210 or CMST& 220), SOC& 101, and NUTR& 101 all with a B or higher; Healthcare Experience verification; and 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. Co-requisites: DHYG 112, DHYG 114, DHYG 115, and DHYG 116.
The class is taught completely online; attendance at scheduled online class meetings at specific times is required. There is no face-to-face instruction.
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 automated external defibrillator (AED). 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.
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 procedures and patient education. Prerequisite: DHYG 112 with a C or higher.
Current & Future Offerings:
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. Prerequisite: DHYG 114 with a C or higher
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
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.
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
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. Prerequisite: DHYG 112 with a C or higher
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
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. Prerequisite: DHYG 112 with a C or higher.
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
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. Prerequisite: DHYG 128 with a C or higher.
The class is taught completely online; attendance at scheduled online class meetings at specific times is required. There is no face-to-face instruction.
The class is taught completely online; attendance at scheduled online class meetings at specific times is required. There is no face-to-face instruction.
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. Prerequisite: DHYG 113 with a C or higher.
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
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.
Current & Future Offerings:
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. Prerequisite: DHYG 124 with a C or higher.
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
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. Prerequisite: DHYG 125 with a C or higher.
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
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. Prerequisite: DHYG 125 with a C or higher
The class is taught completely online; attendance at scheduled online class meetings at specific times is required. There is no face-to-face instruction.
The class is taught completely online; attendance at scheduled online class meetings at specific times is required. There is no face-to-face instruction.
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.
Current & Future Offerings:
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.
Current & Future Offerings:
DHYG 144
Principles of Dental Hygiene IV
3 CR
Develop age-appropriate education plans for school children focused on caries prevention. Educate patients about relationship between diet and oral health. Critically evaluate current scientific literature. Prerequisite: DHYG 134 with a C or higher.
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
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. Prerequisite: DHYG 137 with a C or higher.
The class is taught completely online; attendance at scheduled online class meetings at specific times is required. There is no face-to-face instruction.
Quarter 5
DHYG 211
Restorative Dentistry III
2 CR
Practical experience using restorative dental materials. Placement experience and finishing or composite and amalgam restorations on typodonts and clinic patients. Prerequisite: DHYG 141 with a C or higher.
Current & Future Offerings:
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. Prerequisite: DHYG 142 with a C or higher.
Current & Future Offerings:
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. Prerequisite: DHYG 144 with a C or higher.
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
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. Prerequisite: DHYG 144 with a C or higher.
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
DHYG 219
Oral Pathology
3 CR
A study of oral diseases and manifestations of systemic diseases. Utilizes independent learning and internet resources. Prerequisite: DHYG 128 with a C or higher.
The class is taught completely online; attendance at scheduled online class meetings at specific times is required. There is no face-to-face instruction.
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. Prerequisite: DHYG 211 with a C or higher.
Current & Future Offerings:
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. Prerequisite: DHYG 212 with a C or higher
Current & Future Offerings:
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. Prerequisite: DHYG 214 with a C or higher.
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
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. Prerequisite: DHYG 216 with a C or higher.
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
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. Prerequisite: DHYG 219 with a C or higher.
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
DHYG 229
Dental Hygiene Seminar
1 CR
Review and practice for the National Dental Hygiene Board Examination. Co-requisites: DHYG 221, DHYG 222, DHYG 224, DHYG 226 and DHYG 228
The class is taught completely online; attendance at scheduled online class meetings at specific times is required. There is no face-to-face instruction.
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
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. Prerequisite: DHYG 221 with a C or higher.
Current & Future Offerings:
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. Prerequisite: DHYG 222 with a C or higher.
Current & Future Offerings:
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. Prerequisite: DHYG 224 with a C or higher.
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
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. Prerequisite: DHYG 226 with a C or higher.
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
After successful completion of the Dental Hygiene program, students will be able to:
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.
Criminal convictions may restrict or prevent student participation with internships and employment in this industry.
Alisa began working as a dental assistant in 1989 and continued working as a dental assistant continuously until she started the dental hygiene program at Loma Linda University. She graduated with a BS in dental hygiene in 2002 and worked full time as a dental hygienist until she transitioned to education in 2010. As a full time dental assisting instructor, she taught every aspect of the dental assisting program and in 2014 became the program director of the dental assisting program while still teaching full time. In 2018 Alisa took over as program director for both the dental hygiene and dental assisting programs. She still teaches several courses in the dental hygiene program but spends the majority of her time on program administration including managing our on-campus dental clinic.
Catherine Beebe has been an instructor with the Dental Hygiene department since 2009. She has 28 years of experience in the dental field as a Certified Dental Assistant, Dental Receptionist and a Dental Hygienist. She spent 12 years as an Expanded Functions Dental Hygienist before coming to BTC full time.
Catherine is a graduate of Bellingham Technical College’s Dental Assisting program and obtained her AAS in Dental Hygiene at Lake Washington Technical College. She holds a liberal arts degree from Western Washington University with a concentration in Audio Recording, and a Masters in Dental Hygiene with an emphasis in education from Idaho State University.
Catherine has a special interest in using educational technology to create new and engaging methods of course delivery for her students. Her thesis research “Educational Technology for Millennial Dental Hygiene Students: A Survey of U.S. Dental Hygiene Programs” was published in the June 2014 issue of the Journal of Dental Education.
Nina Karhinen has 27 years of experience as a clinical dental hygienist both in private practice and community health. She was an adjunct instructor for 11 years in the Dental Hygiene Program at Bellingham Technical College until transitioning into a full-time faculty role in 2021 as second year lead instructor. Nina’s special interests include clinical practice, public health, special populations, and research.
She holds a Bachelors in Dental Hygiene with an emphasis in education from Oregon Institute of Technology and a Masters in Dental Hygiene with an emphasis in education from Idaho State University. Her thesis was entitled “Oral Health Life Skills Education for Foster Youth in Transition: An Exploratory Evaluation Study". Her article entitled “Update on Tuberculosis” was published in the Dimensions of Dental Hygiene journal.