How to apply to Dental Hygiene

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements for Health Occupation Students

All students in health occupation programs are required to be vaccinated for COVID-19, including Nursing, Nursing Assistant Certified, Dental Hygiene, and Medical Laboratory Technology. Only medical exemptions will be reviewed and are not guaranteed acceptance by clinical facilities.

Changes to required prerequisites

There are two prerequisite admission changes for 2023 and beyond: English 102 and Math 146. These changes are incorporated in the information below. Please contact Glenda O'Malley at gomalley2@shoreline.edu for any questions.

The Dental Hygiene application period is open each year from January 15 to February 15.

  • Graduates of the program earn an Associate of Applied Arts & Sciences Degree in Dental Hygiene from Shoreline Community College, taught in partnership with University of Washington School of Dentistry
  • The program is accredited by the Commission for Dental Accreditation (CODA)

Questions about the application process?

Contact Glenda O'Malley. Call (206) 546-4711, email gomalley2@shoreline.edu, or Schedule a group advising appointment

Admission Requirements

Eligibility

Admission to the Dental Hygiene program includes going through an application process. The application period is open every year between January 15 and February 15. Interviews are schedule during Winter Quarter Finals week. Notice of acceptance will be sent out the first or second week of April. The Dental Hygiene faculty will work with all applicants to ensure that the process is clear.

To be eligible for selection consideration, applicants must complete all prerequisites (list provided below) with a 2.5 grade or higher.

Required science classes must have been taken within seven (7) years of application (virtual or online labs with science courses WILL be accepted from Spring 2020 through Fall 2022). Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses WILL NOT be accepted for transfer of prerequisites.

Selection Process

Selection is based on a point system. Points are gained from the prerequisite courses, work and educational experience, and interview.

50% - academics (grades of prerequisite courses)

20% - work and educational experience, if any

30% - interview

Dental Hygiene students must possess skills essential to performing dental hygiene functions as outlined in the Dental Hygiene application information (including but not limited to: abilities of visual acuity, speaking, motor skills, adaptive ability).

The selection process is reviewed each year.

Download Admissions Points Form

 

Prerequisites

Online applications are accepted once per year and must be submitted with all required records between January 15 through February 15 to be considered for Fall Quarter entry.

Each applicant must meet all college admissions requirements as well as follow all College policies and procedures.

The following prerequisite course requirements have been established for the upcoming application periods for Fall 2023:

Download the prerequite checklist

We encourage you to make an appointment with  the Dental Hygiene department to assist you in managing your educational plan and readiness to apply.

Course numbers listed in the prerequisite checklist are course numbers offered at Shoreline Community College. Courses from other colleges which appear to be equivalent may be accepted with approval.

Prerequisite Course Equivalencies

For those students taking the prerequisite courses at another university or college located within Washington State, use the Dental Hygiene Course Equivalency Guide. The courses on this guide will substitute for the Shoreline Community College prerequisite courses.

If the course on the guide no longer exists, or you wish to substitute another course, submit the following for review:

This is the only way to be 100% sure your course can be substituted for application to the Shoreline Dental Hygiene Program.

Results of evaluation of your courses for transfer will be sent to you via email within one week, but may take longer. Please plan accordingly.

Applicants must receive a minimum grade of a 2.5 in each prerequisite course (Pass/Fail or Credit/No Credit grades will not be accepted). All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to entry into the Dental Hygiene program.

These courses must have been completed within seven (7) years of entrance into the program: CHEM&121, CHEM&131, BIOL&211, BIOL&241, BIOL&242, BIOL&260 and NUTR&101.

 

Application Process

  1. If you are new to Shoreline Community College, your first step is to apply to the College to receive a student ID number (SID) and PIN number using our online application process.Apply to Shoreline Community College

     

  2. After filling out the general college application, then apply to the College’s Dental Hygiene program. Once completed and submitted online with a $20.00 nonrefundable processing fee using a credit/debit card only, then proceed to the final step.

    Start Application

  3. As a final step, submit (through mail) the following additional materials by the application deadline (incomplete files will not be processed):

Dental Hygiene is now located at the University of Washington campus. Please send all application materials to:

University of Washington School of Dentistry
Shoreline Dental Hygiene Program
1959 NE Pacific Street B350
Box 356365
Seattle, WA 98195

After Acceptance 

Please Note: Upon acceptance, you will receive notification and asked to submit the following required documents:

  • Acceptance letter and submission of $175 acceptance fee (going toward American Dental Hygiene Association and Washington Dental Hygiene Association membership)
  • Must pass a criminal history background check (www.castlebranch.com) 
  • Provide proof of vaccinations (required by start of the program in Fall quarter)
  • Current Provider First Aid Card (Note: CPR/AED will be taught the second quarter in the dental hygiene program before treating patients)