How to apply to Dental Hygiene

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

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 a minimum of 62 college-level credits, including all required prerequisite courses. Applicants must earn a minimum grade of 2.5 in each prerequisite course.

Required science classes must have been taken within seven (7) years of application.​​​​​​​

The TEAS exam or any other admission test is not required to apply to the program.

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.

Download the prerequisite checklist

2028 BASDH Prerequisite 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:

• Review of Course Equivalence Form
• Official Transcripts
• Course content information (course descriptions or class outlines)

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.

• Complete pre-requisites at Shoreline Pre-health advising can help you complete your pre-requisites at Shoreline Community College

Application Process

1. If you are new to Shoreline College, your first step is to apply to the College to receive a student ID number (SID) Apply to Shoreline Community College
2. After submitting the general Shoreline College application, complete the Dental Hygiene Program Online Application. A $20 non-refundable application processing fee, payable by credit or debit card only, is required at the time of submission. Once your application and payment have been successfully submitted, proceed to the final step.
   Start Application
3. To complete your application, the following documents are required (incomplete files will not be processed): 

Required Documents: 

A. Work Experience Verification Form(s)  

Must be signed by your supervisor.

Upload a completed Work Verification Form (WVF) with your online application. The WVF is required for applicants claiming work experience points.

 
B. Official transcripts. You may submit one of the following: 

Option 1: Official paper transcripts must be mailed to the address below:
                Glenda T. O’Malley 
                Shoreline Dental Hygiene Program 
                UW School of Dentistry 
                1959 NE Pacific Street B350 
                Box 353754
                Seattle, WA 98195-6365

Important: Official paper transcripts must be mailed directly to the Shoreline Dental Hygiene Program at the University of Washington address listed in the application instructions. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that transcripts are received by the program by the application deadline.

OR

Option 2 (Recommended): Electronic transcripts sent via Parchment or the National Student Clearinghouse to dentalhygiene@shoreline.edu.

Applicants are responsible for ensuring transcripts are sent directly to this email address. Transcripts sent elsewhere will not be received by the Dental Hygiene Program and may delay the review of your application.

It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that their application file is complete. Late, incomplete, or misdirected application materials will not be considered during the selection process. Please allow sufficient time for transcript delivery and processing to avoid delays.

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact:

Glenda O’Malley 
206 546 4711 
gomalley2@shoreline.edu 

After Acceptance 

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

• Acceptance of admission offer and submission of the $250 acceptance fee (going toward American Dental Hygiene Association and Washington Dental Hygiene Association membership)
• Background Check through CastleBranch: Shoreline College Dental Hygiene has partnered with CastleBranch, a secure compliance and background screening service, to help students manage required school and clinical documentation.
• Proof of Immunizations: Hepatitis B Status Report and Health Assessment Report (required by the start of the program in Fall quarter)
• First Aid Certification: Note: First Aid certification is separate from CPR/AED certification. CPR/AED training will be provided during Winter Quarter of the first year before treating patients.