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Dental Hygiene AAAS

Overview

Gain skills for a career as a dental hygienist in a variety of healthcare settings. Train in both classroom and clinical settings to master practical skills and knowledge needed to provide patient oral care.

Completion Award
Associate of Applied Arts and Sciences
Length of Study
116 Credits
Starting Quarter
Fall
Location
On Campus
Tuition & Fees

College Tuition & Fees

Per Quarter 
2019-2020 		WA-Resident Non-WA resident, US citizen
Online Only 		Non-WA resident,
US citizen, &
Eligible non-citizen
On Campus 		Non-WA resident
Non-US citizen¹
1 credit $152.13 $166.72 $243.46  $330.00
5 credits $624.65 $697.60 $1,081.30  $1,514.00
12 credits (full-time) $1,331.78 $1,523.22 $2,252.72  $3,124.98
15 credits  $1,493.30 $1,687.05 $2,425.70 $3,308.25

*Amounts above are estimated tuition & fee costs and do not include additional program or course fees, books, or supply costs.
¹ Includes all International Students, both on campus and overseas online

Additional Program Fees
Approximately $775 - $4940 per quarter

Ways to pay for school

Federal aid, scholarships, grants, and more are available to help you pay for school.

What You'll Learn

  1. Examine patients using appropriate screening procedures
  2. Expose and develop radiographs
  3. Remove calculus and plaque (hard and soft deposits) from teeth
  4. Teach patients how to maintain healthy teeth and gums through proper oral hygiene
  5. Counsel patients concerning the role of good nutrition in oral health maintenance
  6. Apply cavity preventive agents such as fluoride and sealants
  7. Make impressions of patients' teeth for study models used in the evaluation of treatment options
  8. Place and finish dental restorations (fillings)
  9. Administer local anesthetic injections and nitrous oxide sedation

Planning Guide

Detailed outline of required courses for this program option.

Careers & Opportunities

Employment opportunities for dental hygienists are expected to grow much faster than the average occupational growth over the next decade. Employment opportunities include positions as a dental hygienist, public health or school hygienist, health educator, research assistant, teacher, or sales representative.

Potential employers include: Graduates can be employed by private dental offices, public health facilities, hospitals, nursing homes, group homes, the military, as well as research and education facilities. Part-time and flexible schedules are often available.

Get Started

Due to a change of instructional location, the 2020-21 application process for Dental Hygiene is on hold until further notice.
How to apply

Explore the Dental Hygiene Department