Dental Hygiene AAAS

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Summary

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
117 Credits
Starting Quarter
Fall
Location
On Campus

  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
In addition to the outcomes above, students will gain the skills and knowledge included in Shoreline Student Learning Outcomes (SSLOs): Communication, Critical Thinking, Equity & Social Justice, Information Literacy, and Quantitative & Symbolic Reasoning.

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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.

Estimated Tuition & Fees

(does not include additional program or course fees, books, or supply costs)

Per Quarter
2023-2024		 WA-Resident Non-WA resident,
US citizen, &
Eligible non-citizen
On Campus		 Non-WA resident
Non-US citizen¹		 Non-WA resident, US citizen
Online Only
1 credit $145.17  $245.71  $339.54 $162.51
5 credits $673.85  $1,176.57  $1,645.70  $760.55
12 credits (full-time) $1,462.52  $2,476.40 $3,422.10  $1,637.76
15 credits $1,641.05 $2,667.59  $3,624.45 $1,819.05

¹ Includes all International Students, both on campus and overseas online

Additional Program Fees

Approximately $775 - $4940 per quarter

See detailed breakdown of program costs

Ways to pay for school

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

Next Steps

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


How to apply
 

In accordance with U.S. Department of Education Regulation 34 C.F.R. 668.43 (a) (5) (v), the Dental Hygiene Program at Shoreline Community College has reviewed the Dental Hygienist licensing requirements for Washington State and has determined that a Shoreline dental hygiene graduate would be eligible for licensure in Washington State as a dental hygienist. Shoreline Community College has not made a determination whether the dental hygiene curriculum meets educational requirements for licensure/certification outside of Washington State. 

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