Program Description The Dental Hygiene program is designed as sequential courses that fulfill the educational objectives established by the American Dental Association (ADA) Commission on Dental Accreditation. The program takes 7 quarters (approximately 2 academic years) to complete and, upon successful completion, students are granted an Associate in Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T) degree
Program Outcomes Demonstrate current dental hygiene techniques, the use and application of dental materials, and safety and health standards;
Demonstrate cognitive retention of dental terminology, theory and science;
Demonstrate positive work ethics, team skills, and professionalism;
Demonstrate a foundation in professionalism through participation in professional activities and education opportunities;
Incorporate into dental hygiene practice professional laws, regulations and policies established by the licensing state and regulatory agencies;
Promote oral health: Counsel clients/patients to reduce health risks and provide community oral health services in a variety of settings;
Patient/Client Care: Examination and Assessment; Planning - Formulate a comprehensive dental hygiene care plan in collaboration with the client and other health professionals & evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented client/patient dental hygiene care plan; modify as needed. Maintain appropriate records for all dental hygiene services provided.
Patient/Client Care: Implementation - Provide preventive and therapeutic services that promote oral health according to the needs of the patient/client.
Application & Registration The Dental Hygiene Program will have a selective admissions process. Students, who submit a complete application packet and meet the prerequisite requirements with a 2.7 or above, will be considered for admission to the program. It is estimated that a full time student will complete the program in 7 quarters.
BTC Dental Hygiene Prerequisites
English Composition I (ENGL& 101)*
Composition II (ENGL& 102)* or Technical Communications (ENGL 175)
General Psychology (PSYC& 100)*
Intro to Sociology (SOC& 101)*
Interpersonal Communications (SPCH 105) or Introduction to Speech Communication (SPCH 100)
Pre-Calculus I (MATH& 141)* or Math in Society (MATH& 107)*
Human A & P 1 (BIOL& 241)*
Human A & P 2 (BIOL& 242)*
Intro to Chemistry (CHEM& 121)*
Intro to Organic Chemistry
Microbiology (BIOL& 260)*
Human Nutrition (NUTR 150)*
*Courses offered by Bellingham Technical College. Courses not marked with an asterisk may be taken at Whatcom Community College (WCC) or Skagit Valley College (SVC).
