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Careers in Healthcare: Dental Hygiene AAAS Degree Program Overview A.A.A.S. degree, 182 credits (60-65 prerequisite credits, 118 in major) Quick Links
We are pleased that you are interested in the Dental Hygiene Program at Shoreline Community College. The program seeks motivated students who are dedicated to a career in the dental hygiene profession. Applicants are advised to explore all aspects of a dental hygiene career and to work in the dental field prior to applying to the program. Admission is selective and highly competitive.
The Shoreline Dental Hygiene Program is an *accredited two year (seven-quarter) full-time program offering an Associate of Applied Art and Science Degree in Dental Hygiene. The program prepares individuals for entry into dental hygiene and for the Dental Hygiene National Board Exam given by the American Dental Association as well as all parts of the Western Regional Examining Board.
*American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
Career Opportunities Dental hygiene offers a dynamic and challenging career. As a licensed health care professional, the dental hygienist becomes an integral part of the dental team to provide patient care. A dental hygienist works with individuals and community groups to achieve optimum oral health. The range of services performed by hygienists varies from state to state and may include cleaning and polishing teeth, taking and developing x-rays, administering local anesthetics, placing and contouring dental fillings, educating patients about oral hygiene, and providing additional preventive dental care. Opportunities for part-time work and flexible schedules are common and salaries are high, making dental hygiene an exceptional career choice.
In addition to treating patients directly, dental hygienists may also work as educators, researchers, administrators, and in business. Positions are available in various settings, in the United States and abroad. Clinical dental hygienists may work in a variety of health care settings such as private dental offices, schools, public health clinics, hospitals, managed care organizations, correctional institutions, and nursing homes or in a corporate environment. In addition to the clinical role, dental hygienists may also work in an administrative capacity in any of the above locations.
While dental hygiene is a rewarding profession, it is physically demanding and involves repetitive motion. This may exacerbate existing neck, back, wrist, and other physical problems. In order to increase awareness of the specific challenges presented by the program and the profession, applicants are strongly encouraged to review the *essential requirements for this program before beginning the pre-requisite studies.
Special Note: The educational environment contains multiple latex products and exposure to potential blood borne pathogens and that all treatment conforms to current infection control standards as designated by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the United States Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) . Confidentiality of information pertaining to the health status of all individuals is strictly maintained at all times.
Degrees in Dental Hygiene Students with an AS/AAS in Dental Hygiene may earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene from Eastern Washington University at Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWIT). This is an innovative and new way for graduates of the Dental Hygiene program to earn a Bachelor's degree while working part or full time as clinical dental hygienists. The classes are held in the evenings/weekends on the LWIT campus and online.
A minimum of 61 upper-division credits is required beyond the associate degree, and 45 of these credits must be earned from Eastern Washington University. The Eastern Washington Degree Completion Program typically takes two years; however, graduates can choose to finish it in one year. For more information please email Merri Jones or call (425) 739-8273.
Earning your Bachelor’s degree opens many doors for the future. Dental Hygienists who wish to broaden their options would be wise to consider completing their Bachelor’s degree. Positions such as teaching, research, community health and sales representatives for private oral health product companies usually require this degree.
Group Advising Sessions Each quarter several group advising sessions are held at Shoreline’s Dental Hygiene Program located in the 2500 building on the campus. Call 206-546-4713 to make an appointment.
Directions to Shoreline Community College
Financial Aid Inquiries regarding financial aid must be directed to the Financial Aid Office. Call 206-546-4762 or visit the website at Financial Aid.
Other Information: Dental Hygiene Program 2500 Bldg. Shoreline Community College 16101 Greenwood Ave North Shoreline, WA 98133
Program Contact: 206.546-4713
Patient Appointment Line: PHONE: (206) 546-4711 FAX: (206) 546-5830
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