B.A.S. in Community Health & Education
The Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) in Community Health & Education at Seattle...
B.A.S. in Dental Hygiene
Seattle, Washington
INTAKE: Jan, Apr, Jun & Sep
Program Overview
Within the Seattle Colleges system, Seattle Central College stands out with its Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Allied Health – Dental Hygiene program. This full-time, two-year (eight-quarter) program is meticulously designed to prepare students for licensure and practice as dental hygienists in Washington state. It's accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), a crucial accreditation that allows graduates to take national and regional board examinations required for licensure. The program offers a robust curriculum that integrates scientific knowledge with hands-on clinical experience, preparing graduates for a dynamic role in oral healthcare.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the BAS in Dental Hygiene is comprehensive, blending foundational science courses with specialized dental hygiene studies. Prerequisite courses typically include general biology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, mathematics, and communication. The core dental hygiene curriculum encompasses courses in oral biology, fundamentals of dental hygiene, clinical dental hygiene, dental radiology, pain control, periodontology, restorative practice and materials, oral pathology, and community dental health. Students gain extensive practical experience through clinical rotations within Seattle Central College's modern Dental Education Center and various community dental clinics, ensuring they are proficient in comprehensive preventive and periodontal care, as well as expanded functions like local anesthetic delivery and placement of direct restorations.
Research Focus: While the primary focus of the BAS in Dental Hygiene program is on clinical competency and direct patient care, students are introduced to principles of evidence-based practice and research methods in allied health. Courses such as "Research Methods in Allied Health" equip students with the skills to evaluate current scientific literature and apply evidence-based principles to their clinical practice. This emphasis ensures graduates are not just skilled practitioners but also critical thinkers who can adapt to advancements in oral healthcare and contribute to the profession through informed practice.
Industry Engagement: Seattle Colleges maintains strong ties with the healthcare industry, particularly within the dental sector. The Dental Hygiene program benefits from collaborations with local advisory committees and industry professionals. This engagement ensures that the curriculum remains relevant and responsive to the evolving demands of employers. Graduates are well-prepared for a variety of roles in private dental offices, public health facilities, hospitals, nursing homes, and research and education settings. The program's clinical placements within the greater Seattle area provide invaluable real-world experience and networking opportunities.
Global Perspective: While primarily focused on preparing students for practice within the United States, the curriculum implicitly fosters a global perspective through its emphasis on culturally sensitive and ethical care. Students are trained to provide care to diverse populations, recognizing the varied oral health needs and cultural backgrounds of patients. The foundational principles of public health and community dental health also touch upon broader societal determinants of oral health, which can have global implications, preparing graduates to address health disparities and contribute to oral health initiatives on a wider scale if they choose to pursue such paths.
Location
Seattle, Washington
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 21075
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $50
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 60% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 64 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 100.
Seattle Colleges is supporting the educational goals of international students by offering a variety of scholarship opportunities to help ease the financial burden of studying abroad. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, leadership, community involvement, and financial need.
Merit-Based Scholarships: Seattle Colleges offers merit-based scholarships for international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement. Applicants must typically have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher and be enrolled in a degree-seeking program. These scholarships can be renewed based on continued academic success.
Need-Based Scholarships: Students facing financial challenges may qualify for need-based scholarships offered by the colleges or through external donors. These scholarships require students to submit a personal statement, financial documentation, and recommendation letters explaining their financial situation and academic goals.
Program-Specific Scholarships: Some academic departments at Seattle Colleges, such as STEM, Business, IT, and Hospitality, may offer scholarships to students enrolled in specific programs. These scholarships aim to encourage academic excellence and increase participation in high-demand career fields.
External Scholarships and Grants: Seattle Colleges also assists international students in identifying and applying for external scholarships offered by private organizations, government agencies, and nonprofit institutions.
A Bachelor of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene from Seattle Colleges opens doors to a wide array of career opportunities beyond traditional clinical practice. The expanding scope of dental hygiene and the increasing demand for oral healthcare professionals contribute to a robust job market for graduates.
Clinical Dental Hygienist (Private Practice): This is the most common career path, involving direct patient care in private dental offices. Responsibilities include performing oral assessments, prophylaxis, scaling and root planing, applying sealants and fluoride, taking radiographs, and educating patients on oral hygiene.
Public Health Dental Hygienist: Working in community clinics, schools, or government programs, these hygienists focus on promoting oral health on a broader scale, often serving underserved populations. This can involve implementing preventive programs, conducting screenings, and providing education.
Dental Hygiene Educator/Instructor: With a BAS degree, graduates can pursue roles as clinical or didactic instructors at dental hygiene programs in colleges and universities, shaping the next generation of dental professionals.
Corporate Dental Hygienist: Opportunities exist with dental product companies for roles in sales, marketing, product research and development, or corporate education, leveraging their clinical expertise.
Hospital Dental Hygienist: Providing oral healthcare to patients in hospital settings, often for those with complex medical conditions or special needs.
Geriatric Dental Hygienist: Specializing in providing oral care to elderly populations in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or home healthcare settings, addressing unique geriatric oral health challenges.
Dental Researcher: Engaging in qualitative or quantitative research to advance the knowledge base of dental hygiene, often at universities, corporations, or governmental agencies.
Dental Office Manager/Administrator: Utilizing their understanding of dental practice and patient care, hygienists can move into administrative roles overseeing daily operations, staff, and patient flow within a dental practice.
Periodontal Co-Therapist: Collaborating closely with periodontists in specialty practices to provide advanced non-surgical periodontal therapy and ongoing maintenance for patients with gum disease.
Entrepreneur (e.g., Independent Practice, Consulting): In some states, dental hygienists with advanced degrees and experience may be able to establish independent practices or offer consulting services in areas like practice management, product development, or continuing education.
