The dental hygiene program at the University of Washington, which offers one of only three doctoral degrees in this field in the country, is intensive and in-depth. A doctorate is not needed to get a job as a dental hygienist, so this program is primarily aimed at preparing students to teach dental hygiene at the college level. The university also offers bachelor's and master's degree programs for students wishing to pursue dental hygiene as a career, though they must be licensed and have entry-level dental hygiene experience before they are accepted. UW does not offer entry-level programs. The University of Washington is one of the largest universities in the state. With 42,000 students at the Seattle campus in 2008, the school is home to a diverse student body with a wealth of interests and student clubs, including a break-dancing group and a cigar club.
University of Washington
Dental Hygiene Program
Health Sciences Building B-509
Seattle, WA 98195
206-543-5820
depts.washington.edu
Seattle Central Community College offers an entry-level associate degree program in dental hygiene, inviting students to study "organic chemistry, anatomy & physiology, nutrition, pharmacology and fundamentals of dental hygiene." The program is career-based, with the aim of preparing students to have successful careers as dental hygienists and to pass the necessary licensing exams upon graduation. Certified by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation, this program also prepares students for work as administrators, researchers and educators in dental hygiene. The program requires seven quarters of study and 182 credits, during which time some students get to practice on patients. The campus, located in Seattle's urban center, and has more than 500,000 alumni.
Seattle Central Community College
1701 Broadway
Seattle, WA 98122
206-587-3800
seattlecentral.edu
Shoreline Community College, just outside Seattle, has an exclusive dental hygiene program that accepts only 24 applicants out of hundreds every year. The program specializes in preparing students for licensing exams, real-world situations and the latest technology. In addition to training students for responsibilities that can include placing permanent fillings, Shoreline Community College offers students the chance to volunteer and travel. In 2007, a group of dental hygiene students provided services and implemented a nonprofit community dental center in Bolivia.
Shoreline Community College
Health Occupations Division
Dental Hygiene Program
16101 Greenwood Ave. N
Shoreline, WA 98133
206-546-4101
shoreline.edu
This technical school on Lake Washington, outside Seattle, offers training for dental hygienists in seven quarters and 120 credits. Graduates hold technical associate degrees. Classes include general psychology, sociology, head and neck anatomy, and a class devoted to medical emergencies. Although Lake Washington Tech does not offer student housing, it does host a number of campus events and student clubs, including ice cream socials, Korean dance instruction and concerts at free or reduced prices for students. There is even a club devoted to dental hygiene that seeks to raise awareness about oral hygiene on campus.
Lake Washington Technical College
11605 132nd Ave. NE
Kirkland, WA 98034
425-739-8100
lwtc.edu