Dental Hygiene BAS Information
General Program Information
LWTech's Dental Hygiene program sets you on the path to becoming a competent Dental Hygienist. Our program focuses on top-tier didactic and clinical education, nurturing cognitive, psychomotor, and affective skills essential for Dental Hygiene, promoting a commitment to continuous learning.
You’ll benefit from small faculty to student ratios in clinical settings, ensuring personalized attention and hands-on training for an enriched learning experience.
Dental Hygiene BAS is a full-time, daytime program that starts in the Summer Quarter every year. This is a Selective Admission program, meaning that it has strict admission criteria and a separate application process. The program application is usually due in January. Please see below for more details!
Program Philosophy
The Dental Hygiene Program at LWTech is committed to fostering a humanistic and inclusive learning environment that supports the development of ethical, culturally sensitive, and compassionate professionals. Through collaboration, mutual respect, and open communication among students, faculty, staff, alumni, and administrators, the program promotes critical thinking, leadership, and scholarship. Emphasizing the importance of safe and effective Dental Hygiene care, the program prepares graduates to enhance oral health and improve quality of life for diverse populations.
Program Mission
The mission of the Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech) Dental Hygiene BAS Program is to prepare students to enter the healthcare workforce as entry-level Dental Hygienists who are competent in the provision of safe, ethical, and effective dental hygiene care. The program aims to provide students with high quality didactic and clinical education in the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective skills of Dental Hygiene as well as the promotion of life-long learning.
Information Sessions
Information sessions are held every other Tuesday and Friday from 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. starting October 3, 2025 and ending December 16, 2025. Please click the link below to see and register for information sessions.
Dental Hygiene Information SessionsHow to Apply for the Dental Hygiene BAS
Dental Hygiene BAS is a Selective Admission program, which means it has strict admission criteria and a separate application process. For details on applying to the program, submitting Transcripts, program Funding, and other important resources, please visit the Selective Admission homepage.
Important Dates and Deadlines for the Dental Hygiene BAS
- Dental Hygiene BAS Application Deadline
- January 11, 2026
- Top 60 applicants selected and notified
- February 11, 2026
- Mandatory on site essay for top 60 applicants
- February 18, 2026, 3:00 - 5:00 pm, location TBD
- Selected students notified for DHYG program
- March 27, 2026
- Admission offers must be accepted by:
- April 2, 2026
- Mandatory new cohort orientation, Part I (location/time TBD)
- April 17, 2026
- Mandatory BLS/1st Aid Class (must be completed before Part II)
- June TBD, 2026
- Mandatory new cohort orientation Part II (time/location TBD)
- June 22, 2026
- Summer term start date
- July 6, 2026
- Proof of required immunizations or proof of positive related titers and TB test due
to Dental Hygiene Candidate Canvas shell
- August 28, 2026
Locating the Application:
Admission and Selection Information
Program selection is based on application scoring. Scores are calculated as follows. The top 34 students are offered admission. LWTech does not keep a waitlist or use a lottery system.
Application Scoring:
- Application Phase 1: Required Courses, TEAS Composite Score, and RDH Observation Hours (70 Points Possible)
- Application Phase 2 - Top 60 Candidates Only: On-Site Essay (25 Points Possible)
- Total Possible Score: 95 Points
All program applicants are required to complete all GPA-Bearing Courses by the application deadline. Non-GPA Bearing Courses may be in-progress and completed by the end of Winter Quarter. We cannot waive any requirements. Program requirements include pre-requisite courses, TEAS test scores, observations, and a short essay. Additional documentation and required vaccinations will apply to accepted candidates. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all materials are submitted and received properly by LWTech. While we try our best, it is not possible for the admissions office to notify applicants of missing materials or respond to applicant inquiries as to the status of their application.
See below for details on admission criteria.
All GPA-Bearing courses must be completed by the application deadline. Science classes
must be completed within 7 years of the application deadline. Non-science classes
are not subject to that 7-year requirement and can be from any time. All classes must
be completed with a minimum 2.5/B- GPA. Please note that the average cumulative GPA
for admitted students is 3.8. We do accept equivalent courses with different numbering
systems. If you have a question about your courses, please contact Selective Admission. These courses are not used in scoring your application. However, they are required
for admission to the program. These courses may be in progress at the time of application and must be completed
by the end of Winter Quarter. If you have classes in progress, please note that you
will be required to submit an updated Official Transcript at that time (unless you
are completing classes at LWTech). **The Dental Hygiene program is looking for a Humanities class with content focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. We will accept a
variety of options for this requirement as long as it falls generally under Humanities with a diversity focus. Examples include but are not limited to: If you took a class other than CMST&240 or HUM 215 that you feel meets this requirement,
please contact Selective Admission to check!
The Test of Essential Academic Skill, or TEAS, is required for all Dental Hygiene
applicants. LWTech requires a minimum TEAS score of 70 within 2 years of the application deadline. For more information or to schedule your TEAS Test,
please visit the Assessment Center’s TEAS Page. If you take the TEAS at LWTech, your scores will be sent to the admission team automatically.
If you take the TEAS at another testing site, you will need to pay a fee to have ATI send your scores to LWTech .
Another requirement for Dental Hygiene BAS applicants is Registered Dental Hygienist
Observation Hours. Applicants are required to complete at least 16 hours observing a Registered Dental Hygienist. This must be done at two separate clinics, and you should split your hours as evenly as possible between the clinics. The purpose of this is to help you understand what a “day in
the life” of a Registered Dental Hygienist is like! To report these hours, collect the Hygienists’ contact information (Name, Title, Clinic,
and email address) and enter it on the Application. They will receive a verification
form via email. LWTech does not provide referrals for observations. You are responsible
for finding clinics that will let you observe. Note: if you are a current Dental Assistant at a clinic, you must observe two other clinics.
You cannot complete these hours in your place of employment.
Please note: Any evidence of plagiarism or academic dishonesty in your application materials
will render your application unacceptable, and all materials will be forwarded to
the LWTech conduct officer for review and possible adjudication.
In addition to the vaccination documentation requirements, Dental Hygiene students
may also be required to complete: Instructions for providing this information will be provided with admission decisions. The Dental Hygiene BAS program requires all admitted students to complete the following
vaccination or titer requirements. These will be provided directly to the program
after admission decisions are announced. Accepted candidates are required to have
a physical and eye exam and provide proof of immunizations. Additional documentation
may be required for Dental Hygiene students to participate in clinical settings. 3 dose series within the last 10 years OR positive titer showing immunity. The first dose must be completed by the first day of Fall quarter. Lab results A copy of your signed proof from the doctor/clinic confirming series completion. Please note that other immunizations may be required by your clinical placement site.
LWTech accepts religious and medical exemptions for vaccinations. However, not all
extern sites will allow unvaccinated student participation. Unvaccinated students
must meet specific patient population requirements regardless. Inability to meet these
requirements may result in inability to complete the program.Required Courses (40 Points Possible)
GPA-Bearing Courses:
GPA-Bearing Courses: 40 Possible Points
Non-GPA-Bearing Courses:
TEAS Adjusted Composite Score (30 Points Possible):
RDH Observation Hours (0 Points Possible):
On-Site Essay (25 Points Possible):
The top 60 applicants will be selected and notified by email to participate in an
onsite writing exercise. The onsite essay is mandatory, and it will be evaluated and
considered together with the rest of the application materials. The essay prompt will
be provided to the selected applicants at the time of the essay writing exercise on
February 18, 2026. The prompt will not be given out beforehand to applicants under
any circumstances.Additional Documentation and Required Vaccinations:
Additional Documentation:
Required Vaccinations:
Immunization
Requirement
Documentation Needed
Hepatitis B
Tuberculin test
2-step tuberculin test OR QuantiFERON®-TB Gold In-Tube test (GFT-GIT) showing no active
TB (must be done before entering the program)
One negative test or lab results [Note: If TB test is positive, it is necessary to
have a chest x-ray and a TB Assessment signed by a healthcare provider. If a latent
TB infection is diagnosed, proof of completion of course of antibiotics is required.]
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
Positive titer showing immunity
Lab results
Varicella (chickenpox)
Positive titer showing immunity
Lab results
Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis
1-dose within the last two years or TD within 10 years
Vaccine record
Science Course Time Limits
All Science classes must be completed within 7 years of the application deadline.
Program Catalog Page:
Check out the Dental Hygiene BAS Program Catalog Page for a preview of the program's courses!
Dental Hygiene BAS Catalog Info
Past Cohort Statistics
The Dental Hygiene program has minimum GPAs and test scores, but those are often much lower than the average of students we admit to the program. It might be helpful to see how your grades and scores compare against previous cohorts. Of course, we cannot guarantee entry to anyone.
Summer 2025 Admission Statistics:
- Total Applicants: 75
- Average Cumulative Prerequisite GPA: 3.8
- Average TEAS Composite Score: 83.1
- Average Essay Score: 20.43
- Average Total Points: 83.07 (95 points possible)
Summer 2024 Admission Statistics:
- Total Applicants: 70
- Average Cumulative Prerequisite GPA: 3.9
- Average TEAS Composite Score: 83.7
- Average Essay Score: 23.5
- Average Total Points: 87.65 (95 points possible)
Summer 2023 Admission Statistics:
- Total Applicants: 79
- Average Cumulative Prerequisite GPA: 3.8
- Average TEAS Composite Score: 84.4
- Average Essay Score: 23.3
- Average Total Points: 86.92 (95 points possible)
Program Cost and Funding
| Description | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Estimated Tuition & Fee Cost | $19,427 |
| Estimated Books and Supplies | $14,100 |
| Estimated Class/Lab Fees | $8,440 |
| Estimated Technology Fees | $3,323 |
| Total Program Cost | $45,289 |
There is a significant tool kit that must be purchased early in the program. You can use grants, loans, scholarships, or other types of funding to help with this cost. We recommend applying for FAFSA or WASFA. You can find the FAFSA application here. WASFA is Washington State aid, and it can help students who do not qualify for Federal aid. Please only complete one of these forms. Completing both may significantly delay your aid. Please contact Financial Aid if you need support applying for aid. If you need additional funding or do not qualify for traditional financial aid, you can also explore our Scholarship options, or apply for Workforce Support Services and Funding.
| Quarter 1 | Quarter 2 | Quarter 3 | Quarter 4 | Quarter 5 | Quarter 6 | Quarter 7 | Quarter 8 | Totals | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of credits | 12 | 18 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 14 | 123 |
| Resident Tuition-subject to change by State Board | 2,501.72 | 2,578.78 | 2,540.15 | 2,552.96 | 2,540.15 | 2,552.96 | 2,565.77 | 2,527.74 | 20,360.23 |
| Program Fees (including lab fee) | 742.00 | 811.00 | 569.00 | 619.00 | 989.00 | 719.00 | 719.00 | 519.00 | 5,687.00 |
| Books-approx. | 1,000.00 | 365.00 | 215.00 | 365.00 | 100.00 | 235.00 | 150.00 | 2,430.00 | |
| Dental Loupes/light | 1,500.00 | 1,500.00 | |||||||
| Bookstore Instruments and Supplies | $5,980.63 | 5,980.63 | |||||||
| Darby Dental Instrument Supply | 2,694.00 | 2,694.00 | |||||||
| DentalEZ Star Handpieces | 713.00 | 713.00 | |||||||
| CastleBranch Background Check and Immunization Check | 114.00 | 114.00 | |||||||
| CPR/First Aid Certification | 125.00 | 125.00 | |||||||
| Bloodborne Pathogens Certification | 20.00 | 20.00 | |||||||
| Clinic Wear lab jackets | 412.00 | 412.00 | |||||||
| National Board Dental Hygiene Exam Fee | 565.00 | ||||||||
| Washington State License Fee | 100.00 | ||||||||
| Regional exam fees | 2020.00 | ||||||||
| Washington state drug & law exam | 30.00 | ||||||||
| Total | 14,302.35 | 3,754.78 | 4,824.15 | 3,536.96 | 3,629.15 | 3,506.96 |
6,149.77 |
3,046.74 | 42,750.86 |
| Year One | Fee |
|---|---|
| Two nametags | 25.00 |
| Practice and Procedural Essentials | 800.00 |
| Restorative Instrument Fee | 24.00 |
| Handpiece Fee | 120.00 |
| Basic Hygiene Instrument Fee | 48.00 |
| Radiology Equipment Fee | 284.00 |
| Clinical Technology Fee | 15.00 |
| Year One Total | 1,316.00 |
| Year Two | Fee |
| WDHA Symposium Registration | 145.00 |
| Practice and Procedural Essentials | 800.00 |
| StudentRDH Board Review | 360.00 |
| Clinical Technology Fee | 20.00 |
| Restorative Instrument Fee | 32.00 |
| Handpiece Fee | 160.00 |
| Basic Hygiene Instrument Fee | 64.00 |
| Hygiene Mock Board Fee | 65.00 |
| Pin for Pinning Ceremony | 10.00 |
| Year Two Total | 1,656.00 |
| Combined Total | 2,972.00 |
Note: This chart does not include other college fees; which can be found on the Tuition and Fees page.
Reapplying to the Program
Students who are not accepted into the program can reapply as many times as they like! Simply check the “Reapplication” box on the application form. We recommend that you meet with an Advisor before reapplying to check current program requirements. Please note that reapplicants are responsible for verifying that their requirements are still valid and meet the required criteria.
Accreditation
The Dental Hygiene BAS program is accredited (approval – without reporting requirements) by the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Approval (without reporting requirements) is an accreditation classification granted to an educational program indicating that the program achieves or exceeds the basic requirements for accreditation. In addition, Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech) is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. You can find more information on LWTech’s Accreditation page.