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
Please click the link below to see and register for information sessions. Starting with the Summer 2027 application cycle, all applicants are required to attend at least one Information Session to qualify for admission to the program.
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 page.
Important Dates and Deadlines for the Dental Hygiene BAS
- Dental Hygiene BAS Application Deadline: January 13, 2027
- On-Campus Essay Invitations Sent: February 10, 2027
- On-Campus Essay: February 17, 2027, 2:00 - 4:00 pm
- Decision Released via Portal by April 2, 2027
- Admission offers must be accepted by April 8, 2027
- Mandatory new cohort orientation, Part I: April 23, 2027, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
- Mandatory BLS/1st Aid Class: June 2027
- Mandatory new cohort orientation, Part II: June 21, 2027
- Summer term start date: July 6, 2027
- Proof of required immunizations or proof of positive related titers and TB test due to Dental Hygiene Candidate Canvas shell: August 30, 2027; No exceptions.
Locations will be shared with all invited participants via email.
Apply for Dental Hygiene BAS:
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: 70 Points Possible
- Required Courses, ATDH Test Score, Information Session attendance, and RDH Observation Hours
- Application Phase 2: 25 Points Possible
- On-Site Essay - Top 60 Candidates Only
- 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, Information Session attendance, ATDH 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, and all required
classes must be completed by the end of Winter Quarter (end of March). All classes
must be completed with a minimum 2.5/B- GPA. LWTech accepts 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 (end of March). 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!
Beginning for Summer 2027, the LWTech Dental Hygiene BAS program will be requiring
applicants to complete the Admissions Test for Dental Hygiene (ATDH).
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 within 2 years of the application deadline. 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. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that Observation Verification responses are
properly received by LWTech. Responses can be tracked in the Selective Admission Portal. 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.
Any evidence of plagiarism or academic dishonesty in your application materials will
render your application unacceptable, and all materials may 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
*Science Courses must be completed within 5 years of the application deadline.
Non-GPA-Bearing Courses:
ATDH Score (30 Points Possible):
A minimum ATDH score of 350 is required within 2 years of the application deadline. This score is an average of scale scores from all six (6) ATDH disciplines: Reading
Comprehension, Language Usage, Quantitative Reasoning, Perceptual Ability, Biology,
and General Chemistry.
You will be prompted to send your results to specific colleges at the time of examination.
You should select LWTech at this time to avoid additional fees and extra processing
time. Results are usually received by LWTech 3-4 weeks after completion of the exam. LWTech staff will mark results received on the Application
Dashboard. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that results are received
properly by LWTech.
The test is administered at Prometric Testing Centers. The closest testing site to
LWTech is found in Mountlake Terrace, WA. RDH Observation Hours Verifications (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.
The prompt will not be given out prior to the appointed time 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 Courses must be completed within 5 years of the application deadline. There are no exceptions to this rule.
Program Catalog Page:
Check out the Dental Hygiene BAS Program Catalog Page for a preview of the program's courses!
Application Decisions
All decisions and admission offers will be posted in the Selective Admission Portal. This is the same place where the application was submitted. You will find a gold envelope icon when your decision is ready. If you are offered admission, you must accept your offer within a specific time period by clicking "Respond to Offer" in the bottom right corner of your offer letter. Check the Portal frequently to ensure you do not miss your offer window.
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 2026 Admission Statistics:
- Total Applicants: 93
- Average Cumulative Prerequisite GPA: 3.86
- Average TEAS Composite Score: 85.0
- Average Essay Score: 21.76
- Average Total Points: 85.87 (95 points possible)
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)
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.
LWTech Departmental and College Policies
While in the program, Dental Hygiene students are required to participate as operators
and patients, deliver and receive injections of local anesthetic and administer and
receive nitrous oxide sedation, expose radiographs, and place rubber dam clamps for
dental hygiene learning experiences. These activities are essential components of
the dental hygiene curriculum. Students previously dismissed from the dental hygiene program at LWTech are not eligible
for readmission under the new student admission process. This procedure is under the
authority of RCW 28B.50.090(3)(b): “the administrative officers of a community or technical college may deny admission
to a prospective student or attendance to an enrolled student if, in their judgment,
the student would not be competent to profit from the curriculum offerings of the
college, or would, by his or her presence or conduct, create a disruptive atmosphere
within the college not consistent with the purposes of the institution.” In signing and submitting the application, you will be certifying that to the best
of your knowledge the statements made are complete and true. This means that failure
to disclose and submit official transcripts from all schools, colleges, or universities
attended and failure to disclose and submit complete and accurate information may
result in the denial of admission or subsequent dismissal from Lake Washington Institute
of Technology. Your application will be considered incomplete without the required
signatures. Once your online application is completed, click the "Review Application" button. Make sure everything looks correct, then click "Verify and Submit," enter your name as your signature, and click "Submit". In the application portal, your application must show 100% complete. If it does not say 100% complete, it will be considered incomplete and will not
be reviewed. LWTech reserves the right to rescind a student's offer of admission wherever: The determination to revisit an application and rescind an offer of admission based
upon the above factors rests solely with the Enrollment Services Office. Appeals are
heard by the Vice President of Student Services. Students who disagree with selective admission decisions should follow the grievances
and appeals procedures as published online.
Despite the aforementioned criteria, a qualified person with a disability who can
perform these essential functions with reasonable accommodation will be considered
for admission along with other qualified applicants.