Dental Hygiene BAS Information
General Program Information
Application Deadline: January 2026
Program Start: Summer 2026
Program Format: Full-Time, Daytime
Dental Hygiene BAS Catalog Info
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 Sessions
How to Apply for the Dental Hygiene BAS
If you are a current student at LWTech, you have already done this step! Skip to the next step.
You must be admitted as a student to LWTech to apply for the BAS Dental Hygiene program. Please complete this quick application (takes about 10 minutes) to become a student in our system. You will receive a Student ID number, a student email, and more.
If you are in High School Programs, transitioning from Essential Skills, or were a student over a year ago, you must complete this Returning Student Reactivation Form instead. Please update your Residency information when you complete this form or you may be charged a higher tuition rate.
We highly recommend that you talk with an Advisor and attend an Information Session. You can contact Advising here: LWTech.edu/Advising. Information Sessions will be posted on this page. If there are no Information Sessions available, make sure you look through all requirements listed on the website.
Take all classes and complete all requirements. Then send your Official Transcripts and TEAS scores to LWTech and collect contact information to report your Observation Hours. Please visit our Transferring to LWTech page for more information.
Now you are ready to submit your application for the BAS in Dental Hygiene! Please email Selective Admission if you have any questions or concerns.
To request disability accommodations in the application process, contact Disability Support Services via the website or via the DSS Info email.
The new 2026 application link will be available soon!
Admission and Selection Information
Important Dates and Deadlines for the Dental Hygiene BAS
- Dental Hygiene BAS Application Deadline for 2025 Cohort (deadline extended!)
- 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
Admission Requirements and Selection Criteria
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 2026. We cannot waive any requirements. Program requirements include pre-requisite courses, TEAS test scores, observations, and a short essay.
Application Stage 1: Required Courses and TEAS (70 Possible Points)
All GPA-Bearing courses must be completed by the application deadline. Only non-GPA Bearing courses may be in progress and must be completed by the end of Winter Quarter. 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.
GPA-Bearing Courses: 40 Possible Points
- CHEM&121 Introduction to Chemistry (or CHEM&161 General Chemistry with Lab)
- CHEM&131 Organic Chemistry (or CHEM&261 Organic Chemistry)
- BIOL&241 Anatomy & Physiology 1
- BIOL&242 Anatomy & Physiology 2
- BIOL&260 Microbiology
- ENGL&101 or 102
- NUTR&101 Nutrition
Non-GPA Bearing Courses: 0 Possible Points
These courses are not used in scoring your application. However, they are required for admission to the program.
- PSYC&100 General Psychology or PSYC&200 Lifespan Psychology
- CMST&210 Interpersonal Communications or CMST&220 Public Speaking
- SOC&101 Introduction to Sociology
- MATH&146 Introduction to Statistics
- ENGL&101 or 102
- CMST&240/HUM 215 or equivalent**
**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:
- Native American Studies
- Latino/Chicano Studies
- History of Religion in the United States
- Race, Gender, and Identity
- Cultures of the Middle Ages
- Comparing Global Cultures
- Women’s Literature
- LGBTQ+ Studies
- African Diaspora Studies
- And more!
If you took a class other than CMST&240 or HUM 215 that you feel meets this requirement, please contact Selective Admission to check!
TEAS Score: 30 Possible Points
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 .
Observation Hours: 0 Possible Points
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.
Application Stage 2: On-Site Essay (25 Possible Points)
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 beforehand to applicants under any circumstances.
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.
Application Total: 95 Possible Points
Admission decisions are made based on a points system using GPA from select courses, TEAS score, and Onsite Essays. The top 34 scoring applicants are offered admission to the program. LWTech does not have a lottery or waitlist. Candidates are notified via email. 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.
Science Course Time Limits
All Science classes must be completed within 7 years of the application deadline.
Transcripts
LWTech requires Official Transcripts from every college where you took any required classes. These Official Transcripts are due by the application deadline. If you have an International Transcript, we are happy to accept the Course-by-Course Evaluation from an evaluation agency. Please contact us if you have questions about transcripts. You can find additional information here: LWTech.edu/Transfer. Here are some general rules for sending your transcripts.
- We cannot accept email attachments, even directly from the college or agency.
- Transcripts must come directly from the institution or agency.
- Electronic delivery is fastest. Most institutions use Parchment, National Clearinghouse, or another service. You can order the transcript to be sent directly to us.
- You can hand-deliver an Official Transcript to Enrollment Services in the original, sealed envelope. This must be sealed by the issuing agency. Do not open the envelope!
Additional Documentation
In addition to the vaccination documentation requirements, Dental Hygiene students may also be required to complete:
- Background check
- Students are responsible for the cost associated with their background check.
- If the result of a background check is a “less than satisfactory” rating, clinical extern sites may deny access to that student.
- Entrance to the Dental Hygiene program may not be denied because of a “less than satisfactory” background check result. But without access to clinical extern facilities, a student may not be able to complete the program and will be so advised.
- Throughout the program, Dental Hygiene students may be asked to complete and sign a form that asks for confirmation of the students’ present and past criminal history.
- You can visit the Department of Health for more information, as not all violations would be a reason for being denied licensure.
- Drug Screening
- First Aid/CPR for healthcare provider’s card.
- Proof of a physical examination within one year of program start date
- Proof of a vision examination within one year of program start date
- Proof of active medical insurance coverage
Instructions for providing this information will be provided with admission decisions.
Required Vaccinations
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.
| Immunization | Requirement | Documentation Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis B |
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. |
| 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 |
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.
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.
Support Services
Academic Advising
Students are encouraged to meet with an Advisor prior to applying to discuss program requirements. You can find information on Advising and connect with an Advisor here: LWTech.edu/Advising
TRIO
The LWTech TRIO program may be a great option if you need a little extra support with your application or program requirements. TRIO provides individualized advising, tutoring, and other support services. This program is available to students who are first-generation college students, students with disabilities, or low-income students. Check out the TRIO page to see if you might qualify!
Workforce Development:
This department consists of several federal and state funded programs that may be able to help with tuition, books/supplies, advising, and individualized support services. Check out Workforce Development to see if you qualify!
The Learning Lab:
The Learning Lab is a drop-in tutoring center that supports all LWTech students with subjects like math, English, science, social science, and other pre-requisites! Get support from certified tutors, faculty, and staff with this free resource!
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.