BAS in Allied Health Dental Hygiene

The Bachelor of Applied Science in Allied Health - Dental Hygiene at Seattle Central College combines classroom education in anatomy, chemistry, and pharmacology from expert faculty with hands-on practical experience in our innovative Dental Education Clinic – preparing you for a rewarding career at the forefront of patients' oral health.

Earning a Bachelor of Applied Science in Allied Health - Dental Hygiene will help you develop the applied knowledge and technical expertise to broaden your career options in the healthcare industry. You will also receive real-world experience working with the latest equipment and caring for patients in the Dental Education Clinic and develop the skills needed to be an integral part of a dental care team.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Seattle Central Dental Hygiene Program will be able to:

Qualify for all national and regional examinations required to obtain licensure as a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) in Washington.

Demonstrate effective communication, professional and ethical behaviour, sensitivity in treatment, and enhanced Intra– and interprofessional collaboration opportunities in the delivery of culturally competent and ethical care.

Use the highest standard of the dental hygiene process of care and education in the treatment and management of the child, adolescent, adult, geriatric, and medically compromised patients in all aspects of dental hygiene practice and expanded duties as allowed by the Washington state practice act which includes the following:

Collect and analyze data to identify patient needs and oral health problems.

Establish realistic goals and treatment strategies to facilitate optimal oral health.

Provide treatment as identified in the assessment and planning phase.

Measure the extent goals identified in the treatment plan were achieved.

Use evidence-based practice and a patient-centred care philosophy in all aspects of dental hygiene practice.

Assess, plan, implement and evaluate community–based oral health programs including, health promotion and disease prevention activities.

Demonstrate appropriate life support measures for medical emergencies that may be encountered in dental hygiene practice.

Evaluate current scientific literature for evidence-based clinical applications.

Use problem-solving strategies related to comprehensive patient care and management of patients.

Comply with OSHA, WISHA, and HIPAA Regulations.

A dental hygienist provides oral care to prevent oral health diseases, screens for oral cancer works in a high-demand job market with flexible scheduling opportunities. Dental Hygienists may also work in a variety of healthcare settings, including:

Private dental offices

Schools

Hospitals

Public health clinics

Managed care organizations

Nursing homes

Correctional institutions.

In addition to providing patient care, licensed dental hygienists work as educators, researchers, healthcare administrators, and business settings.