Created by Pierce faculty, this map outlines the initial coursework for this career field. It provides you a clear path to complete your degree by listing a specific set of courses relevant to your program and career. The map is designed with the appropriate number of credits and meets degree requirements. Prerequisite courses are organized in a recommended sequence. If a course is unavailable, select the next appropriate course within the sequence. Dental Hygiene courses are arranged in a required sequence. For each course, a purpose statement explains how the content relates to your career field. On this map, there may be instances when you will be required to select a course from several options. Use these purpose statements and notes to choose the course that best aligns with your interests and needs. You will also find action items to complete to assure you progress and graduate on time.
While this map is a great guide to courses required to complete the Bachelor of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene, you are responsible for fulfilling all degree requirements.
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Licensure Eligibility Requirements
To practice as a dental hygienist in the state of Washington (WA), you must be licensed through the Washington State Department of Health. The
Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 18.29 and the
Washington Administrative Code, Chapter 246-815 (WAC) outline the practice, act, and licensure criteria for dental hygienists. Specifically, the
Department of Health - Dental Hygiene Licensure site details the licensure requirements. In addition to earning your BASDH degree from the Pierce College Dental Hygiene Entry-level program, you will also be required to successfully pass the National Dental Hygiene Board Examination, the WA State Drug and Law exam, the WA state approved local anesthesia written and practical exams, a WA state approved restorative practical exam, and a WA state approved dental hygiene practical exam. Pierce College has not determined if our dental hygiene education program meets requirements for licensure outside of the state of Washington. Visit our
NC-SARA Licensure Disclosure page for more information.
BAS Admissions
Students who have earned a baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by one of the following agencies:
- Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) – Pierce College’s Accrediting Body
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
will have met the general education requirements (basic and distribution areas) for an applied baccalaureate degree from a Washington State community or technical college. Students must still complete program-specific general education degree requirements if not otherwise satisfied.
Grade Requirement
As Dental Hygienists have the privilege and responsibility to diagnosis and treat patients within their scope of practice, a minimum 2.5 GPA must be maintained throughout the program.
