In the world of dental care, a crucial part of maintaining good oral health is regular cleaning and examination by dental hygienists. These professionals play a vital role in preventing and detecting oral diseases, as well as educating patients on proper dental care techniques. For those interested in pursuing a career in dental hygiene, the Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech) offers a comprehensive program that prepares students for success in this field.
About the Lake Washington Tech Dental Hygiene Program
LWTech's Dental Hygiene program is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience needed to become competent dental hygienists. The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and is committed to providing students with a high-quality education that prepares them for the demands of the profession.
Program Overview
The LWTech Dental Hygiene program is a two-year associate degree program that includes both classroom and clinical instruction. The program is divided into four semesters, with each semester building on the previous one to provide students with a comprehensive education in dental hygiene.
First Semester: Foundations of Dental Hygiene
The first semester of the program focuses on providing students with a solid foundation in the principles of dental hygiene. Students learn about the history of dental hygiene, the role of the dental hygienist, and the importance of patient assessment and communication.
Second Semester: Clinical Dental Hygiene
The second semester introduces students to clinical dental hygiene, where they learn about the procedures and techniques used in dental hygiene practice. Students gain hands-on experience in the college's state-of-the-art dental clinic, working directly with patients under the supervision of licensed dental hygienists.
Third Semester: Advanced Clinical Dental Hygiene
The third semester builds on the clinical skills learned in the second semester, with students advancing to more complex procedures and techniques. Students also learn about dental hygiene research and how to apply evidence-based practice to patient care.
Fourth Semester: Capstone and Preparation for the National Board
The final semester of the program focuses on preparing students for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and the clinical licensure exam. Students complete a capstone project that demonstrates their competence in dental hygiene practice and participate in a mock board review to prepare for the NBDHE.
Program Outcomes
Graduates of the LWTech Dental Hygiene program are prepared to take the NBDHE and the clinical licensure exam to become licensed dental hygienists. Program outcomes include:
- 100% pass rate on the NBDHE
- 100% job placement rate for graduates
- High satisfaction rates from employers and patients
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for admission to the LWTech Dental Hygiene program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Earn a minimum GPA of 2.5 in prerequisite courses
- Complete a minimum of 16 hours of observation in a dental clinic
- Submit a personal statement and letters of recommendation
- Pass a background check and provide proof of immunizations
Cost and Financial Aid
The cost of the LWTech Dental Hygiene program varies depending on the student's residency status and the number of credits taken. Financial aid is available to eligible students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
Clinical Experience
The LWTech Dental Hygiene program provides students with extensive clinical experience in the college's state-of-the-art dental clinic. Students work directly with patients under the supervision of licensed dental hygienists, gaining hands-on experience in all aspects of dental hygiene practice.
Faculty
The faculty of the LWTech Dental Hygiene program are experienced dental hygienists and educators who are committed to providing students with a high-quality education. Faculty members are licensed dental hygienists with advanced degrees in dental hygiene or related fields.
Accreditation
The LWTech Dental Hygiene program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), which is the accrediting agency for dental and dental hygiene programs in the United States.
Gallery of Dental Hygiene Program
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements for the LWTech Dental Hygiene program?
+To be eligible for admission to the LWTech Dental Hygiene program, applicants must meet the following requirements: earn a minimum GPA of 2.5 in prerequisite courses, complete a minimum of 16 hours of observation in a dental clinic, submit a personal statement and letters of recommendation, pass a background check, and provide proof of immunizations.
How long is the LWTech Dental Hygiene program?
+The LWTech Dental Hygiene program is a two-year associate degree program.
Is the LWTech Dental Hygiene program accredited?
+Yes, the LWTech Dental Hygiene program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
If you're interested in pursuing a career in dental hygiene, the LWTech Dental Hygiene program is an excellent choice. With its comprehensive curriculum, state-of-the-art clinical facilities, and experienced faculty, this program provides students with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience needed to succeed in this field.