Dental Hygiene

Students in the Peninsula College Dental Hygiene Program receive personalized instruction and hands-on clinical experience. This AAS-T degree prepares graduates for Washington State licensure, transfer opportunities, and rewarding careers that improve community health.

The Dental Hygiene Associate of Applied Science–Transfer (AAS-T) degree at Peninsula College prepares students for eligibility as licensed dental hygienists while expanding access to high-quality dental hygiene education for diverse communities in Clallam and Jefferson Counties. Designed with equity and student success at its core, the program integrates rigorous academics, hands-on clinical experience, and robust support services to guide students from entry through completion and well prepared for high-demand healthcare careers and eligible for licensure in as little as 24 months.

Dental Hygiene Program Information Session

Please join us for a Dental Hygiene Program information session to learn more about the application process and program expectations. No RSVP required, just join through the link below!

Thursday, April 9, 2026 | 2:00 pm
Join Us on Zoom | Meeting ID: 835 8502 2964

Application Timeline

The Dental Hygiene Application Timeline is intended to help guide interested applicants through the process of becoming eligible and applying for the Peninsula College Dental Hygiene Program. Please contact Peninsula College staff with any questions to ensure a smooth application process.

Step 1: Get Ready | Fall/Winter
  • Review the information and FAQs on the Dental Hygiene program webpage.
  • Apply or reapply to Peninsula College: Once your Peninsula College application has been processed, students will receive an email with your student ID number, also known as ctcLink number. If it has been longer than one year since you last attended classes at Peninsula College, you will need to reapply.
  • Meet with Peninsula College Outreach Team, or if you are already an active Peninsula College student, contact the Healthcare advisor.

Peninsula College Advising

  • Ensure you are on track to meet all prerequisite requirements.
  • Self-assess that you will meet the technical standards and background check. For reference, please review the Dental Hygiene Technical Standards and Disqualifying Crimes & Negative Actions per WAC.

Dental Hygiene Technical Standards

Disqualifying Crimes & Negative Actions per WAC

  • Ensure you are on track to complete all prerequisite courses with the required GPA.
  • If applicable, please complete the transcript evaluation process. Any official transcripts for courses taken at other institutions must be submitted to and evaluated by Peninsula College Enrollment Services. To submit transcripts or with question about this process, please contact Transcript Evaluator at transcripts@pencol.edu.
  • Complete English & Math Placement Tests.

Peninsula College Placement Options

  • Complete Peninsula College New Student Orientation.
  • Apply for Financial Aid.
  • Prepare to take and take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) Exam, Version 7.

Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)

Step 2: Get Set | Winter/Spring
  • Complete any tasks remaining from Fall/Winter.
  • Review the Dental Hygiene Clinical Passport—Contact Program Coordinator Kristin Harrington at kharrington@pencol.edu for access to the updated Clinical Passport—and schedule your immunizations and/or titers if you do not have the required immunizations and/or documentation. Immunizations must be completed as defined in the Clinical Passport, which is also available in the Dental Hygiene application Canvas course annually.
  • Complete your Financial Aid application before July 31.
  • Students must complete all prerequisite courses with a C (2.0) or higher by the end of Spring Quarter to be considered for admission.
  • Take and/or re-take TEAS Exam. The TEAS test can be taken a maximum of two times per application cycle. Students can take single sections of TEAS if needed and submit the highest scores for each subject. Test scores will be due with application materials by June 1. 
Step 3: Apply! | March–May
  • Once students are ready to apply for the program, contact Student Services—studentservices@pencol.edu or at (360) 417-6340—and ask to be part of the ADHA: Dental Hygiene Applicant Group.
  • Students in this group will automatically be enrolled in the Dental Hygiene Program Application Canvas Course. The Course will be published by March 31.
If you have asked to be in the group, and do not see the course on April 1, please reach out to Student Services for support.
  • The Dental Hygiene Application Canvas Course will contain detailed instructions, reference documents, and forms with submission links to upload your completed application materials, as necessary.
  • Complete all application steps and components.

Closely follow the detailed instructions for application submission requirements within the Dental Hygiene Application Canvas course.
Failure to do so may result in an incomplete or ineligible application.

The Peninsula College Dental Hygiene Program application is due June 1, 2026, by 5:00 pm. 

Application Status: June–July
  • Students may receive an invitation for an interview by June 15.
  • Interviews will occur in early July.
  • If a student's prerequisite courses from Spring Quarter turn out to be incomplete, or below required GPA, your interview will be canceled and you will be encouraged to reapply the following year.
  • Offer letters, wait list positions, and denials will be sent by July 15.
  • Additional tasks will appear in the Application Canvas Course for students who receive offer letters
  • For students who receive an offer letter for the Dental Hygiene Program, please submit the Student Letter of Acceptance and complete additional required tasks by July 30.
Accepted & Waitlisted Applicants: August–September
  • Waitlist candidates will be informed as soon as possible whether there is an opening or not.
    • The waitlist will be officially cleared after the first week of courses.
  • First Quarter (Q1 Fall) Dental Hygiene courses will be visible for registration by August 7.
  • Additional tasks will appear in the Application Canvas Course for students who accept their offer of admission. These submissions are due by September 1.
  • The first day of Fall Quarter classes is September 21.
  • Please review Peninsula College’s Academic Calendar for additional important academic dates.

Peninsula College Academic Calendar

Classes begin September 21, 2026.

What Students Will Learn

The curriculum aligns with standards established by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), incorporates employer input, and reflects best practices in dental hygiene education. Students develop the knowledge, skills, and professional competencies needed to deliver patient-centered oral healthcare across a variety of practice settings while responding to the evolving needs of the dental hygiene profession.

Prospective Dental Hygiene Students:

  • Where can I learn more? See the Dental Hygiene program description in the college catalog.

Dental Hygiene Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T) Degree

Dental Hygiene Program Costs

All enrolled students must purchase a significant tool kit 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. WASFA is Washington State aid, and 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 the Peninsula College Financial Aid Office if you need support applying for aid.

Peninsula College Financial Aid Office

If you need additional funding or do not qualify for traditional financial aid, you can also explore our Scholarship options and those available via the American Dental Hygienists' Association and the American Dental Education Association.

American Dental Hygienists' AssociationAmerican Dental Education Association

Dental Hygiene Program FAQs

Dental Hygiene Career Opportunities

Where do I begin if I want to become a dental hygienist?
  • Learn about the role of dental hygienists, scope of practice, and the Peninsula College Dental Hygiene Program Technical Standards requirement.

Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 18.29Washington Administrative Code, Chapter 246-815 (WAC)

  • Meet with the Peninsula College Outreach Team, or if you are already an active Peninsula College student, contact the healthcare advisor.

Peninsula College Advising

  • Apply/Reapply to Peninsula College.

Apply Now

What are the career opportunities and wages for dental hygienists?

There is a growing demand for Dental Hygienists. Graduates may find positions within a variety of dental practice settings. Regional demand is strong, with average local hourly rates between $50-$65+ per hour.

Prerequisites, Placement Tests & Prior Coursework

Do I need to take any placement tests?

Yes. Discuss the Placement Options for English and Math with your Advisor. Additionally, you will be required to take the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) exam as part of the dental hygiene application.

When should I take the TEAS exam?

Since you are required to take the TEAS before the application deadline of June 1, most students often take it before they have completed all prerequisites. It is possible to retake the TEAS, if needed. We will use your highest scores when we calculate points on the application.

The TEAS covers reading, math, science (including chemistry, AP) and English, so applicants should have taken enough of their prerequisites to be comfortable with the material. Information may be found at the Peninsula College testing center.

If I will not be done with my prerequisite coursework before the application is due (i.e., I take my last course during Spring Quarter), should I wait until next year to apply to the program? 

No, you do not have to wait! Applicants who are completing remaining prerequisite courses during Spring Quarter can apply to the dental hygiene program.

Do my past courses expire?

In general, we do not have an expiration date on prerequisite coursework for the Dental Hygiene Program. All coursework taken outside of Peninsula College needs to be formally evaluated by the transcript evaluation specialist on campus to determine whether it will transfer. 

Official college transcripts and transcripts showing AP credits can be sent to transcript@pencol.edu (or to the general Peninsula College mailing address) to be evaluated for credit transfer. Electronic transcripts must be sent by the institution you attended to be considered official. We would also encourage you to meet with a Student Success Advisor.

I failed/withdrew from a class, but passed it on the second try with a good grade—will this affect my application?

Currently, the selection committee is using the highest grade the student received in a course for application scoring. Points are not affected by whether the course was taken previously.

Application Process

When are applications accepted for the Dental Hygiene Program? 

Applications are only accepted during the application window. The window generally opens in March with the current year deadline for application submission before 5:00 pm on June 1, 2026. Important dates are also posted on the Peninsula College Dental Hygiene webpage.

How do I submit my application to the Dental Hygiene Program? 
  • Once students are ready to apply for the program, contact Student Services—studentservices@pencol.edu or at (360) 417-6340—and ask to be part of the ADHA: Dental Hygiene Applicant Group.
  • Students in this group will automatically be enrolled in the Dental Hygiene Program Application Canvas Course. The Course will be published by March 31.
If you have asked to be in the group, and do not see the course on March 31, please reach out to Student Services for support.
  • The Dental Hygiene Application Canvas Course will contain detailed instructions, reference documents, and forms with submission links to upload your completed application materials, as necessary.
How are applications assessed for the Dental Hygiene Program?
  • Points will be awarded for the required application materials. An application scoring grid will be viewable within the Dental Hygiene application Canvas course.
  • Meeting all requirements is not a guarantee of admission. Acceptance is competitive, and there are generally more qualified applicants than spaces available.
  • Top scoring applicants will be invited for an interview with the Program Director and faculty.
How many applicants will be accepted to the program?

The dental hygiene program will accept 10 applicants each year. Although we do not have data to share on odds of admission—Spring 2026 is the first application cycle—we can say that there is very strong interest in this new program. We anticipate the application pool to be large and competitive this first year of the program.

Will there be a program waitlist and what does this mean?

The top 20 applicants will be invited for interviews, and the top ten candidates after interviews will receive an offer letter. Some of the remaining ten candidates will be placed on the waitlist for the current year. The waitlist is cleared after the first week of classes. 

Can I start the program during any quarter or take the program at a slower pace?

No. Only prerequisite courses can be spaced out or taken at any time, in any order. Once in the Dental Hygiene program, you will need to stay with your cohort and the pre-determined courses and clinical schedules.

Does Peninsula College rank dental hygiene applicants by their overall grade point average or previous degree? 

No. Peninsula College does not rank dental hygiene applicants by their overall GPA or whether they have a previous degree. Greater amounts of points will be awarded for higher grades in the weighted prerequisite courses. An application scoring grid will be available to you when the application materials become available on Canvas. 

What’s the best thing I can do on the application to get into the program?
  • First and foremost , follow all the directions to complete all the steps and components of the application on Canvas.  
  • Do well in your pre-requisite courses, especially the weighted science courses.  
  • Begin preparation for your TEAS test early and allow ample time in case you need to retake the test.  
  • Answer the essay questions directly, succinctly, and clearly with college level grammar and spelling.

Commission on Dental Accreditation

The program in dental hygiene is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (800) 232-6108 or at 401 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 3300, Chicago, IL 60611-4250.

Commission on Dental Accreditation

Questions? Please Contact:

Kristin Harrington
Allied Health Programs Coordinator
kharrington@pencol.edu

Paula Watson, RDH, MS
Dental Hygiene Program Director
pwatson@pencol.edu

Apply Now