Yakima Valley College
- Washington
- Entry Level
- In-Person
- yvcc.edu
Program Contact
Yakima Valley College
Weston D. Brown Dental Hygiene Clinic
1015 S. 16th Ave,
Yakima, Washington 98902
Earn your Bachelor of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene (BASDH) at Yakima Valley College through a six-quarter professional program following completion of required prerequisite coursework.
Yakima Valley College's Dental Hygiene Program prepares students to become competent, compassionate, and evidence-based oral healthcare professionals. The program admits up to 18 students each fall and is completed over two academic years, with a summer break between the first and second years.
Through a comprehensive curriculum integrating biomedical sciences, dental sciences, dental hygiene theory, clinical education, and community-based experiences, students develop the knowledge, skills, and professional judgment necessary to provide high-quality, person-centered care.
Students gain hands-on clinical experience providing care to patients in the college's dental hygiene clinic and through community-based learning opportunities. The program emphasizes patient assessment, treatment planning, preventive and therapeutic services, oral-systemic health, ethical practice, cultural responsiveness, and interprofessional collaboration.
Graduates are prepared for entry-level dental hygiene practice and are eligible to pursue the examinations required for licensure. The Bachelor of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene also provides a foundation for future opportunities in clinical practice, public health, education, administration, research, and professional leadership.
For additional information about program requirements, admissions, and curriculum, visit:
Program Information
| Program Type | Entry Level |
|---|---|
| Teaching Method | In-Person |
| Degree Awarded | Bachelor |
| Program Size | 18 |
| Program Length | 24 months |
| Application Deadline | February 5, 2027 |
| Program Start Date | September 20, 2027 |
| Credit Hours Required to Graduate | 119 Credits |
| Supplemental Application | Yes |
| Supplemental Fee | Yes |
| Accepts International Students | Yes |
| Supports Student Visa | Yes |
| Program Website | yvcc.edu |
Application Requirements
Required Standardized Tests
- TEAS
Other Standardized Tests
TEAS required for admission. Minimum scores: Overall 58.7%, Reading 69%, Math 63.3%, Science 45.8%, English 60%. All minimums must be met. Unlimited attempts; only the most recent test counts. Scores valid for 2 years. Submit official scores via ATI.
Supplemental Requirements
- Requires supplemental application
- Requires supplemental fee
Prerequisite Instructions
Applicants must have a minimum prerequisite GPA of 2.5, with a grade of 2.0 or higher in each course. At least 8 prerequisite courses, including 5 natural science courses, must be completed by the end of Winter Quarter of the application year. All prerequisites must be completed before Fall Quarter enrollment. Science courses must have been completed within the past 5 years. See the YVC Dental Hygiene website for required courses and equivalencies.
Letters of Evaluation Instructions
Letters of recommendation are optional and may be submitted through ADEA DHCAS. However, they are not considered in the admissions evaluation or selection process. Applicants who choose not to submit letters will not be disadvantaged.
Other Requirement Instructions
Applicants must complete 20 hours of dental hygiene observation, including exposure to local anesthesia, initial periodontal therapy, and restorative procedures. Additional factors considered in the selection process may include dental office experience, dental assisting education, second-language proficiency (including ASL), community service, leadership, honors, and other relevant experiences. These additional experiences are not required for admission.
Additional Information
Students gain progressive, hands-on clinical experience providing comprehensive dental hygiene care to diverse patient populations in YVC's on-campus clinic and community-based settings. Clinical education emphasizes patient assessment, treatment planning, periodontal therapy, preventive services, local anesthesia, restorative procedures, patient education, and evidence-based, person-centered care.