Be Job-Ready

Effective dental care is far more than just creating a brighter, whiter smile. Your goal is to work alongside the dentist in a rewarding career as a dental hygienist or dental assistant.

Start your pathway to success at Bellingham Technical College, widely recognized as a leader in providing quality professional education for today’s dynamic health care field.

In BTC’s programs you’ll study how to provide patient care and perform office duties and lab work. You’ll first complete pre-program general education courses, followed by specialized study to earn a dental degree or certificate.

Dental Hygiene: Students learn clinical skills and professional values under the supervision of licensed dentists and dental hygienists on state-of-the-art equipment in BTC’s on-campus dental clinic. After completing pre-program general education courses, you’ll do specialized study over seven quarters to earn an Associate of Applied Science—Transfer (AAS-T).

Graduates go on to strong careers in private and public settings, from dental offices to public health clinics.

• 87% of Dental Hygiene graduates are employed within nine months of graduation.
• The average annual wage is $94,037, with an earning potential of $102,835 annually.

Dental Assisting: BTC's Dental Assisting AAS and AAS-T degree can be completed in three quarters after pre-program general education courses are completed. A certificate is available as well.  Graduates find employment with dental, orthodontic, and periodontal offices, as well as in hospitals, public health departments, or clinics.

• 93% of Dental Assisting graduates are employed within nine months of graduation.
• The average annual wage is $42,682, with an earning potential of about $50,898 per year.

Expanded Functions Dental Auxiliary (EFDA): Dental assistants and dental hygienists who wish to expand their skills and career options can complete the EFDA certificate in three quarters. The program offers classroom, laboratory, and clinical instruction in such areas as placing and contouring restorations and doing advanced procedures under general supervision such as applying fluoride treatments and sealants.

With an EFDA certificate, you’ll be prepared for the Washington Restorative Examination (WARE), offered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), plus the Restorative Section of the Western Regional National Board (WREB).

Why wait any longer? We're ready to help you to get started, get prepared, and get into the career you want as a dental assistant or dental hygienist. Complete the form today to learn more!