Dental Hygienist
Degree Type
69-credit Associate of Applied Science Degree
Program Code
10-508-1
Time to Degree
More than 2 years
Start Date
August 2026
How You'll Learn
On Campus
Daytime
Dental hygienists perform educational, preventive and therapeutic dental services that are consistent with providing optimal oral health. These services may include sealants, fluoride treatments, non-surgical periodontal therapies and radiographic images.
Please note: Healthcare and Human Services Programs require multiple vaccinations. Deadlines vary by program. To be eligible for testing and/or licensing in the state of Wisconsin, you may be required to obtain a social security number.
Steps to Complete the Dental Hygienist Program
Apply and Become Admitted as a Pre-Core Student
- Apply online and pay the $30 application fee. This program is only open to in-state residents.
- Submit a copy of one of the following to demonstrate your reading and writing skills:
- High school GPA of 2.60 or above. Transcript must include completed coursework through the 11th grade.*
- ACT, ACCUPLACER® or GED - 2014 Series (165 or higher).*
- Prior college coursework may meet this requirement in whole or in part. Courses must be in the specific area(s), and you must have earned a grade of C or better (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) in the courses.*
- If none of the above apply, sign up for the ACCUPLACER® placement test.
WCTC follows a waitlist process for students admitted into this program.
Questions on the application process? Visit the Admissions page or contact an enrollment counselor.
Complete Core-Ready Checklist
Admitted students must complete the academic preparedness checklist items below to become Core-Ready. Students who receive a seat in the Dental Hygienist program will be notified via email with instructions on how to register for core program courses.
- Complete your General Studies courses. Have transfer credit? Check out Credit for Prior Learning.
- Complete and pass the ATI TEAS Exam. Note: This is only required for brand new applicants applying to the program.
- If you took the TEAS exam elsewhere and passed with a 65% or higher overall score, request official scores to be sent to WCTC.
To begin core program courses in a specific semester, complete checklist items by the dates outlined below:
- Fall Start: Complete checklist by the first Monday in April to be considered for core courses starting in fall.
Become Core-Active and Complete Core Courses
Before beginning core courses, complete the following items:
- Attend a mandatory Dental Hygieniest student orientation, which includes a caregiver background check.
- Provide proof of valid BLS Provider certification from the American Heart Association. WCTC also offers a BLS Provider Renewal course.
- Complete health and safety requirements.
Note: Students who have not completed these requirements will be dropped from courses and moved back to Core-Ready status.
Become a Registered Dental Hygienist
Upon graduating, you will be prepared to take the National Board Dental Hygiene written exam and Central Regional Dental Testing Service practical exam.
Program Details
Contact Us
Questions? We'd love to help! Connect with our Enrollment team by filling out our online form or by email at enroll@wctc.edu.
Potential Careers
If you have a passion for dental care, are patient and possess good communication skills, dental hygiene may be the field for you. Dental hygienists are comfortable putting people at ease, have the dexterity to handle precision tools and possess physical stamina along with the ability to work in tight spaces.
- Dental Hygienist
- Registered Dental Hygienist
Technical Standards
The students enrolled in the Dental Assistant program should be able to meet the established technical standards identified below with or without reasonable accommodation. The technical standards for the Dental Assistant program are representative of those found in the Dental Assistant profession.
Review the Dental Hygienist Technical Standards.
High School Eligibility
This program is open to qualified high school applicants. Learn more >
Please note, students must be 16 years or older to enroll in this program.
Career Salaries
$78,600 – $84,200 annually
Salary range estimates based on wages for related occupations in Waukesha County as reported by Lightcast. Individual wages may vary based on experience, industry, location and specific job requirements. Find our graduates' entry wages in the most recent Graduate Success Report.
Financial Aid
As a program student, you are eligible to receive:
- Financial aid loans
- Scholarships
- Other forms of assistance
Learn more about financial aid.
Bloodborne Pathogens
All programs at WCTC comply with local, state, and federal infection control policies, including the use of standard precautions as stipulated by current CDC guidelines. Written policies and instructions on infection control protocol to minimize the risk of disease transmission is provided throughout the courses in the curriculum. Compliance of safety practices is evaluated throughout your clinical experiences to ensure a safe educational environment.
Clinical Site Compliance
Please note that some clinical sites require compliance with various safety protocols and measures as a condition to placement. Students may individually address clinical placement requirements with Jenny Clausen, Clinical Placement Specialist.
Reasonable accommodations may be available for students with documented disabilities and/or sincerely held religious beliefs. Students seeking accommodation due to documented disability should contact the Student Accessibility Office. Students seeking accommodation due to a sincerely held religious belief should contact Jonathan Pedraza in the Student Life Office.
Review the background check overview.
What Makes This Program Unique
- Program graduates consistently achieve outstanding pass rates on exams - and continue to score above the national average on both the National Board Dental Hygiene written exam and Central Regional Dental Testing Service practical exam.
- WCTC's Dental Hygiene Clinic provides comprehensive dental hygiene care to the community in an educational setting. Student dental hygienists complete procedures under the supervision of a licensed dentist and registered dental hygienist.
- Involvement with the Dental Hygiene Club (SADHA) reinforces the importance of the dental hygienist's role in community service efforts and continuing education.
Accreditation
WCTC’s Dental Hygienist program is accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation.
Similar Programs
More Credit Opportunities
High School Dual Credit
Dual enrollment offers high school students an opportunity to get a head start in high-demand fields while earning college credits.
Credit for Prior Learning
You may have the opportunity to obtain credit for the college-level skills and knowledge you've already acquired through prior coursework, work experience and more.
Transfer Opportunities After WCTC
WCTC has credit transfer agreements with many four-year institutions that allow our degree graduates to transfer credits into a baccalaureate program, often at junior-level standing.