Best Dental Hygienist Programs in Tacoma Washington

Key Takeaways

• Tacoma College offers the only CODA-accredited dental hygiene program located directly in Tacoma.
• Nearby options in Lakewood, Seattle, and Shoreline expand pathways for Associate and Bachelor degrees.
• Washington dental hygienists earn an average salary of $120,000+ annually, with strong demand in Pierce County.
• Most programs require 2–3 years after prerequisites, competitive GPA standards, and clinical training hours.
• Choosing the right program depends on cost, commute, career goals, and long-term advancement plans.

Why Tacoma Is a Strong Place to Study Dental Hygiene

Tacoma, located in Pierce County, is part of one of Washington’s largest metropolitan regions. The demand for licensed dental hygienists continues to rise as preventive dental care becomes a priority across the state. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Washington consistently ranks among the top-paying states for dental hygienists, with average annual wages exceeding $120,000.

Graduating from an accredited program near Tacoma not only prepares you for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and Western Regional Examining Board clinical exam, but also positions you for employment in private practices, community clinics, public health agencies, and specialty offices throughout western Washington.

Accredited Dental Hygienist Programs Near Tacoma, Washington

To become licensed in Washington, you must graduate from a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Below is a centralized comparison of the top options serving Tacoma-area students.

CollegeLocationDegree TypeProgram LengthEstimated Tuition (In-State)HighlightsTacoma Community CollegeTacomaAssociate in Applied Science2 Years (after prerequisites)~$15,000–$18,000 totalLocal program, strong clinical trainingPierce CollegeLakewoodBAS in Dental Hygiene2 Years (post-Associate)~$9,000–$12,000 per yearBachelor completion optionShoreline Community CollegeShorelineAssociate Degree2 Years~$18,000–$22,000 totalCompetitive, strong board pass ratesSeattle Central CollegeSeattleAssociate Degree2 Years~$20,000 totalUrban clinical experience

Tacoma Community College (TCC)

TCC is the primary choice for students seeking a dental hygienist program directly in Tacoma. The Associate in Applied Science degree prepares graduates for licensure in Washington.

Program Features:

• CODA-accredited curriculum
• On-campus dental clinic serving real patients
• Comprehensive training in preventive and therapeutic procedures
• Board exam preparation integrated into coursework

Admission Requirements:

• Completion of prerequisite courses such as anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and chemistry
• Minimum GPA typically 2.5–3.0 or higher
• Competitive application process with limited cohort size

This program is ideal for Tacoma residents wanting minimal commute time and strong local employer connections.

Pierce College (Bachelor of Applied Science Option)

Located in nearby Lakewood, Pierce College offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene. This program is typically designed for licensed hygienists who already hold an associate degree and want to expand into leadership, research, or public health roles.

Why Consider a Bachelor’s Degree?

• Qualifies you for teaching positions
• Opens doors in public health and community programs
• Increases long-term earning potential

This pathway works well for graduates of Tacoma Community College who want to advance without leaving Pierce County.

Shoreline and Seattle Central College

Although located north of Tacoma, these programs are respected statewide. They may be suitable if you are willing to commute or relocate for a highly competitive program with strong clinical partnerships.

What to Expect in a Dental Hygiene Curriculum

All accredited programs share core components required for licensure in Washington.

Foundational Sciences

• Head and neck anatomy
• Oral pathology
• Microbiology
• Pharmacology

Clinical Training

Students complete hundreds of supervised clinical hours providing cleanings, periodontal therapy, and patient education. Local Tacoma programs often partner with community patients, giving students exposure to diverse populations.

Licensing Preparation

• National Board Dental Hygiene Examination
• Regional clinical board exam
• Washington State licensing requirements

Admission Checklist for Tacoma Applicants

Dental hygiene programs are competitive. Follow this step-by-step approach:

1. Complete all prerequisite courses with strong grades.
2. Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher to remain competitive.
3. Gain dental office observation hours if recommended.
4. Submit transcripts and application materials before deadline.
5. Prepare for possible interviews or supplemental materials.

Applying early and meeting with an academic advisor at Tacoma Community College can significantly improve your chances.

Tuition, Financial Aid, and Cost Considerations

Community colleges in Washington offer relatively affordable tuition compared to private institutions. Tacoma-area students benefit from in-district tuition rates.

Financial Aid Options

• FAFSA and Washington College Grant
• Workforce training grants
• Dental industry scholarships
• Work-study opportunities

Students should also budget for instruments, scrubs, textbooks, licensing exams, and liability insurance.

Dental Hygienist Salary and Job Outlook in Tacoma

Pierce County continues to experience steady population growth, driving demand for dental services. Dental hygienists in Washington earn among the highest salaries nationwide.

• Average annual salary statewide: $120,000+
• Hourly wage: Often $55–$65 per hour in western Washington
• Work settings: Private practices, public health clinics, tribal health organizations, specialty periodontal offices

Graduates of Tacoma programs frequently find employment within months due to strong local demand.

How to Choose the Right Program Near Tacoma

The best dental hygienist program depends on your circumstances and career goals.

Choose Tacoma Community College If:

• You want a local, affordable option.
• You prefer an associate degree pathway.
• You intend to begin working quickly after graduation.

Choose a Bachelor Completion Program If:

• You want leadership or teaching roles.
• You aim to work in public health policy.
• You plan for long-term academic advancement.

Consider Seattle-Area Programs If:

• You need alternative admission cycles.
• You are willing to commute for different clinical experiences.

Career Advancement After Graduation

Dental hygiene is more than routine cleanings. Tacoma-area hygienists can expand into:

• Periodontal specialty practices
• Pediatric dentistry
• Public health outreach programs
• Dental hygiene education
• Sales and dental product consulting

Continuing education is required for Washington license renewal, ensuring professionals remain current with evolving standards in patient care.

Next Steps for Future Dental Hygienists in Tacoma

If you are serious about enrolling in one of the best dental hygienist programs in Tacoma, Washington, begin by scheduling an advising appointment at your preferred college. Confirm accreditation status, review prerequisite timelines, and develop a realistic two- to three-year plan. With strong preparation and strategic program selection, you can enter one of Washington’s highest-paying and most stable healthcare careers.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Hygienist Programs near Tacoma

What is the main dental hygiene program located in Tacoma?

Tacoma Community College offers the only CODA-accredited dental hygiene program based directly in Tacoma, leading to an Associate in Applied Science degree.

How long does it take to become a dental hygienist near Tacoma?

You can expect about 2–3 years after completing prerequisites. Most associate programs take 2 years, and a bachelor completion program adds about 2 more years after your associate degree.

How much can you earn as a dental hygienist in Washington State?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental hygienists in Washington often earn over $120,000 per year on average, with typical wages around $55–$65 per hour in western Washington.

What are the admission requirements for Tacoma Community College’s dental hygiene program?

You usually need to complete science prerequisites such as anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and chemistry, maintain at least a 2.5–3.0 GPA, and apply to a competitive, limited-size cohort.

What is the difference between an associate degree and a BAS in dental hygiene?

An associate degree, like the one at Tacoma Community College, prepares you for entry-level clinical work and licensure. A Bachelor of Applied Science, such as Pierce College’s program, builds on your associate degree and can help you move into teaching, leadership, or public health roles.

Which factors should you consider when choosing a dental hygiene program near Tacoma?

You should look at accreditation, total cost, commute or relocation needs, program length, clinical sites, and whether you want to start working quickly or plan for long-term advancement with a bachelor’s degree.