Dental Hygienist

NOTICE Dental Hygienist Program

Applications Are Now Closed

The Dental Hygienist application is now closed. Due to the high demand for this program, we have reached program capacity and are no longer accepting applications at this time. Please continue to monitor the Lakeshore College website for updates regarding future application opportunities.

For more information, visit the High Demand Program Information page.

The Dental Hygienist program prepares individuals for a professional career as a dental hygienist. Dental hygienists are vital members of the dental health care team, focused on promoting oral health and preventing disease.

Dental hygiene students practicing in a lab setting

Why Consider Dental Hygienist?

  • This career is patient-focused and centered on preventive health care.
  • The field offers strong job stability and consistent demand.
  • Flexible schedules support a healthy work-life balance.
  • Opportunities to build meaningful, long-term patient relationships.
  • A rewarding balance of science, clinical practice, and patient education.
Dental hygiene students working with patients in clinic

Why Learn at Lakeshore?

  • Brand-new, state-of-the-art Dental Clinic modeled after modern practices.
  • Fully digital operatories and advanced sterilization technology.
  • Hands-on training with industry-standard equipment.
  • Real-world clinical experience treating community patients.
  • Flexible on-campus and blended learning formats.
  • 1:5 faculty-to-student ratio for personalized instruction.
  • Comprehensive academic, personal, and financial support services.

What It Takes

  • Compassionate and empathetic
  • Detail-oriented and organized
  • Strong communicators
  • Team-oriented
  • Hands-on learners
  • Interest in science and health care
  • Problem solvers
  • Community-minded and goal-driven
Career Area
Healthcare
Type
Associate Degree
Program Number
10-508-1
Availability
Blended

Professional Licensure Information

Lakeshore College’s Dental Hygienist program prepares students to obtain the required licensure to be employed/practice in the state of Wisconsin. Per Federal regulations, institutions may not enroll students who intend to practice in states in which our curriculum does not meet their requirements for preparation, examination, or licensure. If you intend to work outside of Wisconsin, please work with your academic counselor to determine if Lakeshore’s curriculum and/or Wisconsin’s credentials will suffice for the state you intend to practice in.

Accreditation

The Dental Hygienist program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the status of “initial 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. Visit coda.ada.org.

HESI A2 Examination

Applicants who have completed the HESI A2 examination at another institution may transfer their official HESI A2 results to Lakeshore College by having the testing institution or approved testing service send the scores directly to the Lakeshore College Records Department. HESI A2 scores are valid for three (3) years prior to the start of core Dental Hygiene courses, and copies submitted by students may not be accepted as official documentation.

Career Outlook

Dental Hygiene

Median Income: $84,916.00*

POTENTIAL JOB TITLES

(Click a title for job description)

Administer oral hygiene care to patients. Assess patient oral hygiene problems or needs and maintain health records. Advise patients on oral health maintenance and disease prevention. May provide advanced care such as providing fluoride treatment or administering topical anesthesia.

Disclosure:

*Lightcast/EMSI data is a hybrid dataset derived from official government sources such as the US Census Bureau, Bureau of Economic Analysis, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. This salary data is from the Lakeshore District.

ADMISSION AND FIRST SEMESTER ENROLLMENT STEPS

  • Submit Application
  • Complete the online Student Success Questionnaire.
  • Submit Official High school transcripts
  • Complete your Get Started at Lakeshore Appointment with your assigned academic counselor to plan your first semester schedule and complete your college orientation overview

Academic Preparedness Items

  • Complete Health Requirements
  • Complete the Background Check process and pay the applicable processing fee.
  • Pass HESI exam (Health Occupations Entrance Assessment) with a 75% or higher.
  • Meet math and chemistry requirements
  • Read and acknowledge the Dental Hygiene Program Handbook

*Submit transcripts and test scores: College transcripts, along with high school transcripts and test scores from within the last five years, used for course registration. Official transcripts needed for transferring college credit(s) and for financial aid purposes.

Program Cost

  • Tuition Cost: $18,719.20
  • Book Cost: $1,116.00
  • Supply Cost: $240.00
  • Program Total: $20,075.20

Some of Lakeshore College's programs may reach enrollment capacity due to high demand. When this occurs, the College will establish and maintain a waitlist to prioritize enrollment. For more information, visit the High Demand Program Information page.

Apply Now

Downloads

2026-2027-Dental-Hygienist

pdf - 328.01 KB

2026-2027 Dental Hygiene Handbook

pdf - 401.57 KB