Dental Hygiene Department - Pre-Dental Hygiene Advising

MAKING AN INFORMED CHOICE 

Students who are considering dental hygiene as a professional career path are encouraged to consider carefully the Traits/Behaviors of a Successful Dental Hygienist below. 

It is also recommend that potential students observe a registered dental hygienist and ask questions about the benefits of the profession, why they chose this career, etc.

THE PROFESSION OF DENTAL HYGIENE

A dental hygienist is a licensed health professional dedicated to the prevention and treatment of oral diseases. A dental hygienist licensed in the State of Washington is an oral health educator and clinician taught to perform all aspects of treating gingival and periodontal diseases (gum disease), some restorative procedures (placing and carving or finishing fillings), and the administration of local anesthesia and nitrous oxide sedation.

Traits/Behaviors of a Successful Dental Hygienist

  • Be inquisitive/intrigued about the oral environment (mouth, teeth, tissue, and its relationship to the whole body)
  • Enjoy interacting with people and have the ability to show compassion and caring, and to place the patient's welfare first
  • Have sufficient emotional, mental, and physical stamina to withstand the stresses and uncertainties that characterize the practice of dental hygiene
  • Have an ability to disregard or at least tolerate oral mouth odors and blood, food debris, etc., in the mouth
  • Be respectful of self and others' views and rights
  • Be organized and detailed
  • Enjoy fine motor tasks
  • Be able to communicate effectively (reading, writing and verbally/non-verbally)
  • Be responsible for one’s own learning and accountable for one's own actions
  • Be ethical and act with integrity, intellectual ability, physical competency, and personal responsibility

Benefits of the Dental Hygiene Profession

  • Job security: Demand is high for clinicians everywhere, particularly in rural areas .

  • Flexibility: Work part-time, full-time, partial days, etc. Schedules can be arranged to clinician’s preference.

  • Variety: Diversity in locations, patients, technology, and the evolving science of dental hygiene.

DH Program Info Line
Voice: (253) 964-6796

Fulltime Dental Hygiene Faculty

Monica L Hospenthal, RDH, BS, M.Ed.
Director of Dental Hygiene/ Fulltime Professor

Kathy B. Bassett, BSDH, RDH, M.Ed.
Fulltime Professor/Clinical Coordinator

Mary Galagan, RDH, BS, MHA
Fulltime Professor/Community Health and Extramurals

Carolyn D. Roberton, BSDH, RDH
Fulltime Professor, Liaison Student Chapter of ADHA

Postal Address

Pierce College Fort Steilacoom
Dental Hygiene Program
9401 Farwest Drive SW
Lakewood, WA 98498-1999