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Announcement
We are currently accepting applications on a Waitlist basis for our Local Anesthesia, Nitrous Oxide-Oxygen Sedation, and Restorative courses for Dental Hygienists. We encourage you to submit an application now to be placed on the PNWDHI Waitlist. Acceptance is on a first come, first served basis, if any application is not completed by the posted due date, we will refer to our waitlist to fill a class.
Welcome to Pierce College’s Dental Hygiene Professional Development Courses
The Pierce College Dental Hygiene (PCDH) program is accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). It enjoys national acclaim and recognition for consistently graduating clinically skilled and intellectually strong dental hygienists. The PCDH faculty strives for a congenial academic environment that commands the very best from the student. The condensed curriculum provides the student the opportunity to develop skills needed to be competent, successful and safe.
The dental hygiene clinic offers the very latest and best dental technology, including electronic health records with digital radiography and computer-assisted anesthesia.
Mission Statement
The Pierce College Dental Hygiene Program prepares learners for the privilege and responsibility to practice in the profession of Dental Hygiene. This preparation focuses on essential competencies for the successful practice of the profession, inspires lifelong learning, and promotes service to the community.
Dental Hygiene Professional Development
The Pacific Northwest Dental Hygiene Institute (PNWDHI) courses are designed to train or increase/review skills for dental hygienists in the administration of nitrous oxide, local anesthesia, and/or restorative dental procedures included in the Dental Hygiene Practice Act for Washington State. Online and in-class didactic, peer lab, and clinical patient experiences are included in the hands-on portion of the courses.
Course offerings are generally once per year in spring or late summer/fall, and are dependent on interested number of participants.
Licensing Examinations and Accreditation
All clinical training is supervised by Washington State licensed dental hygienists and dentists experienced in performing and teaching expanded functions.
Successful completion of each of these courses meets eligibility requirements for the corresponding CDCA-WREB-CITA and Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS) examinations.