Skip to main contentSkip to main navigationSkip to footer content

Application Process

Dental Hygiene Centralized Application System (DHCAS)

Pierce College Dental Hygiene program uses the Dental Hygiene Centralized Application System (DHCAS) through the American Dental Education Association (ADEA).

The ADEA Dental Hygiene Centralized Application Service (ADEA DHCAS®) provides you and our program with accurate, streamlined and uniform data. All directions on how to submit official transcripts are on this site and an overview of the process is below.

Application Deadline

The application including official transcripts with all prerequisite courses and observation/experience hours must be submitted no later than March 31 by 5 p.m. PST. 

Process for the 2026 Application Year

A. Request Your Background Check

We highly recommend starting the process no later than January 2026. 

  • Go to the Castle Branch Website.
  • Once you have created your account, in the “Place Order” field, enter the following package code: PH45

B. Begin Your Application

Complete the American Dental Education Association Dental Hygiene Centralized Application Service (ADEA DHCAS®) application by March 31, 2026 at 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST).

ADEA DHCAS Directions

Before beginning the application on DHCAS, we highly recommend you watch the training video and visit the Help Center for a Quick Start Guide or questions:

1. Personal Information

2. Academic History

  • There is no need to upload high school transcripts.
  • Order your official transcripts through the ADEA DHCAS portal.
    CRITICAL: Applicants are responsible to follow-up and ensure that ADEA DHCAS receives the Official Transcripts by the application deadline. Lack of Official Transcripts means we cannot process your application and it will be invalidated.
  • You must identify which pre-dental hygiene courses you want considered for application. It is important to select the correct courses to the correct disciplines.
  • GPA for admissions will be calculated by pre-requisite courses only.

3. Program Materials

Verification form for dental hygiene observation hours/dental work experience is required for all applicants.

Applicants that would like to request course substitutions for Science, Math and/or English pre-dental hygiene courses should contact our Dental Hygiene advising at DentHyg@pierce.ctc.edu.