Dental Hygiene (DENTH-AS)

AREA OF CONCENTRATION: The dental hygiene program is a limited access, selective admissions program designed to assist students in developing and mastering basic clinical competencies and theoretical concepts of dental hygiene practice. Graduates will receive an A.S. degree in Dental Hygiene and will be eligible to apply for the national and state board examinations in any state. The dental hygiene program is accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation. Students are encouraged to complete as many of the general education courses as possible, especially the science courses, prior to seeking admission into the program. Because of limited enrollment, students are encouraged to prepare application requirements in the fall for the next year’s class.

To apply for this program of study, students should obtain a program application packet from the Division of Health Sciences or Internet web page containing a current listing of admission and course requirements.

ADMISSIONS:
The Dental Hygiene program is a limited access program. A selective admissions policy with specific selection criteria is utilized in order to select the most qualified applicants. The strength of the applicant pool varies year‐to‐year, with the best qualified applicants receiving first consideration. It is the applicant’s responsibility to inquire about these specific admission and selection criteria and to ensure that all required documents are received on campus prior to the deadline of March 15.

Provisional Admission Requirements:

1. Application to Gulf Coast State College.
2. Official High School transcript or GED (first‐time college students only; does not apply to students transferring from other accredited colleges or universities) sent to the Office of Admission and Records.
3. Official College transcripts (from each college or university attended) sent to the Office of Admissions and Records and evaluated by that office.
4. Computerized Placement Test Scores (CPT) with a minimum score of 72 on the algebra portion or ACT/SAT equivalent or achieve a grade of “C” or better in MAT0024 or higher level algebra course.
5. Completion of prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of “C”
   1. BSC 2085 Anatomy & Physiology I
   2. BSC 2085L Anatomy & Physiology I Lab
   3. ENC 1101 English
   4. HUN 1201 Nutrition.
6. Application to Dental Hygiene program, which includes:
   1. Dental Hygiene application
   2. Technical Standards form
   3. Work/Observation form
   4. Additional documentation if applicable (as specified in the application packet)

Requirements After Provisional Acceptance:

1. Report of Vaccination History to include:
   • Hepatitis B vaccine series
   • PPD Mantoux/TB test: annually (May require chest radiograph if previously positive PPD Mantoux/TB test)
   • MMR
   • Tetanus (every 10 years)
2. Copy of current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certificate. (BLS HealthCare Provider)
3. HIV Saliva Test may be required at the end of the fall semester of the sophomore year in preparation for clinical rotations.

Readmission Guidelines

1. A student who withdraws from or earns a grade lower than a “C” in one of the approved science courses and/or in a Dental Hygiene course will not be permitted to continue in the Dental Hygiene Program. A student who does not meet the Technical Standards of the program will not be permitted to continue in the program.
2. Applicants who wish to apply for readmission should do so prior to March 15 if planning to enroll in the Fall semester or October 1 if planning to enroll in the Spring semester.
3. Readmission to the Dental Hygiene Program will be dependent upon available resources.
4. In order to be considered for readmission by the Admissions Committee, the applicant must do the following:
   1. Submit a written request letter (not e‐mail) to the Dental Programs Coordinator presenting evidence to justify readmission. This may include letters of recommendation from a previous faculty member or coordinator, additional course work, work experience, etc.
   2. Meet current guidelines for admission to the College and the Dental Hygiene Program.
5. Readmission may be contingent upon the candidate’s agreeing to audit previously completed course work.
6. A student who applies for readmission to the Dental Hygiene Program must provide significant evidence which suggests the potential for future success in the program. This evidence may address such things as unusual circumstances, remedial study, and/or additional preparation.

Dental Programs Transfer Policy
Applicants who wish to transfer from another Dental Hygiene/Dental Assisting Program to a GCSC Dental Program must 1) meet all admission requirements, 2) apply at least two months prior to the expected date of enrollment, and 3) notify the Assistant Coordinator in writing, stating anticipated entry date and reason for transfer. Acceptance of any transfer student will be dependent upon available resources. Dental Programs Articulation Policy Students who elect to articulate must have completed said courses with a grade of "C" or better from an accredited Dental Assisting Program within the last three years and have actively been working in the dental field at least 3 months prior to entrance in the program. If you feel you meet articulation requirements, please contact the Dental Programs Coordinator for more information.