Q. How do I get into the dental hygiene program?

A. Applications are accepted in each spring semester for entrance into the program. You must contact the Coordinator of Academic Support Services to schedule an appointment to submit your application. Applications and all supporting documents must be submitted prior to the application deadline.

Q. When may I enter the dental hygiene program?

A. Each year, one class is admitted in May and begins in the fall semester.

Q. Are there any prerequisite courses to be taken before entering the program?

A. Yes. Some of the courses are general education courses, required for an associate degree in Arkansas. Courses such as science "build on each other". A good foundation in all these subjects is essential for success in the dental hygiene program.

Q. How are applicants selected?

A. Applicants who have completed the application process and meet the admission criteria will be invited to interview if their accrued points in the selection system are high enough. The selection process is based on a weighted scoring system using the PSB examination, quality points earned for prescribed coursework, and personal interview.

After all of the top ranking candidates have been interviewed, they will be ranked from highest to lowest according to their scores. Admission is based on the highest order of rank.

Q. How much dental office observation should I try to get?

A. 50 hours is required, including forty hours with two dental hygienists from two different dental offices. The Dental Office Observation Verification form must be submitted and may be obtained from the Coordinator of Academic Support Services for the College of Health Sciences.

Q. What are the costs of the program?

A. In addition to tuition and books, dental hygiene students must purchase an instrument kit, uniform, and name tags. The cost will vary from year to year; currently we estimate the additional costs for the items at $3,250.

Once students have completed the program, they are required to take the National Dental Hygiene Board Examination and a Regional and/or State Board examination in order to become licensed to practice as a dental hygienist. Fees for taking these exams will vary from region to region and state to state. Contact the dental hygiene program for approximate costs of the examinations.

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