Dental Hygiene, College of Health Sciences, UA Fort Smith

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Dental Hygiene

General Information

Graduates of the dental hygiene program serve as consumer advocates for oral health care. They are an integral part of the dental team, able to provide instruction and therapeutic services in the prevention of oral diseases. The eighty-three credit hour curriculum combines general education, biomedical science, and dental science and dental hygiene courses culminating in an associate of applied science degree. Students participate in didactic, laboratory and clinical education experiences. Successful completion of the program prepares the graduate to sit for the National Dental Hygiene Board Examination, and to become a registered dental hygienist.

Admission to the program is highly selective. A grade of "C" or above is required in all science/math and major courses in order to progress within the program.

Accreditation

The Dental Hygiene Program is accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).

Mission Statement

The Dental Hygiene Program derives its purposes and functions from the mission statement of the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith. Our primary purpose is to provide the highest quality education while recognizing and respecting the dignity of each individual student. We are committed to contributing to the oral health needs of the community by providing high quality care in a cost efficient manner.

The Dental Hygiene Program strives to provide a variety of quality academic, laboratory, preclinical and clinical learning experiences that prepare students to assume the role of a dental hygienist in a variety of practice settings. Students, while having the responsibility for their own learning, are provided with an environment for effective learning by the faculty. The Dental Hygiene faculty encourages students to attain their professional goals while realizing their individual potential as learners and beginning professionals.

Program Goals

To graduate clinically competent and ethical dental hygienists who will promote the values of oral and general health and wellness to the public.
To provide a quality educational program that meets the needs of the students, employers and educational community.
To graduate dental hygienists who are able to initiate and assume responsibility for health promotion and disease prevention activities for diverse populations in a variety of settings.
To create a physical and emotional atmosphere conducive to learning.
To graduate dental hygienists who possess transferable skills, e.g. in communication, problem solving, and critical thinking, in order to take advantage of opportunities for professional growth and development.

Admission Criteria

Admission to the UA Fort Smith Dental Hygiene Program is selective. The goal of this institution is to prepare highly competent dental hygienists who will demonstrate ethical and professional conduct with patients/clients. To accomplish this goal, admission criteria have been established to evaluate applicant suitability. To be considered for admission into the program, students must meet the following criteria:

Complete admission requirements to enter UA Fort Smith.
Submit transcripts from all other college(s) attended.
Meet minimum skill levels in reading and math according to one of the following criteria: Provide recent (within four years) ACT or COMPASS scores indicating no reading required and placement into MATH 1403 College Algebra or higher or provide college transcript(s) indicating acceptable reading and math placement.
Have a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average for all college course work (excluding zero-level development courses).
Complete and submit application for admission into the Dental Hygiene program by the application deadline.
Complete required prerequisite courses for the Dental Hygiene program prior to the application deadline.
Take the Revised Psychological Services Bureau (PSB) Health Occupations Aptitude Examination.
Submit Dental Office Observation Verification Form; a minimum of 50 hours is required, 10 hours with a dentist and 40 hours with two dental hygienists from two different dental offices (no more than 25 hours observing a single hygienist). Verification forms may be used for two years after the dates of observation.
Must be 18 years of age prior to the August starting date.

Note: Students who have been convicted of a felony may not be eligible for licensure in the State of Arkansas.

Dental Hygiene Program Information Packet

Dental Office Observation Verification Form

Application & Selection Process

Since the Dental Hygiene Program usually has more applicants than positions available, admission is competitive.

Students who meet the minimum criteria are eligible to submit an application for admission to the Dental Hygiene Program. Eligible students must contact the Coordinator of Academic Support Services for the College of Health Sciences during the 30 days prior to the application deadline to schedule an appointment. The program application will be completed at this appointment.

Application Deadline

May 20 for the class starting in August. Applicants will be notified regarding selection by the end of June.

Ranking System

Selection is based on the following system.

PSB Health Occupations Aptitude Examination	35 percent
Quality Points Prescribed Courses Only	35 percent
Personal Interview	30 percent

In the event applicants have identical total scores, priority will be given to the highest cumulative grade point average in all college course work, including transfer work and excluding zero level developmental courses.

MEETING THE MINIMUM CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION DOES NOT GUARANTEE ADMISSION TO THE PROGRAM. Students not admitted must reapply to be considered for another class. Students chosen as alternates are not guaranteed a position in the next class.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Credit

If a student has received college credit through CLEP for a course, the student will be given quality points equivalent to a grade of �B� for ranking purposes.

Revised PSB Health Occupations Aptitude Examination

This test will be given at least 5 times a year. Test information will be available the first week of each semester in the Student Advisement Center CC219, the Testing Center CC205 and on the College of Health Sciences web page.

Pay the UA Fort Smith cashier the $15.00 non-refundable examination fee and obtain a receipt. Take the receipt to the Testing Center and sign up for desired test date. NOTE: Test dates may be changed within the same testing cycle if space is available.
Tests are available on a first-come, first-serve basis until the maximum number is reached. Students may register for a test until the working day before the test unless the maximum number has already been reached.
If a student does not test during the test cycle, the test fee will not be refunded and the receipt will not be held for the next testing cycle.

Students may take the test once per year, with the most recent score being used for ranking purposes. Scores may be used for two years following the date of examination.

Pre-Entrance Exam Dates

2007-2008 Exam Dates & Registration Form

Degree Requirements

View the degree requirements for the AAS in Dental Hygiene.

Student Health Statement/Medical Release Form

Students accepted into the Dental Hygiene program will be required to submit the Student Health Statement/Medical Release Form and documentation of all immunization records and valid CPR certification to the Dental Hygiene program director by August 1st. No student will be allowed to attend a clinical rotation without the required health data records on file in the program director's office.

Acceptable CPR certification training:

American Heart Association "CPR for Healthcare Providers"
American Red Cross "CPR for the Professional Rescuer" with AED

The immunization documentation required includes:

PPD (two step tuberculin skin test initially then one step annually)
TD: Tetanus (must be within the last 10 years)
Hepatitis B (three injection series) or signed waiver
MMR (two if first immunization was before age 12 and born after 1957)
VZV recommended (only for those students who have not had chicken pox) or signed waiver

Student Health Statement/Medical Release Form

Progression & Graduation

Progression

The Dental Hygiene Program is competency based both didactically and clinically. To continue in the program, the student must maintain satisfactory clinical performance and a 75 percent average through each didactic course. A student who drops for academic or other reasons may apply for readmission but is not guaranteed a position. Unless there are extenuating circumstances, a student is limited to ONE readmission into the program.

A grade of "C" or better is required in all courses applicable to the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Dental Hygiene. Science courses taken more than five years prior to entering the program will be evaluated on an individual basis by the program director and/or college dean. See your advisor for more information and to request a science course evaluation.

Graduation

Upon successful completion of the program with a grade point average of 2.0 or better, an Associate of Applied Science is awarded. The student must meet with their program advisor to complete the graduation application. The student is responsible for providing the Records Office with evidence that the criteria for graduation have been met one month prior to graduation.

Clinical Education

The UA Fort Smith clinic, located on the grounds of the University,is a fully staffed dental hygiene clinic serving students in their preparation for future endeavors as registered dental hygienists. The clinic is equipped with 15 treatment rooms to serve the residents of the Fort Smith community for their dental hygiene needs. Theoretical instruction in infection control/aseptic techniques/safety practices, current principles of instrumentation, and assessment collection and procedures are brought into the clinical arena to be implemented by the student dental hygienist.

Expenses

Tuition And Fees

Tuition
In State	$143
Out-of-State	$306
Additional Fees and Expenses
Fitness Center Fee (per semester)	$10
Parking Fee (per semester)	$20
Registration Fee (per semester)	$25
Clinical Fee (per course)	$25
Instrument Kit	$3100
Books	$1200
Uniforms and Supplies	$150
Pre-entrance Exam	$15
National/Regional/State Board Exams	$1090
Total Estimated Cost of Attendance
In State	$17,984
Out-of-State	$31,513

Estimated cost for the 2007-2008 school year - costs may change without notice and additional costs may be incurred throughout the program's entirety.

Student American Dental Hygienists' Association

Students are expected to become members of their professional organization. The UA Fort Smith Student American Dental Hygienists� Association (SADHA) is our student organization and is the student component of the Arkansas Dental Hygienists' Association and the American Dental Hygienists� Association. Membership is limited to students enrolled in the dental hygiene program. Being a member of your professional organization shows a commitment to the profession of dental hygiene and the goals to which it aspires.

There are many rewards of membership. Students receive two publications: Journal of Dental Hygiene and Access magazine which allow you to keep up with your chosen profession. In addition, when you graduate, there are other benefits such as low rates on loans, insurance, car rentals, self-study courses for continuing education and Visa/Master card programs. Your professional organization lobbies for your best interests and fights against any threats to the profession of dental hygiene.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Career Opportunities

Private dental practices
Veterinary dentistry practices
Dental supply and product companies
Correctional Facilities
Insurance Companies
Public health dental facilities

Dental Hygiene Clinic

Dental services are provided to the public under the direct supervision of dental hygiene and dental faculty.

Learn More about the Dental Hygiene Clinic.

Online Resources

Contact Information

Genice Dooly, Dental Hygiene Program Director, 479-788-7275, gdooly@uafortsmith.edu
Student Advisement at 479-788-7400, advise@uafortsmith.edu

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