Getting Started - Dental Hygiene

ADMISSION PROCESS OVERVIEW

Here's how to get started in the Dental Hygiene Associate in Applied Science program.

BEFORE YOU APPLY

• Plan for a full-time commitment: Succeeding in this program requires a dedicated schedule of classroom instruction, hands-on lab work, and off-site clinical rotations, plus significant study time. Due to strict attendance policies and changing shift hours, students are strongly advised to minimize outside work commitments.
• Understand daily job expectations: Be fully prepared for the daily realities of hands-on patient care, which includes routine exposure to saliva, blood, sharps, and close-contact clinical environments. Additionally, you must be prepared to learn and perform clinical procedures such as administering local anesthesia (giving injections).
• Recruit your own patients: Understand that you will be directly responsible for recruiting and securing your own clinical patients throughout the program. To meet strict graduation requirements, you must find individuals who fit specific clinical profiles (such as specific age groups or advanced periodontal needs) to sit in your chair.
• Complete health and safety clearances: Ensure you can fulfill mandatory program requirements, including standard immunizations, a background check, and routine drug screenings.
• Arrange your own travel: Plan to secure your own transportation to required clinical assignments.
• Plan for professional licensing: Remember that graduating is your first step; you must also pass a professional examination and meet state licensure requirements before practicing as a dental hygienist.
• Submit transcripts officially: Send all official transcripts and scores through the main college submission process to receive transfer credit. The health science department cannot accept or evaluate documents delivered directly to them.
• Budget for extra program costs: Plan ahead for out-of-pocket expenses like background checks, drug screens, physicals, immunizations, uniforms and exam fees. Most of these additional costs are not covered by financial aid.

QUICK FACTS

• Phase I: 9 courses required (making C or better with 3.0 GPA)
• Phase II: 20 courses required / 5 semesters (making C or better)

• Barton Campus/Dental Technology Building (112)

• Average number of applicants: 85
• Number accepted per year: 28

WHAT IS A CAREER TALK?

Career Talk is a self-paced, comprehensive digital presentation that provides specific information about the profession and job responsibilities, certifications and credentials, what to expect in the program and details of the admissions process. Due to the complex nature of the weighted admissions process, you may want to review the career talk as soon as you have an interest in the program to make sure you have a clear understanding of the career and the acceptance process.

Completing the Career Talk and survey for your program is required for all Health Sciences students. Your completion of Career Talk is valid for one year - if you do not start the program within one year, you will have to complete another Career Talk.

SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCES POLICIES

The Dental Hygiene program strictly adheres to all School of Health Sciences policies detailed on the Health Sciences admissions information page.

Immunization Requirements

All students admitted to programs in the School of Health Sciences must meet the immunization requirements outlined by affiliated clinical sites. If you are not currently immunized or anticipate requesting an exemption, you must disclose this before submitting your application. Review the Immunization Policy before you apply.

WHEN DO I APPLY FOR DENTAL HYGIENE PHASE II?

Readiness check:

• Have you completed the Career Talk within the past year?
• Have you reviewed the School of Health Sciences policies?
• Have you completed all Phase I courses with a "C" or better and a technical GPA of 3.0 or higher?
  — OR —
  Are you in your final Phase I courses this semester while maintaining those exact grade and GPA standards for everything finished so far?
• Have you confirmed that all official documentation (transcripts, grades, etc.) has been received, fully processed, and is visible in Self Service?

READY TO APPLY FOR PHASE II

If you have met all the requirements above and the application window is currently active, you are ready to apply and submit your documentation.

How to Earn Weighted Admission Points

• Grades in Phase I Courses: Higher points are awarded for "A" and "B" grades in core prerequisites such as Anatomy & Physiology.
• Previous College Credentials: Additional points are added if you already hold a verified college degree or diploma.
• Healthcare Work Experience: Verified, previous employment history in a hands-on patient care environment increases your score.
• Military Experience: Additional points in recognition of Active Duty, Reserve, Honorable Discharge or Retired Veteran.
• Freshman Seminar Completion: Successfully completing COL 105 awards specific allocated points to your application.
• Professional Licensing: Holding a current national certification or state licensure in an approved healthcare discipline boosts your total. (See page 36 in the Career Talk Booklet for a complete list of accepted certifications.)

AFTER YOU APPLY FOR PHASE II - WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

• Admission decisions are based on weighted admission scores and are made after the application deadline.
• Applicants are notified in early June via their Greenville Technical College email.
• Applicants notified of initial acceptance into Phase II have a conditional admission, pending a negative drug screen, clear background check, suitable physical exam/laboratory results and immunization records. Accepted students will secure their seat by submitting a Letter of Intent, consenting to the required criminal background check, and completing the required drug screening.
• Confirmed students must attend a mandatory new student orientation for the Dental Hygiene program held in mid-June. 

REQUIREMENTS AFTER ACCEPTANCE INTO PHASE II

After you are accepted into Phase II, but before you begin program courses, you will be required to

• Attend all program courses and clinical assignments, arrive on time and provide your own transportation to all assigned locations.
• Have an acceptable background for seven years prior to entering Phase II. Some convictions greater than seven years old may prevent progression through the program.
• Submit a physical exam form completed by a licensed practicing physician or certified nurse practitioner, indicating good physical and mental health with current immunizations.
• Submit to drug screening. Must have a negative 10-panel drug screen. Students are strictly prohibited from being under the influence of alcohol or any drug/medication which alters behavior or appearance of capability while engaged in any portion of their formal educational experience.
• Submit documentation of current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider CPR certification (must be maintained throughout Phase II once admitted into this program).
• Complete assigned pre-clinical education training requirements prior to the start of clinical experiences and annually thereafter.