Dental Hygiene, BS

MAJOR CODE: 2062

Graduates of the dental hygiene program serve as consumer advocates for oral healthcare. They are an integral part of the dental team, able to provide instruction and therapeutic services in the prevention of oral diseases. The curriculum combines general education courses, science courses and professional courses. Students experience didactic, laboratory, and clinical education. Successful completion of the program prepares the graduate to take a regional clinical board and a written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, as required for licensure.

Admission Criteria

To be considered for admission into the program, students must meet the following criteria:

1. Complete UAFS admission requirements to include submission of official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
2. Have a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA for all college course work (including transfer work and excluding developmental courses) and be in good academic standing.
3. Complete required prerequisite courses for the dental hygiene program with a minimum of C or higher in each course prior to the application deadline.
4. Take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) exam. See the UAFS Testing Center TEAS webpage for information on the TEAS exam.
5. Submit Dental Office Observation Verification Form (verification forms may be used for two years after the dates of observation).
6. Students may not attempt any course more than twice and be eligible for admission into the dental hygiene program.

NOTE: The application process for the dental hygiene program requires a criminal background check. Licensure in Arkansas also requires a state and federal criminal background check.

Application

Students who meet the above criteria are eligible to apply for admission. Applications can be found online and must be submitted by the date as determined by the program.

Selection

Selection is based on successful completion of the admission criteria and is a highly competitive process. Due to program size limitations, meeting admission requirements does not guarantee admission into the program.  Those with higher GPAs on prerequisite courses and TEAS scores will rank higher in selection.  The most qualified applicants will be contacted after the admissions deadline for an interview. 

Students admitted into the dental hygiene program must submit the following additional documentation prior to fall entry:

1. Health Care Provider Statement/Medical Release form
2. Proof of immunizations
3. CPR Certification: American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers
4. Criminal background check
5. Drug screen

Note: Many clinical facilities require a criminal background check and/or drug screen on CHEHS students and have the authority to deny clinical training in their facility, secondary to the outcome of either screening. Students unable to practice in any clinical agency because of the outcome of either screening will be unable to complete the program objectives, thereby revoking admission into a program or halting continued progression in the student’s program of study.