Dental Hygiene

At a Glance

As a practicing member of the dental health team, the dental hygienist acts as an educator and motivator in maintenance of oral health and the prevention of dental disease. The practice of dental hygiene directly affects the health of the public and requires mastery of a complex body of knowledge and specialized skills requiring both formal education and clinical experience that serve as standards for entry into the profession. There are many professional roles, which the dental hygienist may assume: participation in community health programs, dental research, or as an active participant in the dental office.

Program Description

The overall goal of the Dental Hygiene Program is to provide students with an educational opportunity to acquire skills, knowledge and professional attitudes necessary for successful employment as competent entry-level, state licensed and nationally certified dental hygienists.  

The Dental Hygiene program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of approval without reporting requirements. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. Graduates of the program are eligible to apply to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE®) and dental hygiene clinical licensure examinations. 

Admission Requirements

NOTE: It is the responsibility of each applicant to ensure that all classes from other institutions have been transferred and to ensure that their application is complete. Admission to the Dental Hygiene Program is competitive, and the number of students is limited. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. 

1. Unconditional admission to the college – College application must be submitted by the program application deadline of June 1.
2. Student must be in good standing with the college.
3. Meet all general admission requirements of WSCC.
4. Receipt of complete program applications accepted between March 1 and June 1 for Fall entry. Applications received after the deadline will be considered on a space available basis.
5. The online application is located at www.wallacestate.edu. Online application instructions are under the Program Application tab. Upon completion of the online application, all applicants are required to submit a General Education Worksheet with all necessary documentation attached. The General Education Worksheet, along with full instructions, can be found in Online Application Instructions.
6. Official transcripts from each college attended must be provided to the Admissions Office and all unofficial transcripts must be attached to the program application General Education Worksheet.
7. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. (Alabama Regulations for Control of Radiation Rule 420-3-03(6), “Occupational Radiation Dose Limits, states that all occupational workers employing ionizing radiation, must be at least 18 years of age).
8. Student must meet the essential functions and technical standards required for the program as documented on the required WSCC physical form at www.wallacestate.edu-see Physical Form Essential Functions.

9. A minimum of 18 ACT composite score (National or Residual) is required for admission consideration. Proof of score must be uploaded to online application.  ACT scores are available on Degree Works reports, transcripts including High School, and through ACT.org. If ordering your score report, please use Code 0083 and allow 4-6 weeks for processing. Wallace will receive your score from ACT and add it on your myWallace account.  To use scores available on ACT.org you will need to print to PDF, we do not accept screenshots. We will accept ACT Superscores from ACT, but not manually calculated ACT Superscores. Higher scores will receive more points in the application process. Scan the document to PDF format and save the file as: your FULL NAME ACT.pdf, you will upload the document to your online application.

10. Attain a minimum GPA of 2.5 or greater on a 4.0 scale with a grade of “C” or better on all required general education requirements

NOTE: It is the responsibility of each applicant to ensure that all classes from other institutions have been transferred and to ensure that their application is complete. Admission to the Dental Hygiene Program is competitive, and the number of students is limited by the number of faculty and clinical facilities available. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance.

Selection and Notification

1. The Dental Hygiene program admits annually each fall semester with a maximum of 30 students.
2. Students must complete all requirements for admission to be considered for selection. General academic required courses must be completed prior to time of application to the program.
3. The selection process involves the applicant’s GPA of required general education requirements excluding ORI 110, high school GPA or college GPA if 12 or more credit hours are completed prior to application and ACT score.
4. Applicants who have completed a Dental Assisting Program from an ADA accredited institution will receive bonus point(s) according to their dental assisting GPA. Applicants who have taken general education courses (in addition to the required general academic courses) for the program will receive bonus point(s) according to the number of general education courses completed at the time of application.
5. Candidates are ranked for admission as outlined on the application instructions and general education worksheet. In the event of a tie of ranking score, in order to fill all available seats, the following criteria will be used as the tiebreaker to determine student acceptance into the program: completion of all program general education courses, cumulative GPA, ACT Math subset score, and date application was received. 
6. Program applications will be reviewed for completion of program admission requirements. Written notification of program acceptance status will be sent to each applicant via information supplied on the program application. 
7. Following acceptance into the program, students must respond confirming their intent to enroll by using the internet link provided on their letter, by the deadline indicated on the letter. A student who fails to respond will forfeit his/her place in the class
8. Students accepted must attend a mandatory orientation session. Failure to do so could result in forfeiture of their place in the class.

Program Expectations

Students admitted into the Dental Hygiene program are expected to comply with the Health Science Program Regulations and Expectations as published in the Programs of Study section of the Wallace State College Catalog.

Upon Admission

1. Students accepted into the program must attend the mandatory orientation session. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of their place in the class.
2. Upon acceptance into the Dental Hygiene Program, the student must submit:
   1. A recent certification (current within one year) of good health from physician, verifying that the student is in good physical and mental health and is able to perform the duties and activities required of Dental Hygienist.
   2. Mantoux TB skin test results and complete immunization documentation must be included on the form.
   3. Evidence of having received the second of three Hepatitis B vaccinations or completion of the series.
   4. Provide proof of health insurance coverage.
   5. Provide proof of BLS CPR certification. Online CPR classes will not be accepted.

Admission to the Dental Hygiene program shall be provisional depending upon the student’s ability to pass an initial drug screen and background check. Students may be subjected to random drug testing during the length of the program. Students are required to carry liability, accident, and medical insurance for the duration of program enrollment. Students cannot begin preclinical or clinical sessions until copies of the health certificate, Hepatitis immunization status, CPR certification and health insurance card are on file. Liability and accident insurance are available through the college. Students should provide copies of the above documents at the mandatory orientation.

Progression

Uninterrupted progression through the Dental Hygiene program is required. Any student whose progression is interrupted must reapply for readmission. If progression is interrupted for any reason, the student may only be readmitted one time. Any changes in the curriculum or admission procedures will be applicable upon the student’s readmission. Students selected to the Dental Hygiene program must meet the following criteria:

1. Progress through all Dental Hygiene courses in the sequence specified by the program faculty.
2. Maintain a minimum grade of 75% or higher in major required courses. Students must attain a “C” in general and major required courses. Failure to do so will result in dismissal from the program.
3. Maintain the ability to meet the Essential Functions.
4. Successfully complete the program within 24 months from the initial semester of DHY courses.
5. Maintain Current CPR at the health care provider level.
6. Abide by the policies, procedures, and rules of behavior of the college and the Dental Hygiene program.
7. Abide by the policies, procedures, and rules of behavior of the clinical agencies.
8. Submit completed medical forms by required deadlines.
9. Individuals who have received a certificate or degree in Dental Assisting from an ADA accredited institution may receive advanced standing for previously completed courses including DHY 120-Dental Materials and DHY 114-Dental Radiology (If these courses were completed no more than two years prior to enrollment in the program).
10. A student who withdraws or is dismissed from the program may re-apply for admission one time only.
11. Due to the complex and progressive nature of the material presented in the dental hygiene program, any student who is dismissed or withdraws from the program must repeat all courses of the program regardless of the grades obtained.
12. Students are required to pass the Dental Hygiene Exit Exam in DHY 220. Failure to pass the exit exam will result in a failing grade for DHY 220, regardless of other grades or competencies achieved.

Readmission

Students who withdraw or are dismissed from the program must apply for re-admission. No preferential consideration is given to prior students for re-admission. Students will be readmitted ONE time only.

Career Path

The Dental Hygiene curriculum prepares students to function as dental hygienists in private dental offices. Other career opportunities include teaching, research, community service and public health.

Employment of dental hygienists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. The demand for dental services will increase as the population ages and as research continues to link oral health to overall health. It is also in the top ten highest paying careers with an Associate’s degree. The national average salary for dental hygienists is $76,220. The average salary in the state of Alabama is $48,090. In the area of Huntsville and Birmingham, the average salary is $49,785. (Statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics)

The WSCC Dental Hygiene Program courses will be accepted for transfer to Athens State and the University of Alabama at Birmingham in the Bachelor Degree in Health Science.

Degree completion programs are available nationally for those interested in obtaining advanced degrees in Dental Hygiene.

NOTE: The Guided Pathways Curricular Maps contain all the elements required for degree/certificate completion. However, courses may be offered or taken in other semesters so long as general academic courses are met. Additional options for elective courses are available. Please see DegreeWorks for allowable substitutions. Courses may be available days, nights, hybrid, and online. Sample maps for part-time attendance may also be available. Please see an advisor.