Dental Hygiene, A.S.

The Goodwin University Dental Hygiene Program (DHP) is designed to equip students with the skills to become professionals ready to assist the public and the community. The program provides clinical and therapeutic services as well as dental hygiene education. The program is centered on evidence-based learning with the theoretical foundation and hands-on classwork that prepares students for the workforce and engenders an appreciation for lifelong learning. Twenty-eight (28) students are accepted each summer semester into the program. The date of application submission and points attained in the Selection Point System will dictate the class roster’s placement order.

Dental hygienists are required to be licensed in the state where they practice. Upon completion of the 80 credit-curriculum, students are qualified to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA), which are requirements for state licensure. The Goodwin University Dental Hygiene Program has been granted accreditation status by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation for Dental Hygiene Education Programs as: Approval without reporting requirements.

Admissions Requirements

The Goodwin University Dental Hygiene Program is a rigorous and intensive program that is both physically and mentally demanding. Due to the limited number of seats in the program, admission is based on specific entrance criteria as well as a ranking point system. To qualify for admission, the applicant must:

1. Complete the application for admission to the Dental Hygiene Program. If you are applying directly from another institution and have successfully completed all pre-requisite courses, you do not need to complete the general application to Goodwin University until you receive official acceptance into the Dental Hygiene Program.
2. Have a minimum college GPA of 2.7 at the time of application.
3. Must successfully pass a background check, drug test and Department of Children and Families check before official acceptance into the Dental Hygiene Program will be granted. Forms are provided by program personnel.
4. Complete all prerequisite courses with a passing grade unless otherwise noted.
5. Have completed Introduction to Psychology: PSY 112  or equivalent, Computer Literacy Elective: CAP 1XX or equivalent, and English Composition: ENG 101  or equivalent, with a passing grade.
6. Have completed Math (Intermediate algebra or higher) and Chemistry (CHEM 101 ) with a “C” or better.
7. Have completed Anatomy & Physiology I within five years with a “C+” or better.
8. Student may be enrolled or have completed Microbiology within ten years with a “C+” or better.
9. Student may be enrolled in Anatomy & Physiology II at the time of application. The course must be successfully completed before beginning the first DHP course or within the last five years with a “C+” or better.
10. Be able to perform all functions and tasks required of a dental hygienist. As part of the curriculum, the student is required to fully participate in all clinic/rotation/community enrichment activities. These activities require the student to be prepared physically and mentally to avoid risks to the safety of a patient or the student.
11. Provide documentation of 8 hours of observation of dental hygiene services in the prior 12 months.
12. Due to large applicant numbers, there will be no interview. Students are required to write a 500-word essay that will be used as part of the point system. Upon receipt of the application, qualifying students will be notified to make an appointment to handwrite the essay, in person. The topic of the essay will be given when the student presents for the appointment

Point System

The Goodwin University Dental Hygiene Program has limited capacity: a point system has been developed for the selection of prospective candidates. The system was developed to maintain objectivity and to follow the Dental Hygiene program’s goals and competencies. The points will be calculated by the program director.

General Education GPA Per Course (Based on the following courses: Math, English Composition, Introduction/General Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology I & II, Microbiology & Introduction to Psychology)		Score
2.7 - 3.0		1
3.1 - 3.5		2
3.6 - 4.0		3
Overall College GPA (Based on a minimum of 12 credits. Students with less than 12 credits will be given a score of 1 point only)
2.7 - 3.0		1
3.1 - 3.5		2
3.6 - 4.0		3
Completion of Courses at Goodwin University
1 course		1
2 courses		2
3 courses		3
4 courses		4
5 courses		5
6 courses		6
7 courses		7
Previous College Education
Associates Degree		2
Bachelor’s Degree		3
Master’s Degree		4
Essay (Writing Skills)
Poor (23-28)		1
Average (29-34)		2
Excellent (35-40)		3
Total Possible Points		38

Accepted Students

DHP students will be required to provide documentation of a Physical Exam (within 2 years) and immunizations prior to starting the program. Student immunizations must remain current throughout the program. Immunization requirements include:

• Hepatitis B vaccination or titer
• Influenza vaccination (within 1 year)
• MMR vaccination or titer
• Varicella vaccination or titer
• Tetanus vaccination (within 7 years)
• Two-step PPD vaccination (within 1 year)

All students must provide proof of CPR certification by the American Heart Association prior to semester 2.

All students must successfully pass a background check, DCF check and drug test before official acceptance into the DHP Program will be granted. Forms are provided by program personnel.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates will be able to:

1. Provide competent dental hygiene care for patients of all age groups including geriatric, adults, adolescents and children.
2. Demonstrate the process of care in dental hygiene for all age groups including those with medical, physical, psychological, cognitive and social needs: assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, education and evaluation.
3. Implement effective communication to deliver culturally competent and inter-professional health care to diverse populations.
4. Implement the use of dental technology and learning platforms to provide comprehensive dental hygiene treatment and complete program assignments and student self-assessments.
5. Evaluate and incorporate current scientific literature to support evidence based dental hygiene care.
6. Create, implement and evaluate community-based health programs that will improve health outcomes and reduce disparities in marginalized populations.

Dental Hygiene Department Policies

Policies specific to the Dental Hygiene program may be found in the Dental Hygiene Student Handbook.