Dental Hygiene, A.S.

The DHP 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 DHP. 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 DHP.
2. Have a minimum college GPA of 2.7 at the time of application.
3. Successfully pass a background check, drug test, and Department of Children and Families check before official acceptance into the DHP will be granted. Forms are provided by program personnel.
4. Complete all prerequisite courses with a passing grade unless otherwise noted.
5. Complete all General Education Core Requirements, Non-Major Core Requirements, PSY 112  - Introduction to Psychology or equivalent, CAP 1XX - Computer Literacy Elective or equivalent, and ENG 101  - English or equivalent with a passing grade unless otherwise noted.
6. Complete Math 1XX (Intermediate algebra or higher) and CHEM 101  - Chemistry with a “C” or higher.
7. Complete BIO 211 - Anatomy & Physiology I within five years with a “C+” or higher.
8. Be enrolled or have completed BIO 235 - Microbiology within ten years with a “C+” or higher.
9. Be enrolled in BIO 212 - 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 higher.
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. 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 hand write the essay, in person. The topic of the essay will be given when the student presents for the appointment. Due to the large applicant numbers, there will be no interview.

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 the 2nd semester.

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.