Erie Community College, State University of New York

DENTAL HYGIENE

Characteristics of Successful Dental Hygiene Students

Applicants to the dental hygiene program should have a well-rounded academic background with strong preparation in the sciences. The two-year program is a rigorous schedule of academic and clinical courses which requires a full-time commitment. In addition to spending time in lectures, labs, and clinics each week, students must devote considerable out-of-class time to study and the preparation of assignments. The physical demands of dental hygiene practice require good vision, depth perception, and hand-eye coordination to perform finely detailed clinical procedures. Individuals should be free of serious hand, wrist or back problems and should not have allergies or skin conditions which prevent use of required infection control items such as surgical masks, gloves, soaps or disinfectants. Successful dental hygiene students also demonstrate the following personal characteristics: good study habits and test-taking skills; excellent communication ability; good written, verbal, and interpersonal skills; an interest in sciences and working with people; good manual dexterity; highly motivated with good stress coping skills, and the ability to accept constructive criticism; the financial and personal support to carry a full-time academic schedule; mature behavior that takes responsibility for actions; and an understanding that effort is essential and expected but that it is performance that counts. Arrangements for financial assistance and personal needs such as child care should be completed three months prior to the anticipated start of classes.

Special Admissions Requirements/Prerequisites

The clinical dental hygiene course sequence begins in the Fall semester. Admission is competitive and limited to 60 students. Completed applications and supporting transcripts must be received in the North Campus Admissions Office by March 31st for Fall admission. Applications received after that date are considered on a space available basis. Acceptances are contingent on satisfactory College Placement Test results and successful completion of current academic courses.

The Admissions Office has responsibility for selecting qualified applicants who have the potential for successfully completing the dental hygiene program. To be considered for admission to the dental hygiene program, applicants must demonstrate evidence of the following requirements:

• Current high school graduates - a cumulative average of88% or higher and courses in general biology and
  chemistry at 88% or higher. Reading and writing competencies at the EN 110 level and mathematics competency at the MT 007 level as determined by the College Placement Tests.
• Current college students - internal and external college transfer applicants must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and grades of "C" or higher in general education courses required in the dental hygiene curriculum. Reading and writing competencies must be at the EN 110 level and mathematics competencies at the MT 007 level. Applicants who have not had a chemistry course must take CH 100 & CH 101 or CH 200& CH 201 (General Chemistry with lab). Applicants who have not had a biology course must take BI 149 (Survey of Anatomy & Physiology) or BI 107 (Human Biology) prior to BI 150/151 (Anatomy & Physiology with lab). Preference is given to qualified applicants who have completed EN 110, BI 150, BI 151, BI 230, & BI 231.

Most dental hygiene students elect to complete required general education courses in the curriculum prior to entering clinical courses. This path is helpful to students who have other personal responsibilities. Applicants who do not meet admission requirements may be accepted to an extended curriculum option. This is an individually developed schedule of courses based on the applicant’s academic background and College Placement Test results. This path provides an opportunity to meet program admission requirements for clinical courses. Students may begin either option in Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters and at any campus.