Welcome to The Department of Dental Hygiene!

Are you wondering if a career in Dental Hygiene is the right choice for you?

• Are you interested in an academic career in the health sciences?
• Would you like to promote and provide oral health care to all?
• Would you enjoy direct patient care?
• Would you like the security of a specialized career?
• Would you like flexible working hours with a wide range of career options?
• Are you interested in patient education and public health?
• Would you like the potential to earn a great salary?

Dental Hygiene may be the career for you!

"A dental hygienist is a licenced oral health care professional who integrates the roles of clinician, educator, consumer advocate, manager, change agent and researcher to prevent oral disease and to promote health.  The primary function of the dental hygienist include working as an integral part of the dental health team and assisting individuals and groups in obtaining and maintaining optimal oral health.  Associated activities include the prevention and control of dental diseases and related disorders."  (Dental Hygiene Theory and Practice, Saunders, St. Louis, MO, 2003)

How do I gain Admission into the Dental Hygiene Program at TSU?

High School and College Prerequisites:

1. High School Prerequisites are one year of:
   -  Algebra, Chemistry, and Biology.
   -  If you are deficient in any of theses courses, we will accept one semester at the college level.
2. The College Prerequisites are:
   -  English Composition I, Microbiology, Anatomy & Physiology I and II and a Humanities course.
   -  All of the prerequisite courses must be passed with a "C" grade or better.
3. A departmental minimum score of 19 on ACT, or SAT equivalent, is required.
4. GPA minimun 2.70 at college level and 2.5 at high school level based on a 4.0 scale.

Admission to the Dental Hygiene Program

• Admission into the dental hygiene program  is competitive.  The final deadline is January 15th.  Interviews are conducted in the spring prior to the fall semester of application.  Any application recieved after January 15th will not be considered.
  
• Two degree programs are offered by the Department of Dental Hygiene:  The Associate of Applied Sceince and the Bachelor of Science/Degree Completion.  The Bachelor of Science/Degree Completion may serve as a foundation for further study.
  
• Graduates of the Dental Hygiene program are eligible for the National Dental Hygiene Board Examination and Regional/State Board Examinations throughout the country.
  
• A student must be accepted into the University before applying to the Dental Hygiene program.  Admission into Dental Hygiene is required prior to enrolling in any Dental Hygiene courses.

NOTE:  Acceptance into the University does not ensure acceptance into the Dental Hygiene program.  Following notification of acceptance to the University by the Office of Admissions and Records, the propsective dental hygiene applicant's admsision material will be evaluated by the Dental Hygiene Admissions Committee.  Dental Hygiene applicants will be informed of their acceptance or rejection by the Admissions Committee.

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.