How long is the program? Two academic years; four semesters which are 15 weeks long and one 4 week summer session between the junior and senior years.
How many students are in each class? The class capacity for each year is 36 students.
Can out-of-state students apply and be accepted? Yes.
Can I work while going to dental hygiene school? We recommend that students not work if at all possible, but if they must work, limit the number of hours worked per week to not more than 8 to 10 hours.
What hours will be in attendance at school while enrolled in the dental hygiene program? We advise students that the schedule may be 8:00 to 5:00 on some days, and to therefore, not schedule other activities.
What is the deadline for admission applications? April 1
When do classes begin? Students are admitted once a year for the fall semester, and classes begin in August.
Is it “hard” to get accepted into the program? Admission to the program is competitive and based on the following factors:
Academic Achievement in Math and Science
Overall Academic Achievement
Leadership and Professionalism
Written and Oral Communication
Should I send a college transcript for all college coursework? Yes, it is a requirement for admission.
Is financial aid available? Yes. Interested individuals may contact the Office of Student Financial Aid (telephone 501-686-5451) for information concerning available grants, loans and scholarships.
Is experience as a dental assistant helpful? Yes. Familiarity with the dental work setting and terminology is helpful.
Do I have to have every prerequisite course completed before I can apply for admission? No, at the time of the application deadline, College Algebra and three out of five of the science requirements must be completed. The rest of the prerequisites must be completed by June 1.
What courses are recommended as electives? Consult the Dental Hygiene program at 501-686-5734.
If I am past the traditional college age, am I too old to enter dental hygiene? Certainly not. Student ages in the program range from 20 to 40 or older.
Are dental hygienists at risk for Infectious diseases? Dental hygienists are at no greater risk than any other health care professional. Policies and procedures for immunization, testing, and post-exposure incidents have been developed to comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), American Dental Association (ADA), American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), and extramural site recommendations or policies. Dental hygiene students, in the course of their clinical responsibilities, have exposure to blood, blood products, tissue, secretions, or body fluids of patients potentially containing hepatitis B (HBV) and are at risk for HBV as well as other infectious diseases.
