How to Apply

The information below applies to the Fall 2025 admission cycle.

Fall 2025 Application and Information Packet

All requirements must be completed and all application materials should be received by April 1.  Late applications may not be reviewed after this date. Send all requested material to the CHP Admissions Office. Applicants must provide:

  1. UAMS Application: Complete and submit the online admissions application through Workday. You will find this application under “UAMS CHP Applicant Home (Undergraduate)”. A non-refundable fee of $40 is required and must accompany the Workday Admissions Application submission. Applications can be saved and returned to at a later date but will not be considered for review until the application is submitted and the application fee is paid. Once your application is submitted, you will return to the application site to complete action items related to your application, such as providing transcripts.
  2. Official Transcripts: Arrange for each college or university you have attended to forward an official transcript of your course work. A minimum cumulative GPA and prerequisite GPA of 2.75 is required to apply for admission.  In addition, the GPA of math and science prerequisite courses must be a minimum of 2.75.  Applicants must have completed College Algebra and three out of the five science prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or better prior to the application deadline. All prerequisite courses must be completed by June 1.
  3. Official ACT Scores: Official ACT scores documented on official high school transcripts are acceptable.  A minimum composite score of 20 is preferred.
  4. Professional Observation Form: A professional observation form signed by a dentist or a dental hygienist that documents at least 20 observation hours in a dental office. The form should be uploaded to our Professional Observation Submission Form by the dental office before the application deadline.  Download the Professional Observation Form.
  5. Personal Statement: All applicants must submit a personal statement no longer than 500 words that addresses the following questions: Why do you want to enter the dental hygiene profession?; What are some experiences that have helped to prepare you for your career?; What are your short-term goals?; What are your long-term goals?; What are your strengths?; What are your weaknesses or areas needing improvement?
  6. Letter of Recommendation: A single letter of recommendation, preferably from either a college professor or a supervisor, detailing the applicant’s skills, qualities, and achievements is required. The letter can be uploaded to your application or emailed to chpadmissions@uams.edu.
  7. Interview: The most qualified applicants will be contacted after the admissions deadline to arrange an interview to be conducted in small groups.
  8. TOEFL scores as applicable.  See International Applicants in the Admissions/Academic Information section of the catalog.

*Admission Requirements for Foreign, Non-permanent Resident Alien, and Non-native English Speakers:  All applicants who are not United States citizens or permanent resident aliens or for whom English is not their native language must meet additional admission requirements.  Please consult the Admission/Academic Information section of the CHP Catalog found at this link. Arkansas residency will be considered during selection for admission. Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, national origin or disability status as a criterion in deciding against any individual in matters of admission, placement, transfer, hiring, dismissal, compensation, fringe benefits, training, tuition assistance, and other personnel or educationally-related actions. All documents should be submitted to: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, College of Health Professions, Office of Student Affairs, UAMS, #619, 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205. Telephone (501) 686-5730.

Re-application Policy:  Students who are dismissed from the Dental Hygiene program for academic reasons or withdraw by their own decision and wish to be considered for readmission for a subsequent semester must reapply to the program as new applicants, adhering to all policies and requirements in effect at the time of their reapplication.

**All accepted applicants must consent to a criminal background check and drug screen prior to matriculation. Background checks and drug screens are required by most clinical sites during the didactic and clinical phase of the program. Matriculation into the program is contingent upon acceptable background check and drug screen results. Adverse results of a background check will be considered on an individual basis and may result in an inability to matriculate into the program. Enrolled students may be randomly drug tested throughout the curriculum and clinical sites may require updated background checks. More information about the requirement will be provided to accepted applicants.