Program Info
Minimum credits: 72
Length: 5 semesters, including 10 weeks of summer school in year 1
Division: Arts, Sciences, & Business
Contact: 434.797.8548 or 434.797.8402
Award: Associate of Applied Science
Plan Code: 221-636-04 CIP Code: 51.0602
Program Description
The Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene prepares graduates to work as primary preventive oral health professionals licensed to practice dental hygiene. Dental hygienists clean teeth, examine patients for signs of oral diseases such as gingivitis, and provide other preventive dental care. They also educate patients on ways to improve and maintain good oral health. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be eligible to take national, regional, and state board examinations leading to licensure as a registered dental hygienist (RDH).
Accreditation: This program has been granted the accreditation status of “approval with reporting requirements” by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. https://www.ada.org/en/coda.
Admission Requirements: In addition to general college admission requirements, applicants must complete the prerequisites listed below with a grade of “C” or higher by the end of the spring semester prior to beginning the program:
The applicant’s high school or college (if applicable) cumulative grade point average (GPA) must be at least 2.75. College GPA is based on at least 12 credit hours in a 12-month time frame. The GPA is determined at the end of the fall semester prior to admission. Priority consideration will be given to applicants with a cumulative high school and/or college grade point average of 3.0 or above. All qualified applicants must take the TEAS Test.
Note: Individuals with a felony or misdemeanor conviction may not be allowed to take the licensing exam. This decision is made by the Virginia Board of Dentistry. For questions regarding this issue, call the VBD at 804.367.4538. Clinical agencies may require that students have periodic background checks and drug screenings completed at the student’s expense before beginning enrichment rotations. VWCC requires a clear background and drug test prior to admission.
Admission Procedures: Admission to the VWCC-DCC joint venture distance program site in Danville is offered to qualified applicants on a biennial basis during odd-numbered years. Deadline for submitting complete application materials is December 1st in the even years for the upcoming academic year. If the number of qualified applicants falls below the maximum enrollment, the application deadline may be extended. Applicants should be aware that meeting the curriculum admission standards does not guarantee program admission. Applicants will be notified in writing of the action taken by the Dental Hygiene Admissions Committee in May.
Students interested in this program should consult the VWCC catalog for additional information on admissions, VWCC policy on Infectious Disease Status, Essential Dental Hygiene Functions, Clinical Environment, Student Responsibilities, Student Retention and Readmission Policy, which can be accessed at www.virginiawestern.edu/academics/health/dental.
Students who have begun a dental hygiene program at an accredited institution other than Virginia Western may be considered for admission by transfer if there is class availability and if certain conditions are met. Students interested in transfer should consult the VWCC Dental Hygiene program page for transfer criteria.
Retention Policy: Satisfactory progress is demonstrated by achieving a grade of C or better in required Dental Hygiene and Natural Science courses. Students must satisfactorily complete BIO 150 with a grade of C or above before progressing to the second year of the program. Because curricular components build upon each other over the five semesters, students must complete required Dental Hygiene courses in sequence.
Program Outcomes (from VWCC): Students will demonstrate the following:
- A thorough understanding of infection control.
- Ability to gather the appropriate medical history information from clients.
- Ability to use dental hygiene skills to provide patient care to treat complex dental issues.
Note: Degree is awarded by Virginia Western Community College (VWCC). Courses are held at DCC.
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