Dental Hygiene Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission into the program, students must meet the following criteria:

1. Complete university admission requirements to include submission of official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
2. Have a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA for all college coursework (including transfer work and excluding developmental courses) and be in good academic standing
3. Complete required prerequisite courses for the dental hygiene program with a minimum of C or higher in each course before the application deadline
4. Take the Psychological Services Bureau (PSB) Health Occupations Aptitude Examination
5. Submit Dental Office Observation Verification Form (Verification forms may be used for two years after the dates of observation.)
6. Students may not attempt any course more than twice and be eligible for admission into the dental hygiene program.

NOTE:  The application process for the dental hygiene program requires a criminal background check. Licensure in Arkansas also requires a state and federal criminal background check.

Admission into the dental hygiene program is competitive. Students who meet the minimum criteria identified above are eligible to apply for admission. 

1. Application Deadline – May 20 for fall entry into the program
2. Eligible students must apply for admission to the advising coordinator for the College of Health, Education, and Human Sciences before the application deadline.

Phase One: Ranking Score

• 40% - Quality points earned for prerequisites on the dental hygiene degree plan (College credit through CLEP or AP for a course will not be used for ranking purposes.)
• 30% - Score earned on the PSB Exam
• 30% - Cumulative GPA

The panel will select a maximum of 16 students that demonstrate the potential to:

• Succeed in the program
• Meet the didactic and clinical rigors of the program
• Demonstrate the necessary interpersonal skills to work as a team and interact with clients of varying ages and backgrounds
• Complete the National Board and clinical licensure examinations
• Be a viable part of the healthcare and dental fields

To meet the expected student learning outcomes for the dental hygiene program, the student must be able to meet the following performance requirements:

• Motor skills/physical health: Students must possess sufficient physical ability and health to adequately acquire technical skills for the practice of dental hygiene that includes: specific diagnostic procedures; manipulation of hand instruments and air-driven instruments utilizing fine motor skills; hand and eye coordination; superior hand and finger dexterity; operating dental equipment; providing basic life support if needed; lifting or assisting patients into the dental chair if needed; ability to sit or stand for long periods; ability to work on average 8 hours per day or more; the ability for repetitive motions utilizing hand, arm and shoulders for the performance of the various oral hygiene procedures. This list provides some but not all possible abilities that the student must possess to provide safe treatment for patients.
• Sensory/Observation Ability: Students must have visual acuity, either corrected or normal, with the ability to read syringes, labels, instructions, and various equipment utilized by the dental hygienist. The student should also be able to see with normal color spectrums to differentiate different color-coded equipment and supplies. The student must have an auditory function that is sufficient to understand normal speaking voices without viewing the speaker’s face and take/hear blood pressure with a stethoscope.
• Communication: Students must possess the ability to communicate effectively through reading, speaking, and writing with patients, peers, and faculty to provide effective patient care. Communication encompasses speaking as well as reading and assimilating information. The student should have sufficient speaking skills as well as the ability to engage in conversation. Communication skills are essential for gathering pertinent information throughout the dental hygiene process of care and to gather information for evidence-based practice. Students must be able to write clearly and legibly, providing concise information for documentation on all patient treatment records.
• Cognition/Intellectual/Conceptual: Students must possess the ability to use analytical/critical-thinking skills to draw conclusions or solve problems, to organize, analyze, and make information useful by employing mathematics, and to use technology as a learning resource and for information management. Students should be able to follow appropriate sequences for delivery of dental hygiene care and to multi-task as needed to complete processes in a timely fashion.
• Behavioral/Social: Students must possess maturity and emotional stability to provide the patient with effective and safe care. Demeanor should be friendly, positive, and reassuring regardless of the situation. Additionally, students must demonstrate good judgment, compassion, and respect for varying ages, conditions, and ethnicities. Appropriate behavior is demonstrated by the ability to respond to suggestions in a positive manner, being flexible and responsive to modifications deemed necessary, prompt completion of patient-related responsibilities, and effective rapport with patients, peers, and faculty. Students’ behavior should also demonstrate compliance with all procedures and policies as well as maintaining standards of academic integrity.

Click here to view the estimated expense sheet. Applicants requiring financial aid should seek assistance through the UAFS financial services. Information on financial aid can be found here.

Students admitted into the dental hygiene program must submit the following additional documentation before fall entry:

• Health Care Provider Statement/Medical Release form
• Proof of immunizations
• CPR certification: American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (BLS)
• Criminal background check
• Drug screen