Dental Education

Policies

PRE-LICENSURE DENTAL HYGIENE BS

Admission to Program

This clinical on-site program helps students achieve their Bachelors of Science in Dental Hygiene. Application for admission to the Dental Hygiene program is a separate process in addition to being admitted to the University. It is highly recommended to meet with an academic advisor to formulate a plan of study early on in your education. Requirements for application for admission to the dental hygiene program include:

• A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or above on a 4.0 scale is required. Applicants without at least a 3.2 GPA will not be eligible for program admission.
• Minimum of a "C-" letter grade in all prerequisite courses.

Contact the Dental Education department or Dental Hygiene advisor for application procedures.

Qualified applicants are accepted primarily based on academic achievement in prerequisite courses with an emphasis placed on the science prerequisites. Selection is given to qualified persons regardless of their race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, qualified disability or military involvement. Equal opportunity for admission is given to all qualified applicants.

Upper-Division Courses: Registration for 300-level and 400-level courses are restricted to students admitted to the program.

P/N Grading and GPA Policy: All prerequisite courses required for Dental Hygiene must be taken for a letter grade with the exception of DHYG 100/DHYG 101. Students must receive a letter grade of "C-" or higher in all prerequisite courses. A grade of "D" or "F" in any prerequisite courses will disqualify a student's application and will result in dismissal from the program in which the student's placement will be forfeited and given to an alternate qualified applicant. Once accepted to the program, a grade of "D" or "F" in any Dental Hygiene course will result in academic suspension from the program.

Transfer Students: It is possible for students to complete required prerequisites for the Dental Hygiene program at another college or university and transfer to Minnesota State University, Mankato. Please contact an academic advisor to develop a transfer pathway prior to applying for the Dental Hygiene program.

Costs: At the beginning of the program students will be required to purchase scrubs and lab coats, two kits of instruments and specialized supplies for use during the program. The first installment of the kit fee is attached to DHYG 313 in the fall of the junior year. The second installment of the kit fee is attached to DHYG 331 in the spring of the junior year. Upon acceptance to the program a deposit towards the first kit fee is required. Students are required to pay for mandatory CPR certification training at the beginning of the first semester of the Dental Hygiene program.

Health Considerations: Dental hygienists are at risk for exposure to blood borne pathogens (BBP). Accepted students are highly encouraged to be immunized with the recommended vaccinations for healthcare professionals, see student handbook for latest guidelines. In the case of accidental exposure to BBP at Minnesota State University, Mankato Dental Clinic or any off-site clinical rotation, students are responsible for testing and any follow-up care costs. Accepted students are required to have a tuberculosis test (Mantoux/BAMT) prior to starting the fall semester.

Background Check: Current licensure requirements for dental hygienists in the state of Minnesota require all applicants to submit to a criminal background check. Students enrolled in the dental hygiene program are required to submit to a background check prior to any off site clinical rotations.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (BS to MS)

Students interested in earning both an undergraduate degree in Dental Hygiene and a graduate degree in Dental Therapy may apply to the department for admission to a combined degree program. Requirements for application for admission in the Advanced Placement BS to MS program are listed on the Dental Education department webpage. Contact the Dental Education department for application procedures.

Students start work in Dental Therapy while completing the Dental Hygiene program. Students complete 18 credits of 500-level Dental Therapy coursework over three terms during their senior year in the Dental Hygiene program. Undergraduate students are not eligible to receive financial aid for the 18 graduate credits taken in their senior year. Students complete the remaining Dental Therapy coursework as a graduate student. See the graduate catalog for details. Contact the Dental Education department for more information.

DENTAL HYGIENE BACCALAUREATE COMPLETION BS

This program is a 100% online program for licensed dental hygienists or students currently enrolled in a 2-year degree dental hygiene program wanting to complete their bachelor's degree. All dental hygiene course credits from a program accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA) Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) will be applied towards credits for a bachelor's degree.

Admissions Requirements:

• Successful completion of a Dental Hygiene program accredited by CODA or current enrollment in such a program.
• Submit copy of dental hygiene license - either at time of application or upon completion of an accredited 2-year degree Dental Hygiene program.
• A minimum grade point average of 2.0.

Each student will work with the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Completion Program Coordinator to develop a plan to meet general education and upper division requirements.