How long is the program?
Two academic years; four semesters which are 15 weeks long and one summer
session which is five weeks long and takes place between the junior and
senior years.
How many students are in each class?
The maximum number admitted each year is 34.
Can out of state students apply and be accepted?
Yes. Even though students who qualify as residents of Tennessee are given
first consideration, some students from out of state are accepted into
the program each year.
 Do
out of state students who reside in Olive Branch, Southhaven, or Hernando,
MS; and cities and counties in eastern Arkansas have to pay out of state
tuition?
Yes.
How does one establish residency in Tennessee?
One should contact the Officer of Enrollment Services at UT Health Science
Center for that information. The telephone number is 901.448.5560.
When can I come for a tour of the campus?
Students often want to come and take a look at the facilities and meet
students and members of the faculty. Such visits are welcomed and arranged
by contacting the Dental Hygiene Program at 901.448.6230 or the Office
of Enrollment services at 901.448.5560.
Can I work while going to dental hygiene school?
While it is possible to work some part-time, we recommend that students
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?
February 15.
When do classes begin?
Students are admitted once a year for the fall semester, and begin classes
around the first of September.
Is it "hard" to get accepted into the program?
Student who complete the admission requirements and have a good GPA are
competitive for place in the class. The number of applicants to the program
is increasing, so one should strive for a GPA over 2.5.
When I first went to college I wasn't studying or doing well grade-wise.
After I changed my major to pre-dental hygiene, I have done better. Will
that help me to be admitted to the program?
Improved grades in pre-dental hygiene courses will raise the overall
GPA and provide evidence of an individual's academic ability. Taking a
full course load during a semester and receiving good grades will indicate
the ability to meet the rigid academic requirements and schedule at UTHSC.
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, located at 910 Madison Avenue #520, Memphis, Tennessee 38163 (telephone
901.448.5568) 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. However, when you apply for admission, you must present a plan which
describes how you will complete all requirements prior to admission in
the fall semester of the year in which you apply. It is best to have completed
most of the science courses prior to applying for admissions.
Which chemistry courses should I take?
Generally the same chemistry courses that are required for nursing students
will satisfy our requirements: however, when in doubt one should contact
the Dental Hygiene Program or an admission counselor in the Office of
Enrollment Services at UT Health Science Center.
What kind of courses are recommended as electives?
Additional courses in English, Psychology, Sociology, Biology, Math,
Nutrition, Computer Literacy, or Health and First Aid are generally helpful.
If I am past the traditional college age, am I too old to enter dental
hygiene?
Certainly not. There is a growing trend for people to change careers,
or to choose to enter the dental hygiene field later in life. We have
students who range in age from 20 to over 40 years of age.
Do older students find it hard to complete the requirements of the program?
No! A quick review of previous students who are considered "non-traditional"
demonstrates that these students often out perform their younger peers.
How much does a dental hygienist earn?
In Tennessee, average salaries based on a four day work week might range
from $38,000 - $43,500.
Where are most dental hygienist employed?
The vast majority of dental hygienists are employed in private dental
offices, but many are employed in public health settings, dental hygiene
education programs, public schools, hospitals, and by private industry.
Is it easy to find a job once graduated?
The employment picture is bright for dental hygienists and is predicted
to hold true for the next 10 to 15 years. Students in the program generally
have no trouble finding jobs when they graduate.
Is dental hygiene a field for women only?
The vast majority of dental hygienists are women. The field is becoming
an option for men with an interest in a career in the dental field but
who are not interested in attending dental school.
Are dental hygienists at risk for Infectious diseases?
Dental hygienists practice according to infection control guidelines
recommended by the Center for Disease Control, and by doing so are at
no greater risk than any other health care professional.
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