Admissions to the Dental Hygiene Program

The Dental Hygiene Program at Cape Cod Community College is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association. Upon successful completion of the program, a student receives an Associate in Science Degree and is eligible to sit for the National and Regional Board examinations.

In preparing your application, the Admissions Office and Dental Hygiene Program recommend that you review the following information:

Dental Hygiene Information Sessions

Attendance at an information session is strongly recommended for all applicants to the Dental Hygiene program. The Director of Admissions and the Dental Hygiene Program Coordinator will share up-to-date information about the program and answer questions about the curriculum, clinical assignments, support services and the admissions process.

If you are interested in viewing or scheduling a full information session, please register.

All sessions will begin in the Admissions Office, first floor of the Nickerson Administration building.

Application Procedures

Dental Hygiene applicants are accepted ONLY for the FALL SEMESTER.

Applicants must submit the following credentials:

• Completed CCCC Admissions Application by February 1st.
• Official high school transcript or GED diploma.
• Official transcript(s) for all colleges and universities ever attended, (if applicable).
• Letter and/or resume indicating reasons for selecting the Dental Hygiene program, related experiences, motivation and other pertinent data.
• 2 letters of recommendation from employer(s), science teacher(s), dentist(s) or other health professionals.

Qualifications for Admissions

Satisfactory performance in your most recent educational experience is required and must include the following course work:

1. Successful completion of algebra (MAT030 Elementary Algebra or the equivalent) within the last five years,
   
   AND
    
2. Successful completion of chemistry with a lab within the last five years,
   
   PLEASE NOTE:
    
3. (CHM109) Chemistry for the Health Sciences I or a (4 credit) college level chemistry with lab must be completed no later than the summer prior to enrollment in (DEN101) Oral Tissues I. Earlier completion of this course is recommended.

Applicants with previous college credit may have fulfilled these prerequisites at another college or university. Transfer credit may be awarded if official transcripts show equivalent college-level course work, from an accredited college or university with a grade of C (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) or better, and courses were completed within the last five years. A single chemistry course may fulfill requirements 2 and 3. Transfer credit evaluations will be conducted by the Registrar's Office.

Admission decisions are based on a review of all classes completed with an emphasis on science and math courses. Further consideration is given to maturity, experience, motivation, academic and professional potential. Minority representation will be reflected in the entering class.

The preferred applicant will present with:

1. An overall Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or better (on a 4.0 scale).
2. An overall GPA of 3.0 or better in mathematics and science courses. Priority will be given to the candidate who has taken additional courses to fulfill the core requirements. Priority will also be afforded to candidates with related experience, motivation for the profession, and academic and professional potential.

Enhance your chance for admissions by:

• Enrolling in biology, anatomy and physiology or algebra II classes.
• Volunteering or becoming actively employed in any related health office, clinic or dental office.

Admissions Review Process

A preliminary review of all Dental Hygiene applicants occurs in early March. Candidates who have completed all the necessary prerequisites prior to February 1 will be notified in April.

Waiting List

Once the incoming class has been selected, a wait list will be formulated with the following criteria:

1. An overall GPA of 2.8
2. An overall GPA of 2.8 in mathematics or science courses.

The waiting list is maintained in chronological order until the first week of the Fall semester.

Please Note:

• Criteria for admissions includes satisfactory performance in the most recent educational experiences that must include courses in algebra and chemistry.
• Completion of courses required by English and elementary algebra skills assessments prior to registration for dental hygiene courses.
• Students who are required to study developmental education courses should anticipate a three year program of study.
• The Dental Hygiene program is a sequential course of study. Upon acceptance into the Dental Hygiene program, the student must maintain a grade of 75 or better and a satisfactory clinical evaluation in each Dental Hygiene course in order to proceed to the next Dental Hygiene course. Students who fail a course may apply for re-entry following the Dental Hygiene Program Re-entry Policy.
• Completion of courses in algebra and chemistry with laboratory within 5 years is required.
• Students must take Chemistry for the Health Sciences I or equivalent prior to taking Oral Tissues I.
• Due to the rigorous nature of the Dental Hygiene program, completion of additional science and general education courses outlined in the Dental Hygiene program are recommended.
• Clearance by the Director of Student Health requires that each student must have a complete physical examination and immunizations and tests as indicated on the Cape Cod Community College Report of Medical History prior to September of the year the students are entering.
• All Dental Hygiene students are required to: undergo a physical examination and meet the physical and mental abilities required to achieve the clinical objectives; complete the necessary immunizations; maintain current CPR articulation at the Health Care Provider Level and carry malpractice and health insurance. Students will be required to undergo a CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) check in order to participate in the clinical practice required in each Dental Hygiene course pursuant to the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 28A, Section 1 et seq., and regulations promulgated to such statutes. Students who receive a negative status on their CORI check will not be allowed admittance to the program.

Additional Note: As in any healthcare environment, students in the dental hygiene program may have risks of exposure to infectious diseases. The dental hygiene program adheres to all state and Federal regulations to reduce the risk of health care associated infections.

Individuals who disclose the presence of bloodborne infectious disease will be shown the same consideration as non-infected individuals and will be offered reasonable accommodation. Information regarding health status of an individual is considered confidential, and protected by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.