Applicant Information

The Dental Hygiene program prepares students for careers as a member of the dental health team.

Dental hygienists are licensed professionals whose area of responsibilities may include the following:

oral health instructions; assessing/examining and recording oral conditions for diagnosis by a dentist, including periodontal assessment; removing hard deposits and stains from teeth, and root planning; applying preventive agents such as fluoride or pit and fissure sealants; exposing/processing and mounting radiographs; counseling persons on their diet and oral health; other oral health services depending on state dental practice acts.

Dental hygienists may be employed in private dental offices, dental clinics, public health facilities, civil service, military facilities, and hospitals to provide dental hygiene services.  With additional educational preparation, other opportunities may include employment as an educator in a dental hygiene program, office/clinic manager in a dental facility, sales representative for a dental, medical or pharmaceutical company, or hygiene practice in international settings.

Students are admitted to Valencia’s Dental Hygiene Program by a selective admissions process.  A limited number of students are accepted once a year.  Students seeking admission must first be admitted to the college, then may apply for admission to the Dental Hygiene Program.  (Refer to the application for admission and selection criteria sections provided in this packet.)

All applicants must have CPT scores that are within two years of enrollment in the Dental Hygiene Program (June).  If your scores are below Valencia’s minimum you must complete any remedial course work before the March 30th application deadline.

Many students applying to this program have completed a number of the required general education and science courses prior to admission and subsequent enrollment in the Dental Hygiene program.  (Refer to course listing/sequence/description section of packet) Final responsibility for completion of appropriate courses rests with the student.  Transfer of credit for dental hygiene courses must be approved in writing by the program director prior to registration in the Dental Hygiene Program.

The approximate cost (2007/2008) for the two year Dental Hygiene Program (6 sessions) is $9,000.00.  This cost includes tuition, special/lab fees, books, instruments, lab supplies, and uniforms for DENTAL HYGIENE COURSES ONLY.  The cost for general education courses are in addition to this cost.

If you do not have experience in a dental or health care profession, it is strongly recommended that you take the “Medical Terminology” or Professions of Caring course offered at VCC and take the opportunity to observe in the Dental Hygiene clinic at Valencia. Another option might include observing and interviewing several practicing registered dental hygienists for a period of time.

Due to the uniqueness of the environment in the Health Science Programs and the serving nature of the profession, certain disabilities and/or convictions might prevent your success in the program or prevent licensure after graduation.