Dental Hygiene Requirements

Dental Hygiene admission requirements

The Goodwin University Dental Hygiene program is a rigorous and intensive program that is both physically and mentally demanding. Due to the limited number of seats in the program, admission is based on specific entrance criteria as well as a ranking point system. To qualify for admission, the applicant must:

  1. Complete the application for admission to the Dental Hygiene program. If you are applying directly from another institution and have successfully completed all pre-requisite courses, you do not need to complete the general application to Goodwin University until you receive official acceptance into the Dental Hygiene program.
  2. Have a minimum college GPA of 2.7 at the time of application.
  3. Must successfully pass a background check, drug test and Department of Children and Families check before official acceptance into the Dental Hygiene program will be granted. Forms are provided by program personnel.
  4. Complete all prerequisite courses with a passing grade unless otherwise noted.
  5. Have completed all general education core requirements, non-major core requirements, PSY 112 - Introduction to Psychology or equivalent, CAP 1XX - Computer Literacy Elective or equivalent, and ENG 101 - English or equivalent with a passing grade unless otherwise noted.
  6. Have completed Math 1XX (Intermediate algebra or higher) and CHEM 101 - Chemistry with a “C” or higher.
  7. Have completed BIO 211 - Anatomy & Physiology I within five years with a “C+” or higher.
  8. Student may be enrolled or have completed BIO 235 - Microbiology within ten years with a “C+” or higher.
  9. Student may be enrolled in BIO 212 - Anatomy & Physiology II at the time of application. The course must be successfully completed before beginning the first DHP course or within the last five years with a “C+” or higher.
  10. Be able to perform all functions and tasks required of a dental hygienist. As part of the curriculum, the student is required to fully participate in all clinic/rotation/community enrichment activities. These activities require the student to be prepared physically and mentally to avoid risks to the safety of a patient or the student.
  11. Provide documentation of 8 hours of observation of dental hygiene services in the prior 12 months.
  12. Students are required to write a 500-word essay that will be used as part of the point system. Upon receipt of the application, qualifying students will be notified to make an appointment to handwrite the essay, in person. The topic of the essay will be given when the student presents for the appointment

Admissions selection process

Admission to the Dental Hygiene program is selective and based on a holistic review of each applicant. Our process is designed to identify students who demonstrate academic readiness, professionalism, and a genuine understanding of the dental hygiene profession.

Applicants are evaluated based on:

  • Academic readiness: Overall GPA and performance in science prerequisite courses.
  • Essay: A written essay assessing communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to follow directions.
  • Interview: An in-person interview evaluating professionalism, preparation, and motivation.
  • Shadowing experience: Documented dental hygiene shadowing experience. This experience is intended to help candidates objectively evaluate their aptitude for and interest in a future career in dental hygiene.

Final selection:

  • Once applicants meet academic, essay, and interview standards, a points system is used to rank the most competitive candidates
  • The process supports the University’s commitment to student retention and success

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