Michigan s Postsecondary Programs of Study GRAND RAPIDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

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1 Michigan s Postsecondary Programs of Study GRAND RAPIDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE Dental Hygiene REPORT OUT 2013 INTRODUCTION Grand Rapids Community Colleges (GRCC) Dental Hygiene Programs of Study Team Members and Others That Assisted With Data Collection and Analysis: Eve Sidney, GRCC Assistant Professor Debra Schultz, GRCC Professor, Dental Auxiliary Programs Denise Callaghan, Careerline Tech Center, Dental Careers Instructor, Holland Michigan Vikki Cooper, GRCC, Associate Professor, Reading Coordinator, English Department Shanna Goff, GRCC, Assistant Professor, Math 095/6/7 Coordinator, Mathematics Department Cathy Green, GRCC, Tech Prep Coordinator/Articulation Anne Meilof, GRCC, Institutional Research and Planning Linda Spoelman, GRCC, Director, Adult & Developmental Instruction (retired) STEP 1 and STEP 2 INSTITUTIONAL ASSESSMENT and ACADEMIC STANDARDS. The team compared the GRCC admissions criteria with the dental hygiene programs admission criteria. GRCC Admissions criteria consist of the following components 1. Complete the online application 2. Submit high school transcript along with ACT scores and/or official college transcript. 3. Take the Accuplacer educational assessment test (if necessary) for placement purposes. Admissions requirements: an ACT sub score of an 18 or higher in each category of math, reading and English, plus a high school GPA of 2.0 or higher, or 12 college credits with a GPA of 2.0 or higher. Students who do not meet these requirements will be required to take the related component of the Accuplacer placement test. Dental Hygiene Programs Admissions Criteria 1. The candidate applies to the college and specifies the dental hygiene curriculum code 2. Once identified as pre-dental hygiene, the candidates must provide high school transcripts with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 (Completion of a year each of chemistry, biology and algebra in high school with at least a grade of C in each course.) 3. Pre-dental students entering our program must pass the four science course (BI121, BI122, B1127, CHM210) within two attempts. A withdrawal is equal to one attempt. See pre-dental hygiene progression policy on page Once pre-dental hygiene candidates complete the four science courses (BI 121, BI122, BI127 and CHM210) with a C- or better, and successfully pass a preliminary criminal background check through the State of Michigan, their name is added to the program ready/wait list. 5. Once on the program ready list, admissions are based on chronological order by ready date (the date the pre-dental hygiene requirements were completed). 6. Candidates are strongly encouraged to complete all of the non-dental hygiene courses prior to beginning the program. 1 P a g e

2 As part of the pre-dental hygiene process, the GRCC Health Admissions Coordinator, Paula Naujalis sends a letter to each applicant that informs them of admissions criteria the student has met, and/or identifies incomplete items. Once a student has meet all dental hygiene admissions criteria, Paula Naujalis sends a second letter that informs the applicant they have met admissions criteria and have been added to the ready/wait list. Candidates interested in dental hygiene are encouraged to visit the website at Criminal Background Checks All prospective dental hygiene students are required to complete a preliminary criminal background check as part of the admissions process for the dental hygiene program. This is done through Campus Police; there is no charge to the student. The summer prior to starting the dental hygiene program, a student will be required to submit to a more extensive criminal background check. Students are fingerprinted by Campus Police. Information on the fingerprinting process and the form are covered during the orientation session held the spring prior to the start of fall classes. There is currently a $63 charge for this service. The dental hygiene student will follow the criminal background check procedure for Grand Rapids Community College health programs as published in the GRCC Catalog. Upon receiving clearance the student will be admitted to the dental hygiene program and allowed to begin his or her clinical courses when appropriate. If there is a problem revealed in the background check, the student s admission will either be forfeited or delayed until the issue is satisfactorily resolved. Failure to complete a Criminal Background Check will result in either denial of admission, suspension, or dismissal from a dental hygiene program as stated in the GRCC Catalog. According to the State of Michigan s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, if a student has ever been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, it may prevent the candidate from obtaining their dental hygiene license. The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs will review the student file and make a decision. The Department takes into account the type of conviction, the age when the incident occurred, and the time that has elapsed since the conviction. It is the responsibility of the student to follow up with felony and/or misdemeanor convictions with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. For more information, please check the website for the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Costs In addition to tuition, fees and books, additional related expenses; include instruments, uniforms, transportation, and supplies. Costs for the licensure exams (National Board Dental Hygiene exam, and the Northeast Regional Board Exams) and registered dental hygienist license for the State of Michigan are also included in the cost sheet. Details and estimates of these expenses are available at Accuplacer Test The Accuplacer test is now required for all students that make application to GRCC. The Accuplacer test is a computerized assessment designed to help a student identify basic skill levels in Reading, English and Math. Students are required to take the test if they do not meet one of the following criterions: do not have a 2.0 GPA on their High School Transcripts do not have an 18 or higher sub score on the ACT tests in English, Math, and Reading 2 P a g e

3 do not have a 2.0 overall GPA and/or 12 credits or more earned The chart below can be used as a guide for reading and mathematics placement based on the Accuplacer score. Grand Rapids Community College Accuplacer Test Minimum Scores Reading 70.4 Math 40 Arithmetic 65 Since mandatory Accuplacer testing was implemented at GRCC, it will take a few years to see if the addition of the assessment has helped better prepare our students. Reading Level and Accuplacer Testing Faculty expressed concern regarding the ability of a student to read and comprehend many of our text books. Students have numerous lengthy reading assignments for several classes. A twelfth grade reading level is required to be successful in our program. Accuplacer testing was dropped from the dental hygiene admissions process over 7 years ago. The program has not had a mechanism in place to evaluate the reading level of each applicant. The team had six dental hygiene textbooks evaluated to determine the reading level. Four of the six textbooks scored at a grade level of 15 (3 rd year under graduate student). The texts are college level textbooks, but the ease of reading was a bit difficult. Faculty need to evaluate the books and determine if the book is meeting the objectives of the course including comprehension and student success. DHY240 Local Anesthesia for the Dental Hygienist Reading Ease 12; Grade Level 16.5 DXX104 Infection Control Reading Ease 8; Grade Level 16.2 DHY122 Primary Preventive Dentistry Reading Ease 30; Grade Level 13.6 DHY126, DHY136 Clinical Periodontology Reading Ease 23; Grade Level 16.3 Used in the majority of DHY courses Clinical Practice of the Dental Hygienist Reading Ease 19; Grade Level 15 DHY134 Anatomy of the Head and Neck Reading Ease 36; Grade Level 13.1 Flesch Reading Grade Level: As a result of the study, Dental Hygiene Faculty reestablished the minimum reading score of 74 (12 th grading reading level) a student must achieve on the reading section of the Accuplacer test. The target date for implementation of a 12 th grading level requirement for new students applying to the program is fall of P a g e

4 Dental Hygiene Suggested Accuplacer Test Scores Accuplacer Test Minimum Scores Reading 74 Math 40 Arithmetic 65 STEP 3 OCCUPATIONAL/TECHNICAL STANDARDS Through the Programs of Study process, it was identified that the Dental Auxiliary Programs Vocational- Technical Standards had been inadvertently dropped from the orientation process and Dental Auxiliary Programs Student Handbook. Program faculty reviewed and updated the Dental Hygiene Vocational- Technical Standards on May 2, The Technical Standards were added back into orientation and the Dental Auxiliary Programs Student Handbook. The document is also posted on the website ( Students have an opportunity to read, review and ask questions prior to signing the Technical Standards form and submit to the Program Director. The form is placed in the student s academic file maintained by the Program director. Dental hygiene students need to develop skills necessary to relate to others, to demonstrate the characteristics of self-awareness, awareness of others and the ability to communicate that awareness. Students are required to perform certain physical functions in order to successfully complete the program. They will perform them throughout their coursework and clinical experience and later during employment. The following functions: mobility, hearing, visual discrimination, coordination and manual dexterity, communication skills are necessary technical standards to be successful as a dental hygienist. The Dental Hygiene Vocational-Technical Standards are not conditions for admission into the program. Dental Hygiene Vocational-Technical Standards Mobility: In the course of performing dental hygiene duties, the dental hygienist may have to sit, stand, and reach overhead while standing or sitting. A dental hygienist must be able to move quickly should an emergency occur. Hearing: A dental hygienist must be able to hear faint sounds such as those generated while taking a blood pressure or examining the teeth with dental instruments. Visual Discrimination: A dental hygienist must have sufficient vision to be able to discern gradations of colors and to see details that are not readily apparent in the mouth. Coordination and Manual Dexterity: A dental hygienist needs to possess hand-eye coordination skills and fine and gross motor skills to manipulate dental instruments and equipment with both upper extremities. Be free of pre-existing conditions that limit manual dexterity of their hands (example: carpal tunnel syndrome). Communication Skills: A dental hygienist must be able to communicate both orally and in writing with other healthcare providers and clients. Working as a dental hygienist requires knowledge of communication through body language as well. 4 P a g e

5 STEP 4-CURRICULUM CROSSWALK. There is not a secondary program that aligns with the dental hygiene program in our geographic area. The Careerline Tech Center (located in Holland MI) and Heartlands Institute of Technology (located in Ionia) have a Dental Careers Program. The programs utilize CIP code Health/Therapeutic Services, not specifically dental hygiene. As a result, there is not a curriculum crosswalk with the GRCC Dental Hygiene Program. Last year the dental hygiene program implemented monthly open advising sessions for students interested in the dental hygiene program. The sessions were conducted by the Program Director. Almost immediately, the Program Director noticed that information potential students were learning about the dental hygiene program was not clear. The following information covers topics that students seemed unclear about or possessed incomplete or incorrect information during open advising sessions. The four science classes (BI121, BI122, BI127 and CHM210) required to meet criteria to be added to the Ready/Wait List Students do not always understand that some classes have prerequisites that require completion prior to taking a higher level course, such as the four required science courses. Our team decided to develop flow charts for the four science courses (BI121, BI122, BI127 and CHM210). The flow charts will help students determine if they are ready to take a course or if the completion of a prerequisite(s) is/are required first. See Exhibit 1: The Four Science Course Prerequisites. The four science classes (BI121, BI122, BI127 and CHM210) must be completed with a C- or better (within two attempts) in order to be placed on the ready/wait list. Often students report they have all the general education classes completed and now only have to take the four science classes. Taking the science classes first needs to be stressed, in order to get on the ready. /wait list. The general education courses can be taken while on the ready/wait list. In 2011 a Pre-Dental Hygiene Progression Policy was implemented for new students seeking admission into the dental hygiene program. Paula Naujalis, Health Admissions Coordinator will begin to include a copy of the policy with the initial letter sent to all pre-dental hygiene students fall semester 2013.The Pre- Dental Hygiene Progression Policy was only posted on the Dental Hygiene Programs website and discussed during open academic advising sessions. See policy below. PRE-DENTAL HYGIENE PROGRESSION POLICY Progression into the professional curriculum is not guaranteed and is based on the following: be a high school graduate or have passed the high school equivalency (GED) test have a high school and college GPA of 2.0 successful completion of the 4 science courses (BI121, BI122, BI127 and CHM 210) with a C- or better complete application and pass FBI finger printing for criminal background check and release findings (pass/fail only) to Health Admissions Secretary date of application to the college with the dental hygiene plan code available openings in the dental hygiene program A student must successfully complete all four science classes (BI121, BI122, BI127 and CHM 210) for the purpose of eligibility into the dental hygiene program. Successful completion is defined as a grade of C- or better within two attempts. A withdrawal from a course = one attempt. 5 P a g e

6 Earning a grade below C- (1.67) twice in any of the four science courses will require the student to withdraw from pre-dental hygiene. This policy applies to transfer students taking equivalent courses at other colleges. Meeting 3 of the 4 Prerequisites Eligibility in High School Completion of biology, chemistry and algebra in high school, meets the prerequisites for the three of the four science courses (BI121, BI122, BI127) at GRCC. The exception is the CHM210 course which requires either CHM100 or CHM110 at GRCC. It is suggested that a perspective dental hygiene student take anatomy and physiology and statistics in high school. A statistics course will help students to be successful in the two community dentistry courses. Orientation Session Students must complete a series of forms, immunizations and CPR prior to starting the dental hygiene program. The information is presented to students that will start the dental hygiene program fall semester during and orientation session held in May. By holding the orientation session 3 months prior to the start of school, students have a generous amount of time to complete required immunizations, certify in CPR, etc. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) - CPR certification must be either BLS Health Care Provider through the American Heart Association or Professional Rescuer through the American Red Cross. No other CPR certifications are accepted. CPR documentation is due prior to starting the first semester of the program and throughout the program as well as when the student/graduate becomes a licensed dental hygienist. Immunizations: Although we strongly encourage students to have all immunizations updated, we require the following immunizations: Hepatitis B, MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella), Tdap (Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis) and a current (within the last year) TB test. Immunizations must be completed (at least the first of three Hepatitis B injections) prior to starting the first semester of the program. Exposure to Potentially Infectious Materials: Dental hygiene students may be exposed to potentially infectious materials during patient treatment. Since transmission of several human diseases capable of causing significant illness and death may occur from direct contact with blood or other potentially infectious material (OPIM), their droplets, aerosols and possibly contaminate laboratory wastes, it is essential that standards of practice be enforced that will protect the health of the student, their families and their patients. The realization of the risk of contracting diseases from the patient should motivate health students to use the recommended preventive measures that have been designed to minimize the risk of occupational transmission of these potentially serious diseases. The following may prevent a student from completing the clinical requirements and/or from completing the dental hygiene program: if a student elects not to have the hepatitis B vaccination series or does not provide proof of current immunizations. if you have a history of chemical, latex, or other sensitivities and/or allergies which occur in the work or clinical environment. 6 P a g e

7 Dental Auxiliary Programs Grading Scale The program grading scale is more rigorous than the GRCC grading scale. GRADING SCALE A C A C B D B D B D C below E In addition to the rigorous department grading scale, dental hygiene students must meet the dental hygiene program progression policy. Dental Hygiene Program Progression Policy: Students are introduced the toe progression policy during the orientation session. During DXX115 (Introduction to Dentistry), students review the policy and have time to ask questions in class. The form is signed by the student and Program Director. Students receive a copy of their signed form. The form is placed in the students academic file maintained by the Program Director. Dental Hygiene Program Progression Policy: Students must successfully complete all dental hygiene (DHY), and DXX courses in the sequence indicated for the professional curriculum (see Exhibit 3) Successful completion is defined as a grade of C- or higher (as defined by the Dental Auxiliary Programs Grading Scale) within two attempts. It is the responsibility of the student to complete all courses listed in the professional curriculum. If a grade below C- is received on the first attempt in a DHY or DXX course, the student will be denied continued progression in the professional curriculum sequence. If the student wishes to repeat a DHY or DXX course, the student must meet with the Dental Auxiliary Program Director to develop a Success Plan. If on the second attempt of a DHY or DXX course, a student receives a grade lower than a C-, the student will be dismissed from the program. If a student fails any two DHY or DXX courses regardless of when it occurs in the program, the student will be withdrawn from the Dental Hygiene Program. A student must be able to complete the program within four years of the initial start of the professional curriculum. If a student leaves the dental hygiene program after completion of the first year, or during the second year, the student may be reinstated at the beginning of a fall semester. In order to initiate the process to return and be guaranteed a spot in the dental hygiene program, the student must submit a letter to the Program Director for consideration to re-enter the program at a future date. Prior to the end of the semester the student leaves, the Program Director will meet with the student to determine the re-entry date. STEP 5 ALIGN STANDARDS TO COLLEGE COURSEWORK Careerline Tech Centers Dental Careers Program and the Hearlands Institute of Technology Dental Occupations Program both have articulation agreements for DXX115, Introduction to Dentistry. Based on a student s academic preparation, it may take between three-six semesters to complete the four science and seven general education courses. 7 P a g e

8 Dual enrollment in the actual dental hygiene program as a high school student is not an option. Pre-dental hygiene students have four science and seven general education courses they must complete prior to starting the professional sequence of the program. STEP 6 PROGRAM OF STUDY See Dental Hygiene Program of Study, Exhibit 2. The pre-dental hygiene courses and the dental hygiene professional curriculum sequence are listed in Exhibit 3. Information from this report will be posted on the dental programs website. Specifically the Dental Hygiene Programs of Study chart and the Prerequisites for the Four Science Courses chart. The report will also be shared with the Careerline Tech Center and Heartlands Institute of Technology. Annually, the program has the opportunity to meet with the GRCC Counselors and provide programmatic updates and report prevalent changes. The Program Director plans to schedule time to meet with the counselors and share the Dental Hygiene Programs of Study Report Out. The Dental Hygiene Programs of Study chart and the Prerequisites for the Four Science Courses chart should be valuable when counseling pre-dental hygiene students. Dental Hygiene faculty can use the Report Out document, the Dental Hygiene Programs of Study chart and the Prerequisites for the Four Science Courses chart during open academic advising sessions held during The Programs of Study findings will be shared at the fall Dental Auxiliary Programs Advisory Board during the fall meeting. STEP 7- EXTERNAL CERTIFICATIONS EARNED. In order to practice dental hygiene a Michigan registered dental hygienist license is required. GRCC students are eligible to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and the Northeast Regional Board Examinations (clinical portion on a live patient, computerized exams on clinical, local anesthesia and nitrous oxide sedation) licensure examinations as graduates from our accredited program. The above exams are requirements for a Michigan registered dental hygienist license. National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and Northeast Regional Board Examination results are used to review and update program competencies and content where needed. National Board Dental Hygiene Examination provides data that benchmarks GRCC student performance with the national average. 8 P a g e

9 Completion of the dental hygiene program leads to an associate s degree in Applied Arts and Sciences at GRCC. Students are prepared to enter a baccalaureate degree completion program after graduating from GRCC. Ferris State University and University of Michigan are two of several programs our graduates have attended. CONCLUSION/NEXT STEPS 1. Require a minimum grade of a C in all four science classes. Currently a C- (1.67) in the four science classes high meets the criteria for admission into dental hygiene. During , faculty will review our Pre-Dental Hygiene Policy and determine if the minimum grade in all four science pre-requisites should be raised to a C. The dental hygiene program has a rigorous science based curriculum and the four science courses are the foundation to which students build their learning. 2. Based on our study, implement the reading score of 74 on the Accuplacer Test and afore mentioned criteria. Results of the Flesch Reading Grade Level Assessment indicate the reading level of our textbooks was a bit high. One of our next steps will be to take a closer look at the books used and determine if the text is providing students with the correct reading level and the ability for students to comprehend the content. 3. Consider adding WritePlacer as part of the admissions process. A score of 6-8 on WritePlacer is equal to a 12 th grade writing level. WritePlacer will be reviewed during P a g e

10 4. Academic Advising Last year the dental hygiene program implemented monthly open advising sessions for students interested in the dental hygiene program. The sessions were conducted by the Program Director, who noticed that information provided to the students about the dental hygiene program was unclear. Much of the information for this document was derived from data collected and information discussed during these advising sessions. 5. Occupational and Technical Standards Develop a dental hygiene observation requirement as part of the admissions process. Students should be aware of the occupational and technical standards of the dental hygiene professional prior to starting the program. Therefore, a dental hygiene observation assignment will be part of the admissions process. The form and the process need to be developed. 6. Starting May of 2014, the criminal background final check information and form will be added to the orientation session incoming students attend. 7. Meet with Health Admissions Secretary, Paula Naujalis to review and update both form letters that are sent to pre-dental hygiene students. 8. Develop a flow chart that steps out the dental hygiene admissions criteria and process. Post the flow chart to the website. 10 P a g e

11 Develop an Executive Summary of your work s results to share with College Leadership 1. The Programs of Study developed a new relationship with the Careerline Tech Center s Dental Careers Instructor, Denise Callaghan. Denise will join our GRCC Dental Programs Advisory Board as a new member fall of Eve Sidney was asked and accepted the opportunity to become a member of the Dental Careers Advisory Board at the Careerline Tech Center during the academic year. 2. Paula Naujalis, Health Admissions Coordinator will begin to include a copy of the policy with the initial letter sent to all pre-dental hygiene students beginning fall semester I was not able to have all textbooks that I wanted to evaluated because of time constraints on the one person on campus that possess the software reading assessment program. We believe additional reading evaluation software and staff trained on how to use it should be available on our campus. Currently one person is able to evaluate textbooks for the entire college. 4. Information from this report will be posted on the dental programs website. Specifically the Dental Hygiene Programs of Study chart and the Prerequisites for the Four Science Courses chart. The report will also be shared with the Careerline Tech Center and Heartlands Institute of Technology 5. Opportunity to update GRCC Counselors regarding our programs is available. I plan to provide the Dental Hygiene Programs of Study chart and the Prerequisites for the Four Science Courses chart and a copy of the report to the counselors. 6. The Programs of Study findings will be shared at the fall Dental Auxiliary Programs Advisory Board meeting. 7. Dental Hygiene faculty can use the Report Out document, the Dental Hygiene Programs of Study chart and the Prerequisites for the Four Science Courses chart during open academic advising sessions held during When and how the Dental Hygiene Vocational-Technical Standards, Accuplacer Testing were removed from the program is still a mystery. Through the Programs of Study we are happy to say both process have and or will be re-implemented during Eve Sidney and Debra Schultz will present the Dental Hygiene Programs of Study results at TRENDS this fall. 10. Throughout the process, it has been challenging to get answers to questions for the Reading and English placement scores on the Accuplacer Test. In my mind, all required scores and all areas of the test should be posted in one location on the website and in the college catalog. 11. Last year the dental hygiene program implemented monthly open advising sessions for students interested in the dental hygiene program. The sessions were conducted by the Program Director, who noticed that information provided to the students about the dental hygiene program was unclear. Much of the information for this document was derived from data collected and information discussed during these advising sessions. 11 P a g e

12 DENTAL HYGIENE EXHIBITS 12 P a g e

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16 Exhibit 3 Dental Hygiene Curriculum 16 P a g e

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