UAA DENTAL HYGIENE Pre-major Advising Module
We are glad you are interested in becoming a dental hygienist! It s a rewarding and challenging career, with new opportunities in development. This module will follow the advising syllabus posted on the UAA Dental Hygiene Program website. It provides information students need before applying to the program. Dental Hygiene Admission Requirements & Procedure After completing this module and short quiz, you can schedule an appointment with a dental hygiene advisor to discuss any questions you might still have. WELCOME!
Prerequisite coursework (next slide) Program coursework (p. 5 of Advising Syllabus) 2 full years once accepted into our program Other degree requirements Nutrition DN A101 or DN A203 preferred Recommend taking it before starting program perhaps summer after applying. 200-level English GER (ENGL A212 preferred) AAS DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
Non-science ENGL A111 COMM A111, A235, A237, or A241 SOC A101 or A201 PSY A111 or A150 PREREQUISITE COURSES Science weighted twice as heavily as non-science BIOL A111 Anatomy & Physiology I BIOL A112 Anatomy & Physiology II BIOL A240 Microbiology w/lab Required for BSDH degree OR BIOL A241 Microbiology no lab CHEM A103 Survey of Chemistry AND CHEM A104 Intro to Organic and Biochemistry NOTE: Requirements before CHEM A103 CHEM A055 or 1 year high school chemistry MATH A105 or testing out of it NOTE: Chemistry labs (CHEM A103L and A104L) are not required for the AAS but are required for the BSDH.
See cost list on page 6 of the Advising Syllabus Lab fees are high Includes instrument kits Magnification (loupes) are $1000 in Fall 1 st Semester, included in lab fees All students wear uniforms in lab and clinic. Additional costs are incurred in last semester of program Board exam fees--~$1710 in 2014 Licensure fees--$640 to get licensed in AK in 2013 Includes a criminal background check ($300) See last section of Advising outline (p. 4) PROGRAM COSTS
Apply to UAA as a AAS Dental Hygiene pre-major If you accidentally applied as a BSDH premajor we should change your major. All 9 prerequisite courses must be taken (with a grade of C or better) and recorded on UAA transcript by the UAA spring semester grade deadline. (usually Wed after graduation) If you have coursework at another institution, submit transcripts to Enrollment Services (Registrar) for evaluation. Submit complete application by the deadline (first Friday in May) Submit HOBET scores by application deadline No more than 24 months old If retaking, at least 12 months since last HOBET we use highest score. Three letters of recommendation received by the deadline. More details on next slide APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Must be on the forms found on the Dental Hygiene Program website. Dental Hygiene Admission Requirements & Procedure Confidential you don t get to see them, ever. Should be from someone who knows you in a supervisory capacity employer or teacher. Not friend or family member. Not a dental hygienist who knows you. For dental assistants, include a reference from the dentist you work for if you want points for dental assisting experience. WE RECOMMEND GIVING AN ADDRESSED, STAMPED ENVELOPE TO THE REFERENCE SO IT IS EASY FOR THEM TO MAIL IT IN. RECOMMENDATIONS
All application materials must be received by the application deadline posted on the website (first Friday in May). Points are awarded for: Science GPA Non-science GPA HOBET score Dental assisting experience, CDA, or graduation from an ADA accredited dental assisting program Not heavily weighted Interviews for top candidates dates will be posted on the website. If a student from another dental hygiene program is applying, we will request a Letter of Standing from that program s director. SELECTION CRITERIA & PROCEDURE
Apply to more than one school Our selection process is competitive and not everyone can get in. We have 14 positions available and usually have 40+ applicants. UAF has a small dental hygiene program and takes 5 students every other year. They will select another class in Spring 2015. Shadow/observe a hygienist You will see what a hygienist really does, and will know more whether or not you will want to pursue the career. Dedicated applicants are willing to take the time to observe. If you don t have a dental office you can observe, you can visit the UAA Dental Hygiene Clinic. Call 786-6960 Wear professional clothes no jeans or tennis shoes. OTHER SUGGESTIONS
Insurance Students must have medical insurance throughout the program. Medical insurance is available for purchase through the Student Health Center for those that need it. Liability insurance is purchased for the students by the UAA Dental Hygiene Program from course lab fees. STUDENT REQUIREMENTS DURING THE PROGRAM
Professional Conduct We have a Three-Strike Policy two warnings and the third time is a dismissal. We have a One-Strike Policy for cheating or stealing. Professional and ethical behavior is based off of the American Dental Hygienists Association s Code of Ethics UAA Student Code of Conduct UAA Dental Hygiene Program s policies. STUDENT REQUIREMENTS DURING THE PROGRAM
Mandatory Attendance This is a rigorous program and for students to be successful they need to be in class. The only excused absences are being sick (with a doctor s excuse) and family emergencies. Illness of students children is NOT excused. Back up child care is strongly recommended. We strongly discourage student employment during the program due to the time commitment needed for classes and completing assignments. We recognize some students may have to work, but want everyone to understand they will be more successful if they can dedicate 100% to the program. STUDENT REQUIREMENTS DURING THE PROGRAM
Clinical patient requirements are the students responsibility!! Every clinical appointment must be filled. Students are in clinic for 3 semesters: 1 st year spring; 2 nd year spring/fall Even though the appointments are filled, those patients may not meet the students class requirements (e.g. sealants, x-rays, amount of tartar) We encourage the students to get along and work together to help everyone get all their requirements. Requirements are usually easier to meet when students work together and help each other out. STUDENT REQUIREMENTS DURING THE PROGRAM
CPR certification is required throughout the program. Not required for application Must be from American Red Cross or American Heart Association Include adult/infant/child Healthcare provider type with AED (automatic external defibrillator) Vaccinations are required. Not required for application. Most applicant likely already have most of the vaccinations, just need to get them documented on our form. We will send the form out in June to our selected students so they can work on getting the information over the summer. STUDENT REQUIREMENTS DURING THE PROGRAM
Strict grooming and infection control requirements No visible tattoos or jewelry are allowed in clinic. Uniforms are worn during clinic and lab classes. CDC guidelines are followed for students exposed to contagious diseases. Students are exposed to radiation (x-rays), infectious diseases (we do have HIV/AIDS patients in our clinic), and hazardous chemicals. We teach safety for all these situations, BUT If you don t want to be around these, you need to choose another career. STUDENT REQUIREMENTS DURING THE PROGRAM
Miscellaneous We have some off-campus activities to which students will have to have transportation. Some off-campus clinical rotations (and employers of licensed dental hygienists) may require drug and alcohol testing. STUDENT REQUIREMENTS DURING THE PROGRAM
Information will be given in June about items accepted students need to take care of before class starts in the fall. This includes items such as: Uniforms to purchase Vaccinations to be documented CPR certification FOR STUDENTS ACCEPTED INTO THE PROGRAM
In Anchorage Job market is getting tight. Most graduates piece together part time work Valley and Kenai Jobs still seem to be available. Rural Needs hygienists Consider working in Bush AK if you can. BSDH Can enter Public Health Service as a commissioned officer. Can work for a dental supply company in sales. Office manager? Instructor in AAS program. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Costs refer to cost sheet (p. 6 of Advising Syllabus) Requirements Graduate from an accredited dental hygiene program UAA s program is accredited by the Commission of Dental Accreditation Pass board exams Pass background check Pay application and licensure fees LICENSURE
State of Alaska: Board of Dental Examiners required information Conviction of felonies or other crimes within the last 5 years. Treatment or hospitalization for emotional or mental illness, drug addiction or alcoholism. Having a chronic contagious or infectious disease. Disciplinary actions regarding licensure in other states If any of these apply to you, please contact the AK Board of Dental Examiners to see if you will have problems getting a license. LICENSURE
You have completed the online advising module for the UAA Dental Hygiene Program. Please complete the quiz and submit so your certificate of completion will be sent to the Dental Hygiene Program. http://uaa.co1.qualtrics.com/se/?sid=sv_8hsvxei05omvuy1 Contact the UAA Dental Programs (907-786-6929) to schedule an appointment to review coursework and discuss any questions you may still have. THANK YOU!!