Dental Hygiene, Career Associate of Science
The Associate Degree Program in Dental Hygiene is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of “Approval without Reporting Requirements.” The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at 312-440-4653 or at
211 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611-2678.
The Commission’s web address is: http://www.ada.org/en/coda.
Additional Graduation Requirements
In addition to College graduation requirements, the students must have a grade of C or better in all dental hygiene courses.
The Dental Hygiene Program reserves the right to discontinue, at any time, the enrollment of a Dental Hygiene student, if, in the judgment of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Dental Hygiene faculty, the student does not appear to have the necessary qualifications for dental hygiene. Any student who earns a “D”, “F”, or “W” in any Dental Hygiene Course, will not be allowed to continue on to the next semester within Dental Hygiene. If this is their first “D”, “F”, or “W” the student may re-apply to Dental Hygiene. The Dental Hygiene faculty will determine which previously successfully completed courses, if any, must be repeated by the student for continuity of skill acquisition and/or professional knowledge.
If the student earns a “D” or “F” for a second time, it will result in permanent dismissal from the Dental Hygiene program.
Any student who interrupts enrollment in Dental Hygiene for more than 1 year must repeat all professional course work upon readmission.
Additional Costs and Requirements
Dental Hygiene students will be responsible for additional fees for uniforms, instruments, liability insurance and membership in the Student American Dental Hygienists’ Association.
Dental Hygiene Licensure
After successful completion of the five semester Dental Hygiene program which includes both didactic and clinical components; an Associate of Science degree will be awarded. Graduates will then be academically eligible to apply for licensure upon passing a written national board and a regional clinical exam. The Georgia Board of Dentistry has the right to refuse to grant a license to any individual who has been convicted of legal and/or moral violations specified by Georgia law. Additional costs will be incurred for licensure.
To be considered for admission to the Dental Hygiene program, the applicant must:
- Apply and be fully admitted to Albany State University before May 1st of each year.
- Click here to apply on-line
- A $20 application fee (subject to change) is required at the time you apply to the institution.
- Declare Health Science as your primary major and Pre-Dental Hygiene as the secondary major.
- Please do not send the ASU application or the application fee to the DH Program. The two application processes are separate and no additional fee is required when submitting the DH Program application.
- For transfer students, official transcripts from all colleges or universities ever attended must be submitted to the ASU Registrar’s Office and must be received by the June 1 deadline.
- Please note that admission to the college does not ensure admission to the DH program.
- Electronically submit your FASFA application for Financial Aid before May 1st each year.
- For information on completing your FASFA application, please visit Albany State University’s Office of Financial Aid webpage.
- Submit the completed DH application packet and requirements by the June 1 deadline.
- The student must complete a Dental Hygiene Application and all required forms. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all application material has been completed by utilizing the checklist at the end of the application.
- Any submitted incomplete application will not be given full consideration.
- Observation Hours
- Must complete a minimum of 16 observational hours in two separate general dentist office locations.
- The hours must be documented and verified/signed by a dentist or registered dental hygienist.
- Observation hours should be spent observing a registered dental hygienist (RDH) performing direct patient care.
- An Observational Hours Form is located within the application packet.
- Observation hours are considered applicable for a period of two years.
- Essay
- Must include a hand-written essay explaining why you have chosen DH as a career and why you would be an asset to the profession. (no required length for the essay)
- TEAS Testing
- Include an unofficial copy of your TEAS Score Report
- TEAS information & registration through ATI testing: https://atitesting.com/teas/register
- Please refer to page 14 of this application packet for more information.
- Dental Hygiene Admission Orientation
- Students will be required to sign an acknowledgement form stating they will have to attend the mandatory Dental Hygiene Admission Orientation. This orientation is usually held the week prior to the start of fall semester only for those accepted into the professional phase. The orientation will be held on the ASU West campus and will be available via internet viewing for students more than 60 miles away from campus only. While internet viewing will be available, attendance is encouraged as a tour of the dental hygiene clinic will be included in the orientation.
- Completion of courses required for program admission.
- See below for a complete list of required general education courses that are required for Dental Hygiene program admission.
- A minimum of a 2.5 GPA on DH general education courses is required for program admission is mandatory.
- While it is strongly advised that all general education courses be completed prior to application to the professional phase of the program, it is not mandatory.
- THE FOLLOWING COURSES ARE PRE-REQUISITE COURSES AND MUST BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO THE JUNE 1ST APPLICATION DEADLINE: MATH 1111; BIOL 1100K OR BIOL 2411K and BIOL 2412K; CHEM 1151K AND BIOL 2211K.
- Science courses must not be older than 10 years at the time of program application.
- The courses required for program admission must be completed or in progress for spring semester of the year of application. These pre-requisite courses must be successfully completed by the June 1st deadline with a grade of a C or better.
- Potential students should be advised that while a C is an acceptable passing grade for general education courses, too many C’s will not achieve the required 2.5 GPA of general education core curriculum for dental hygiene.
- The Dental Hygiene GPA is calculated strictly on required general education courses required for DH program admission.
- EACH course attempt will be included in the calculation of the GPA. (If a course is taken for a second time, the two course grades are average together and figured into the GPA.)
- Students who have completed all of the courses required for program admission will likely have higher scores in the competitive admission process.
- Proof of Hepatitis B immunization prior to first patient contact.
- Proof of CPR certification (American Heart Association Healthcare Provider Card) prior to first patient contact.
- Readmission of returning students: Any student who must interrupt enrollment must re-apply to the Dental Hygiene Program and, if accepted, placement will be determined after previous coursework has been evaluated by the Program Director. The evaluation may result in repeating a course previously completed successfully for continuity of skill acquisition and/or professional knowledge. Dental Hygiene courses more than two years old must be repeated. Students who fail a Dental Hygiene clinical course must repeat both the clinical course and the concurrent lecture course.
- To progress successfully through the curriculum and function as a practicing dental hygienist after graduation, the individual must have:
- Visual acuity with or without corrective lenses to read an instrument calibrated in mm and to detect subtle dental stains;
- Hearing with or without auditory aids to measure blood pressure using an aneroid sphygmomanometer and to obtain a medical/dental history by interview;
- Physical ability to operate equipment (unit, stool, x-ray machine, etc.);
- Manual dexterity to perform the fine motor functions associated with intra-oral
Recommended Pre-Requisite Courses for Career Associate of Science Degree Program
Code | Title | Semester Hours |
---|---|---|
Courses required for program admission: | ||
BIOL 1100K | Human Anatomy and Physiology for the Health Care Professional | 4 |
or BIOL 2411K & BIOL 2412K | Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Human Anatomy and Physiology II | |
MATH 1111 | College Algebra | 3 |
BIOL 2211K | Introduction to Microbiology | 4 |
CHEM 1151K | Survey of Chemistry I | 4 |
Required courses that may be taken before or after program admission: | ||
ENGL 1101 | English Composition I | 3 |
COMM 1000 | Cultural Diversity in Communication | 2 |
or COMM 1110 | Public Speaking | |
ARTS 1100 | Art Appreciation (OR MUSC 1100 OR THEA 1100) 1 | 3 |
PSYC 1101 | General Psychology | 3 |
POLS 1101 | American Government | 3 |
SOCI 1101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
Program courses required after admission to the program: | ||
DHYG 1101 | Orofacial Anatomy | 4 |
DHYG 1121 | Dental Hygiene Lecture I | 3 |
DHYG 1131 | Dental Hygiene Clinic I | 2 |
DHYG 1110 | Nutrition | 1 |
DHYG 1114 | Radiology | 3 |
DHYG 1122 | Dental Hygiene Lecture II | 2 |
DHYG 1132 | Dental Hygiene Clinic II | 3 |
DHYG 2100 | Periodontics | 2 |
DHYG 1133 | Dental Hygiene Clinic III | 2 |
DHYG 2550 | Dental Specialties & Materials | 2 |
DHYG 2250 | General and Oral Pathology | 3 |
DHYG 2150 | Pharmacology | 2 |
DHYG 2210 | Dental Hygiene Lecture IV | 1 |
DHYG 2310 | Dental Hygiene Clinic IV | 4 |
DHYG 2220 | Dental Hygiene Lecture V | 1 |
DHYG 2320 | Dental Hygiene Clinic V | 4 |
DHYG 2400 | Community Dental Health | 4 |
Total Semester Hours | 75 |
- 1
Humanities requirement may be met by taking any Area C: Humanities/Fine Arts courses listed on the Core Curriculum page.
Freshman Year | ||
---|---|---|
Courses Required for Program Admission | ||
BIOL 1100K or BIOL 2411K and BIOL 2412K |
Human Anatomy and Physiology for the Health Care Professional or Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Human Anatomy and Physiology II |
4 |
BIOL 2211K | Introduction to Microbiology | 4 |
CHEM 1151K | Survey of Chemistry I | 4 |
MATH 1111 | College Algebra | 3 |
Semester Hours | 15 | |
Sophomore Year | ||
Fall | Semester Hours | |
DHYG 1101 | Orofacial Anatomy | 4 |
DHYG 1121 | Dental Hygiene Lecture I | 3 |
DHYG 1131 | Dental Hygiene Clinic I | 2 |
ENGL 1101 | English Composition I 1 | 3 |
Semester Hours | 12 | |
Spring | ||
COMM 1000 or COMM 1110 |
Cultural Diversity in Communication 1 or Public Speaking |
2 |
DHYG 1110 | Nutrition | 1 |
DHYG 1114 | Radiology | 3 |
DHYG 1122 | Dental Hygiene Lecture II | 2 |
DHYG 1132 | Dental Hygiene Clinic II | 3 |
DHYG 2100 | Periodontics | 2 |
Semester Hours | 13 | |
Summer | ||
DHYG 1133 | Dental Hygiene Clinic III | 2 |
DHYG 2550 | Dental Specialties & Materials | 2 |
ARTS 1100 | Art Appreciation (OR MUSC 1100 OR THEA 1100) 1, 2 | 3 |
Semester Hours | 7 | |
Junior Year | ||
Fall | ||
DHYG 2150 | Pharmacology | 2 |
DHYG 2210 | Dental Hygiene Lecture IV | 1 |
DHYG 2250 | General and Oral Pathology | 3 |
DHYG 2310 | Dental Hygiene Clinic IV | 4 |
PSYC 1101 | General Psychology 1 | 3 |
Semester Hours | 13 | |
Spring | ||
DHYG 2320 | Dental Hygiene Clinic V | 4 |
DHYG 2220 | Dental Hygiene Lecture V | 1 |
DHYG 2400 | Community Dental Health | 4 |
POLS 1101 | American Government 1 | 3 |
SOCI 1101 | Introduction to Sociology 1 | 3 |
Semester Hours | 15 | |
Total Semester Hours | 75 |
- 1
Course may be taken prior to program acceptance.
- 2
Humanities requirement may be met by taking any Area C: Humanities/Fine Arts courses listed on the Core Curriculum page.
Special Note on ASU 1101
Depending on your enrollment status, you may be required to take ASU 1101, “First Year Experience.”
DHYG 111. Dental Anatomy. (3 Credits)
DHYG 1101. Orofacial Anatomy. (4 Credits)
A study of the anatomical sciences of the orofacial region to include oral histology and embryology; head and neck anatomy, and dental anatomy. Prerequisite: Admission into Dental Hygiene Program. Credits: 4.00 Credit Hours (4.00 Lecture - 0.00 Lab). Corequisites: DHYG 1121, DHYG 1131. Offered: Fall .
DHYG 1110. Nutrition. (1 Credit)
An overview of the major nutrient classifications, functions, sources and deficiencies. Emphasis on the well-balanced diet for maintenance of health. Credits: 1.00 Credit Hours (1.00 Lecture - 0.00 Lab). Prerequisites: CHEM 1151K, DHYG 1101, DHYG 1121, DHYG 1131 with grades of C or better. Corequisites: DHYG 1114, DHYG 1122, DHYG 1132, DHYG 2100. Offered: Spring .
DHYG 1114. Radiology. (3 Credits)
Basic principles of roentgenographic techniques including exposing, processing, mounting and charting radiographs. Anatomical landmarks for interpretation and safety precautions for the patient and operator. Credits: 3.00 Credit Hours (2.00 Lecture - 3.00 Lab). Prerequisites: DHYG 1101, DHYG 1121, DHYG 1131 with grades of C or better. Corequisites: DHYG 1110, DHYG 1122, DHYG 1132, DHYG 2100. Offered: Spring .
DHYG 1121. Dental Hygiene Lecture I. (3 Credits)
An introduction to fundamental concepts relating to the profession of dentistry, including terminology, history and organization. A study of asepsis, patient assessment, deposits and preventive services. Credits: 3.00 Credit Hours (3.00 Lecture - 0.00 Lab). Prerequisites: Admission into the Dental Hygiene program. Corequisites: DHYG 1101, DHYG 1131. Offered: Fall.
DHYG 1122. Dental Hygiene Lecture II. (2 Credits)
A continued study of patient management and education, and also dental hygiene treatment. Credits: 2.00 Credit Hours (2.00 Lecture - 0.00 Lab). Prerequisites: DHYG 1101, DHYG 1121, DHYG 1131 with grades of C or better. Corequisites: DHYG 1110, DHYG 1114, DHYG 1132, DHYG 2100. Offered: Spring .
DHYG 1131. Dental Hygiene Clinic I. (2 Credits)
An introduction to specific tasks required for delivery of dental hygiene services; infection control, patient assessment, scaling, and polishing and fluoride application procedures. Students acquire competencies through manikin and peer experiences under continuous supervision by clinical faculty. Credits: 2.00 Credit Hours (0.00 Lecture - 6.00 Lab). Prerequisites: Admission into Dental Hygiene program. Corequisites: DHYG 1121, DHYG 1101. Offered: Fall .
DHYG 1132. Dental Hygiene Clinic II. (3 Credits)
A continuation of DHYG 1131 with the addition of sharpening, plaque control instruction, and power scaling instrument. When safe techniques have been mastered, students deliver dental hygiene care to adult and child patients. An introduction to nutritional counseling. Credits: 3.00 Credit Hours (0.00 Lecture - 9.00 Lab). Prerequisites: DHYG 1101, DHYG 1121, DHYG 1131 with grades of C or better. Corequisites: DHYG 1122, DHYG 1114, DHYG 1110, DHYG 2100. Offered: Spring .
DHYG 1133. Dental Hygiene Clinic III. (2 Credits)
A continuation of DHYG 1132 with the addition of radiographs and dietary counseling. Instruction will also be provided in the manipulation of dental materials and advanced periodontal instrumentation. Students will visit a limited number of dental specialty offices. Credits: 2.00 Credit Hours (0.00 Lecture - 6.00 Lab). Prerequisites: DHYG 1110, DHYG 1114, DHYG 1122, DHYG 1132, DHYG 2100 with grades of C or better. Corequisites: DHYG 2550. Offered: Summer .
DHYG 2100. Periodontics. (2 Credits)
Principles of periodontology, etiology, and classification of periodontal disease with emphasis on prevention, scope of responsibility of the dental hygienist and treatment planning. Credits: 2.00 Credit Hours (2.00 Lecture - 0.00 Lab). Prerequisites: BIOL 2115K, DHYG 1101, DHYG 1121, DHYG 1131 with grades of C or better. Corequisites: DHYG 1110, DHYG 1114, DHYG 1122, DHYG 1132. Offered: Spring .
DHYG 2150. Pharmacology. (2 Credits)
Drugs, their properties, dosage, method of administration and therapeutic use with attention given to those drugs most commonly used in dentistry. Credits: 2.00 Credit Hours (2.00 Lecture - 0.00 Lab). Prerequisites: BIOL 2115K, DHYG 1133, DHYG 2550 with grades of C or better. Corequisites: DHYG 2210, DHYG 2250, DHYG 2310. Offered: Fall.
DHYG 2210. Dental Hygiene Lecture IV. (1 Credit)
A seminar course with emphasis on special needs patients and advanced periodontal patients. Credits: 1.00 Credit Hours (1.00 Lecture - 0.00 Lab). Prerequisites: DHYG 1133, DHYG 2550 with grades of C or better. Corequisites: DHYG 2150, DHYG 2250, DHYG 2310. Offered: Fall.
DHYG 2220. Dental Hygiene Lecture V. (1 Credit)
A seminar course with emphasis on jurisprudence and office management for the dental hygienist. Credits: 1.00 Credit Hours (1.00 Lecture - 0.00 Lab). Prerequisites: DHYG 2150, DHYG 2210, DHYG 2250, DHYG 2310 with grades of C or better. Corequisites: DHYG 2320, DHYG 2400. Offered: Spring .
DHYG 2250. General and Oral Pathology. (3 Credits)
Basic principles, causes and underlying mechanisms of disease phenomena with special emphasis on the oral cavity. Credits: 3.00 Credit Hours (3.00 Lecture - 0.00 Lab). Prerequisites: DHYG 1133, DHYG 2550 with grades of C or better. Corequisites: DHYG 2210, DHYG 2310, DHYG 2150 Offered: Fall .
DHYG 2310. Dental Hygiene Clinic IV. (4 Credits)
A continuation of DHYG 1133 with the addition of study models, sealants, advanced periodontal patients and oral irrigation. Credits: 4.00 Credit Hours (0.00 Lecture - 12.00 Lab). Prerequisites: DHYG 1133, DHYG 2550 with grades of C or better. Corequisites: DHYG 2250, DHYG 2210, DHYG 2150. Offered: Fall .
DHYG 2320. Dental Hygiene Clinic V. (4 Credits)
A continuation of DHYG 2310. Credits: 4.00 Credit Hours (0.00 Lecture - 12.00 Lab). Prerequisites: DHYG 2150, DHYG 2210, DHYG 2250, DHYG 2310 with grades of C or better. Corequisites: DHYG 2220, DHYG 2400. Offered: Spring .
DHYG 2400. Community Dental Health. (4 Credits)
Principles of public health dentistry, educational concepts and strategies in dental health education. Emphasis on assessment of dental needs, developing and evaluating programs, and epidemiology and research. Credits: 4.00 Credit Hours (3.00 Lecture - 3.00 Lab). Prerequisites: DHYG 2150, DHYG 2210, DHYG 2250, DHYG 2310 and COMM 1000 with grades of C or better. Corequisites: DHYG 2220, DHYG 2320. Offered: Spring .
DHYG 2550. Dental Specialties & Materials. (2 Credits)
Introduction to the specialty areas of dental practice. A study of dental materials used in a general practice office. Credits: 2.00 Credit Hours (2.00 Lecture - 0.00 Lab). Prerequisites: DHYG 1110, DHYG 1114, DHYG 1122, DHYG 1132, DHYG 2100 with grades of C or better. Corequisites: DHYG 1133. Offered: Summer .