Applicant must meet the general admission requirements for the college. Cumulative grade point average (GPA) must be ≥ 2.5 by the end of Fall 2012. High school graduates and GED holders who earned less than a 2.5 GPA during high school will be considered for admission if they have generated a college GPA of 2.5 or above (based on the most recent institution with a GPA calculated on at least 12 college credit hours within a one year timeframe).
The following high school courses with a grade of "C" or higher: Biology, Chemistry, Algebra I, and Algebra II. Appropriate developmental or college courses can be substituted for high school deficiencies. These prerequisites must be successfully completed by the end of Spring 2013. (MTH 151, 152, or 157 will not substitute for the Math requirements.)
College level prerequisites include Bio 141 and Bio 142 (Human Anatomy & Physiology I-II) or equivalent, which must be completed by the end of Spring 2013 with a "C" or higher in each course (must include a lab component). Bio 231 and Bio 232 with labs are acceptable equivalents.
Approximately eighteen (18) students will be admitted to the Roanoke 2013 Dental Hygiene class and twelve (12) to the Joint Venture at Danville Community College. The next class expected to begin at the LFCC Joint Venture site will be Fall 2014. In 2012, the total number of qualified applicants seeking admission for VWCC and LFCC was approximately 90. Priority consideration will be given to applicants with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above. The other criteria that will be evaluated includes: (1) academic record, (2) interviews given by the program head or a faculty member, which includes an essay component, (3) HOBET reading comprehension results, and (4) the two recommendation letters and evaluation forms submitted.
Health Occupation Basic Entrance Test. The HOBET provides an objective measurement of your critical reading ability, evaluates your level of success with basic mathematics, identifies how you approach studying, and identifies which learning approach is most effective for you. The HOBET identifies a student's expertise in math and science based reading comprehension. It also identifies test and learning styles, social interaction profile, stress levels and test taking skills, which will help faculty to assist students to be successful in the program.
Roanoke HOBET testing is usually conducted from late February to mid-March. All qualified early applicants for Roanoke will receive additional details by late-February 2013 regarding HOBET testing dates. Applicants for DCC will be contacted in early March by Miss Woody about HOBET testing dates (a specific date is usually scheduled on the Danville campus). Those who have applied before and took the HOBET, must test again (previous score cannot be used). Interviews for both sites will not be scheduled until after the application deadline and HOBET results reviewed (interviews are usually held in March at each site).
Admission decisions are made by a Dental Hygiene Admissions Committee, which meets in April. Admission decisions are mailed to the applicants as soon as possible, usually in May.
The dental hygiene program is a difficult program, so some students like to spread out their workload by completing support courses like English, developmental psychology, microbiology, and the Humanities Elective before beginning the dental hygiene program. It should be understood that support courses are not treated as prerequisites and meeting the admission criteria does not guarantee program admission. The Health Careers Specialist, Pam Woody, is available to advise you after your academic file is reviewed.
The curriculum has a heavy emphasis on general and dental hygiene sciences, as well as clinical sessions which demand technical and lecture application skills. All DNH and Natural Science courses must be passed with a grade of "C" or above to ensure continued enrollment. Continuance in the program is based upon academic criteria and adherence to attendance and other program policies covered at orientation. Satisfactory progress is necessary for eligibility to take licensure examinations.
Yes. Upon enrollment into the program, Dental Hygiene students are required to purchase items specifically for their field of study such as an instrument kit, uniforms, and special supplies. These fees are non-refundable. The student should be prepared to pay approximately $2,500.00 for these particular expenses at dental hygiene orientation prior to the beginning of first year fall classes. Other medical related expenses (ie. physical, PPD, Hep B) if accepted are typical for most health related programs (please see the cost sheet).
Students are responsible for recruiting patient/clients for clinical experiences. Approximately 60 patient/client experiences at specified levels of competency are required for program completion. Resources for client recruitment include previous clinic clients, students, college faculty/staff, Bradley Free Clinic (Roanoke), Roanoke Valley Health Department, and friends or family of students. Clinic services are free to the public. Note: Applicants should be aware that an evening clinical experience may be necessary on a limited basis, due to the number of students involved and clinical hours necessary to meet educational standards.
Applicants who believe they are at risk of contracting an infectious disease should seek testing and counseling prior to making application to the dental hygiene program. Students engaged in patient care activities are encouraged to know their HIV and HBV status. Applicants who are HIV or HBV positive may wish to reconsider their career goals. They should consider: 1) the possibility they may become disabled during their dental education or early in their career; 2) the infectious hazards that certain aspects of dental practice may pose; 3) the possibility of barriers to training in certain invasive clinical activities that may be imposed while in dental hygiene school because of possible hazards to patients; and 4) the cost of dental education given personal health and career uncertainties.
Applicants for admission to the dental hygiene program are considered for class positions based on their ability to meet program admission standards, without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, or other non-merit factors.
No. All applicants who meet the deadline who are minimally qualified and complete the application process are considered for the 2013 program.
Applicants that wish to begin preparing for possible consideration for 2014 can submit the 2013 Dental Hygiene application form with a note attached informing us of the year you plan on being considered for. You will still have to provide official transcripts with the application if you desire advising from the Health Careers Information Specialist so proper course selection can be suggested. If you are planning to take classes to meet prerequisite requirements or completing support courses prior to entry, you will benefit from advising and receive updates on changes to the curriculum (if any). You must submit recommendation letters/forms prior to February 15 of the year you are "eligible" and wish to be considered for (you will be notified about taking the HOBET and interviewing at that time).
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