South College AS Dental Hygiene Program Application – Dallas

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South College AS Dental Hygiene Program Application - Dallas

Thank you for your interest in the Dental Hygiene Program at South College. South College offers an exceptional program and state of the art facility to prepare you for your academic career.

Program Location: South College – Dallas

1507 Lyndon B Johnson Fwy

Dallas, Texas 75234

Please answer the following questions:

Are you a current student at South College? If no, please reach out to South College Admissions at 469-324-1051 for more information.

Yes

Desired Program Entrance Date:

April Cohort

October Cohort

Name:

Last:

First:

Middle:

Date of Birth:

Current Mailing Address:

Address:

City:

State:

Postal/ Zip Code:

Phone

SC ID#

SC Email

Other Email

Required prerequisites:

Please complete the following table of prerequisites completed

Dental Hygiene Prerequisites

College

Term/Semester and year

Letter Grade

MAT 1100: College Algebra

BIO 1110: Anatomy & Physiology I

BIO 1120: Anatomy & Physiology I Lab

BIO 1130: Anatomy & Physiology II

BIO 1140: Anatomy & Physiology II Lab

BIO 1160: Microbiology

BIO 1170: Microbiology Lab

CHM1010: General Chemistry I

CHM1020: General Chemistry I Lab

PSY 1811: General Psychology

ENG 1201: English Composition

SCC 1010: College Management

PDH 1000: Introduction to Dental Hygiene

Admission

Our program utilizes an application and selection process of:

October enrollment deadline – September 15
April enrollment deadline – March 1

Each enrollment period will accept a maximum number of students (Dallas-50) therefore it is advantageous to complete all pre-requisite courses prior to applying. Applicants to the Dental Hygiene program are ranked based on academic performance. Emphasis is placed on science and prerequisite coursework related to the Dental Hygiene program requirements and the HESI A2 entrance exam.

General admission to South College does not guarantee acceptance into the Dental Hygiene Program. Prospective students declaring Dental Hygiene as their major must be generally admitted to South College and meet the following general/program specific requirements to be considered for full admission to the program. Additionally, each student is encouraged to schedule an appointment with their advisor to discuss strategies for becoming more competitive during the ranking process.

The weight distribution for ranking is as follows:

South College Dental Hygiene Point Ranking

Cumulative GPA 2.5-4.0

(Science only)

3.5-4.0 2 points

3.0-3.49 1 points

Cumulative GPA 2.5-4.0

(All Program Prerequisite Courses)

3.5-4.0 2 points

3.0-3.49 1 points

Cumulative HESI A2 Score (All 6 components)

(Anatomy and Physiology, Biology, Chemistry, Grammar, Math, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary and General Knowledge)

(Example: Cumulative score 80% = 80 points

Score is points

Admission Criteria:

Meet requirements for South College general admission.
Complete the South College Department of Dental Hygiene application.
Attend an informational session
Submit documentation to your advisor meeting the minimum college cumulative GPA 2.50 (Pre-requisite Sciences only).
Submit documentation to your advisor meeting the minimum college cumulative GPA 2.50 (All pre-requisite courses).
Complete a HESI - A2 Assessment Exam (All 6 components: Anatomy and Physiology, Biology, Chemistry, Grammar, Math, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary and General Knowledge)
Meet specific health and/or essential functions pertinent to the responsibilities performed by the dental hygiene student.
Students must commit to full attendance and active participation in a rigorous educational program, which includes class attendance, substantial out-of-class preparation, and clinical and laboratory assignments. Clinic hours will range from 8-12 hours per week, in addition to classroom and laboratory times.

Requirements for Admission (Other than Academic)

In addition to course work, each student must provide proof of ability to perform the skills needed to practice dental hygiene effectively. Health care facilities must meet federal guidelines, and students must also meet these requirements to be allowed to gain clinical experience. All Dental Hygiene students must comply with communicable diseases/blood-borne pathogen requirements that the clinical agencies require. Therefore, proof of the following are requirements for the dental hygiene program applicant:

Health history and physical exam certifying ability to function in the required capacity prior to admission.
Common communicable disease immunization or immunity, including:

MMR - Vaccine series or positive antibody titer accepted (qualitative or quantitative)
Tdap (booster required every 10 years)
Varicella - Vaccine series or positive antibody titer accepted (qualitative or quantitative)
Hepatitis B - (Heplisav-B or standard three-dose series) Vaccine series or antibody titer accepted (qualitative or quantitative) or completed Declination form
Meningitis - One MenACWY dose (Menveo, MenQuadfi, or Menactra) within 5 years of the current date – Or completed Waiver form
Annual Flu - or completed Declination Form
TB - Annual screening for tuberculosis or x-ray follow-up
COVID – or completed Waiver form

Acceptable drug screen. Students may be required to obtain more than one acceptable drug screen per year depending on the requirements of the clinical affiliate. In any case where a drug screen is positive and no authorized prescription is produced to validate the presence of the drug in the individual’s system, continuation in the program will be denied. Upon notification of the drug screen results, the student will have 5 working days to provide prescription validation. Students are responsible for costs associated with any required testing.
Acceptable criminal background check for a minimum of past 15 years. Students may be required to obtain more than one acceptable criminal background check per year depending on the requirements of the clinical affiliate. If the background check reveals previous criminal convictions, admittance into the program will be made on a case-by-case basis. Students who are denied clinical experiences due to past convictions may be unable to progress in the program which will result in failure to complete the required courses for the program.
Proof of health insurance coverage throughout the entire Dental Hygiene program.

If you are under 22 years of age, you will have to present evidence of a meningococcal vaccine or valid exemption in the past 5 years

I understand

Acceptance into a South College program does not imply or guarantee that a student will be able to obtain licensure, certification, or employment. Several South College programs require field experiences during the curriculum (e.g., clinicals, internships, practicums, student teaching) and/or lead to a field that requires a license or certification. Background checks are required prior to matriculation into these programs and may further be required prior to the field experiences and/or licensure/certification. Students should be aware that a prior misdemeanor or felony arrest or conviction (or an event of this nature occurring during the program) may restrict the individual’s ability to gain admission into the program, progress into field experiential training, and/or obtain professional licensure or certification. It is the responsibility of the student to inform the program of any issues that may have occurred in the past or that arise during the program. The events may require voluntary withdrawal or administrative dismissal from the program. All students are responsible for learning the requirements for licensure within their home state or any state in which he/she wishes to practice ensuring ability to meet these requirements.

Have you ever been convicted of or are you under current litigation for a misdemeanor or felony?

Yes

***NOTE***: An affirmative response does not automatically disqualify an applicant from admission. Factors such as the applicant's age at the time of conviction, the amount of time that has passed, the severity and nature of the offense, and evidence of rehabilitation will be considered. Students answering “yes” are encouraged to consult with the credentialing board compliance committee to discuss their eligibility for licensure, registration, or certification.

FUNCTIONAL STANDARDS IN DENTAL HYGIENE

A candidate for the Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene program must have abilities and skills in five categories: sensory, motor, cognitive, communication, and behavioral/social. Students must demonstrate the following functional capacities. Students who believe that they will not be able to meet one or more of these requirements without accommodation or modification must notify the Dental Hygiene Program Director and Director of Student Services, and a determination will be made on a case-by-case basis whether reasonable accommodation may be made. In no instance will accommodation be made, which will put patients or other students at risk. An accommodation granted when a student is generally admitted to South College does not guarantee that this modification will apply to admission to the dental hygiene program.

Function	Requirement	Examples of Tasks for
Vision	Adequate to ensure the safety of self and others in the classroom and clinical settings.	Students must be able to identify fine-tipped instrumentation from two feet.
Hearing	Adequate to allow effective communication with patients and others in person and by electronic means, and to ensure the safety of self and patients.	Students must be able to differentiate demands from the dental team while there is background equipment and other conversations within the dental operatory without the use of reading lips due to PPE mask requirements. Hear and understand muffled or low-pitched communication without visualization of the communicator’s mouth/lips and within 20 feet. Hear blood pressure sounds through a stethoscope.
Tactile Sensory	Adequate to allow effective evaluation and therapeutic intervention related to patient care, and to ensure the safety of self and others in providing care.	Students must be able to pick up, attach, and deliver instrumentation single- handedly. Dental hygiene requires students to use their non-dominant hand without breaks in asepsis. Detecting odors sufficient to maintain environmental safety and patient needs. Be free of reportable communicable diseases and chemical abuse. Demonstrate immunity to measles, rubella, rubeola, tuberculosis, and hepatitis A/B, or be vaccinated against these diseases, including the influenza vaccination during the season and other potential required vaccines.
Gross motor strength and coordination	Adequate to ensure the safety of self and others in class, and lab sessions and clinical activities.	Stand, bend, stoop, and/or sit for long periods of time in one location with minimum/no breaks. Ambulate/move around without assistive devices.
Fine motor strength and coordination	Adequate to allow mastery of activities requiring detailed movements.	Dental hygiene students must be capable of the manipulation of instruments, supplies, and equipment with speed, dexterity, and good eye-hand coordination.

Critical Thinking Ability

Adequate to allow mastery of basic

course content and to demonstrate sound judgment in simulated and real-life oral health care situations.

Demonstrate physical dexterity using dental instruments.

Dental hygienists must anticipate the needs of the patient and have the ability to act quickly. Students must also understand the required equipment, supplies and instrumentation necessary to gather for procedures they are assigned.

Demonstrate the ability to anticipate and function while in stressful situations.

Possess short- and long-term memory sufficient to perform tasks such as, but not limited to, assessment of the patient, the provision of a dental hygiene diagnosis,

treatment planning, implementation of the treatment plan and evaluation of the outcomes.

Make appropriate judgment decisions.

Interpersonal skills

Adequate to allow establishment of effective working and/or therapeutic relationships with patients, dentists and other healthcare professionals.

Demonstrate the use of positive coping skills under stress.

Demonstrate calm and effective responses.

Exhibit positive interpersonal skills in patient, staff, and faculty interactions.

Communication

Adequate to allow completion of course work and effective verbal and written communication with patients, families, communities, peers, and others.

Students must have the ability to communicate quickly and professionally with the dental team to ensure effective and safe patient care.

Communicate and understand fluent English both verbally and in writing.

Each student must continue to meet all the TECHNICAL STANDARDS set forth above. A student may be denied permission to continue in the education program at South College should the student fail at any time to demonstrate all the required TECHNICAL STANDARDS.

Have you reviewed the functional standard requirements for dental hygiene students as outlined?

Yes

Are you able to meet all the required functional standard requirements?

Yes

You will be responsible for purchasing the books, scrubs, and other required supplies for the program when the program starts.

I understand

You will not be admitted to cohort if you have an account hold. Reasons for such holds may be missing official transcripts or an unpaid balance.

I understand

Bloodborne Pathogens and Communicable Disease Policy

A work hazard of a clinically practicing dental professional treating live patients is the potential to be exposed to communicable diseases and bloodborne pathogens. Standard precautions represent a set of rules healthcare providers follow to protect themselves and their patients from pathogens spread by body fluids. Standard precautions aim to prevent the transmission of communicable and bloodborne pathogens through inhalation, direct contact, indirect contact, and sharps prevention. The South College Dental Hygiene Program enforces and educates students and employees on healthcare standard precautions so they may safely treat patients and be knowledgeable of disease transmission risk.

The South College Dental Hygiene program follows current recommendations from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Organization for Safety, Asepsis, and Prevention (OSAP), American Dental Association (ADA), and the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) to protect all Dental Healthcare Personnel (DHCP). A DHCP, as defined by the Center for Disease Control, is any “paid and unpaid personnel in the dental healthcare setting who might be occupationally exposed to infectious materials, including body substances and contaminated supplies, equipment, environmental surfaces, water, or air”.

South College Dental Hygiene program obeys the rules and regulations set forth by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Texas Department of State Health Services, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Department of Health and Human Services as they pertain to communicable diseases and bloodborne pathogens.

The South College Dental Hygiene program is committed to ensuring that each employee, applicant, student, and patient is provided with a safe and healthy environment. South College requires all students to have current immunizations, which includes the Hepatitis B series, to protect themselves and patients from disease transmission. Dental professionals are ethically obligated to safeguard the confidentiality of patient records and to maintain those records in a manner consistent with the protection and welfare of the patient.

South College emphasizes education for employees and students concerning communicable and bloodborne diseases and managing each case of disease transmission with sensitivity, flexibility, and concern for the individual. The college’s decisions concerning a person who has a communicable disease shall be based on current and well-informed medical judgement which includes the nature of the disease, risk of transmission to others, symptoms, and special circumstances of the person, and balancing identifiable risks and available alternatives to respond to a student or employee with a communicable disease.

Students are strongly encouraged to undergo a personal evaluation with their medical provider to assess their own communicable disease status and risk prior to enrollment. No student will be denied entry to a program, required to cease attending the college, or participating in college functions solely based on diagnosis of a communicable or bloodborne disease. If a review of the facts demonstrates a student is unable to perform, as required by the degree plan or presents a health risk to themselves or fellow community members, a decision shall be made regarding the student’s attendance at the college. South College shall offer reasonable accommodation to both students and employees. Generally, reasonable accommodation will not require expenditure of additional funds.

The South College Dental Hygiene program has policies related especially to bloodborne and infectious diseases that include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B (HBV), and other bloodborne infections. Persons who are seropositive for a bloodborne disease shall receive the same treatment as those who are seronegative.

Standard precautions are followed in the dental hygiene clinic to reduce the cycle of infection and eliminate cross-contamination, reduce the number of airborne pathogens, protect all patients and personnel from infection, and ensure the chain of infection is not broken. A patient infected with a bloodborne pathogen should be treated with compassion and dignity and will be provided access to dental care and treatment within the scope of practice in the dental hygiene clinic.

I have read and acknowledge the above statement

I have read and understand all requirements for admission to the South College Dental Hygiene program.

I understand

To submit your application, enter your full name below as your digital signature, today's date, and the captcha then click submit. By doing so you agree to the following statement:

I have read the admissions requirements of the South College Dental Hygiene Program and understand that these requirements must be satisfied before admission to the program will be considered.

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