Gaining acceptance into a dental hygiene program is a competitive process, and prospective students often wonder about the nuances of admission criteria. A common question revolves around how hygiene programs consider repeated coursework. Understanding this aspect is crucial for anyone aiming to pursue a career in dental hygiene. This article will delve into how dental hygiene programs evaluate repeated courses within the admission process, providing clarity and guidance for aspiring dental hygienists.
Prerequisite Courses: The Foundation for Admission
Dental hygiene programs typically require a set of prerequisite courses to ensure students have a foundational understanding of the sciences and general education necessary for the rigorous curriculum. These prerequisites often include courses like:
- English Composition: Essential for communication and critical thinking skills.
- Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning: Develops analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II: Provides the fundamental biological knowledge of the human body.
- Principles of Chemistry: Introduces chemical concepts relevant to biological processes and materials used in dentistry.
- Sociology: Offers insights into social structures and human behavior, important for patient interaction.
These courses are not merely suggested; they are required for consideration into most dental hygiene programs. Successfully completing these prerequisites with strong grades demonstrates your commitment and preparedness for the demanding field of dental hygiene.
GPA Calculation and Repeated Courses: What You Need to Know
A significant factor in the admission process is your Grade Point Average (GPA), particularly in these prerequisite courses. Dental hygiene programs often calculate a specific GPA based on these required courses to rank applicants. So, do hygiene programs care about repeated courses when calculating GPA? The answer is yes, they do, and typically in a very specific way.
Many programs, like the one detailed in the original article, employ a method where grades in repeated courses are averaged. This means if you initially receive a lower grade in a prerequisite course and then retake it to achieve a higher grade, both grades will be factored into your GPA calculation.
For example, if you earned a “D” in Chemistry initially and then repeated the course and received a “B,” the program might average these grades. In some cases, even if a course is graded as “Credit” (CR) or “No Credit” (NC), a “D” grade might be used for a “CR” and an “F” for an “NC” in GPA calculations, and these would also be averaged with any subsequent grades if the course is repeated.
This policy highlights that while improving your grade by retaking a course is beneficial, the initial lower grade is still considered. Therefore, it is always better to strive for the best possible grade the first time you take a prerequisite course.
Progression to the Clinical Program: Maintaining Academic Excellence
The academic rigor doesn’t end with admission. Dental hygiene programs often have a pre-clinical phase, followed by progression into the clinical program. Continued strong academic performance is crucial for advancing through these stages.
The original article emphasizes that seats in the clinical program are often limited and allocated based on academic averages in the prerequisite sequence. Even completing the introductory courses doesn’t guarantee progression to the clinical phase. This competitive progression underscores the importance of consistent academic excellence throughout the pre-clinical coursework. Students who don’t meet the progression requirements within a specified timeframe may be required to transfer out of the dental hygiene curriculum.
Degree Requirements and Recommended Courses
Beyond the prerequisites for admission and clinical progression, dental hygiene programs outline specific degree requirements. These typically include:
- Common Core Courses: Covering a range of general education subjects to provide a well-rounded academic foundation.
- Required General Education Courses: Such as Psychology and Communication courses, which are directly relevant to patient care and professional interactions in dental hygiene.
Furthermore, some programs recommend taking additional courses like Microbiology and Nutrition before entering the program. These courses can provide a stronger scientific background and potentially ease the workload during the program itself.
Conclusion: Focus on Initial Success and Understand Course Repeat Policies
In conclusion, dental hygiene programs do pay attention to repeated courses, primarily by averaging grades, which underscores the importance of aiming for strong grades from the outset. While retaking courses to improve grades is viewed positively, the initial academic record is still considered. Therefore, prospective dental hygiene students should:
- Prioritize strong performance in prerequisite courses the first time.
- Understand the specific policies of their target programs regarding repeated courses and GPA calculation.
- Maintain consistent academic excellence throughout the pre-clinical and clinical phases of the program.
By understanding these admission insights, particularly concerning repeated courses, aspiring dental hygienists can strategically prepare and increase their chances of acceptance into a competitive dental hygiene program and build a successful career in this rewarding healthcare field.
