Normandale Community College’s Dental Hygiene program has a competitive acceptance rate, with only 24 applicants accepted each year. Those who meet the requirements but are not selected are considered alternates, with no guaranteed spot on a waitlist. Reapplying for the following year is an option for those not accepted into the program.
To be eligible for the Dental Hygiene program at Normandale, applicants must have a college GPA of 2.75 or higher. Additionally, they must have completed or be currently enrolled in a college-level math course with a grade of C or above. There are specific requirements that must be met in order to be considered for admission, such as a current math placement test or completion of a college-level English course.
The admission process for international students at Normandale Community College involves obtaining an F-1 Student Visa and meeting all of the program’s requirements. International students are welcomed at the college, and they must ensure they meet the necessary criteria and deadlines for application. It is important for international students to carefully review the admission requirements and submit all required documentation to be considered for acceptance into the Dental Hygiene program at Normandale.
| Normandale Dental Hygiene Acceptance Rate | ||||||||||||
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Dental Hygiene Program Acceptance Rate:
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Quality of Education:The competitive acceptance rate for the Dental Hygiene program at Normandale ensures that students admitted have met rigorous academic standards. By requiring a minimum GPA of 2.75 and specific grade requirements, the program maintains a high level of academic excellence. This selective process results in a dedicated and highly-qualified cohort of students who are prepared for success in the field of dental hygiene. | ||||||||||||
Table of Information:
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Dental Hygiene (AS)
88 Credits
This program provides academic and clinical educational opportunities for capable individuals to acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for the professional practice of dental hygiene. The curriculum focuses on sciences, as well as essential technical and clinical skills in preparation for providing preventive dental hygiene services to the public. Dental hygienists are preventive oral healthcare professionals, licensed in dental hygiene, which provide educational, clinical, and therapeutic services supporting a patient’s total health through the promotion of optimal oral health
The mission of the Dental Hygiene Program at Normandale Community College is to prepare dental hygiene students in the provision of comprehensive dental hygiene care, while emphasizing professionalism, communication, social responsibility, and lifelong learning. Program goals include the intent to:
- Prepare graduates who will be competent to provide quality comprehensive dental hygiene care
- Promote admission of a qualified and diverse student population
- Participate in interprofessional community health promotion
- Engage in professional activities and lifelong learning
- Maintain a program that reflects relevant, current and advancing dental hygiene practice
- Incorporate emerging technologies to enhance quality dental hygiene care
Normandale Community College offers the Associate of Science (AS) degree in Dental Hygiene as a two-year program located within the health sciences division. NOTE: Most students complete their required science and liberal arts courses prior to acceptance into the program. The dental hygiene coursework requires four semesters to complete and begins each fall semester. Graduates will be eligible to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, Central Regional Dental Testing Examination, and the Minnesota State Board of Dentistry Jurisprudence Examination for licensure in the State of Minnesota.
Following graduation and licensure requirements of the State Board of Dentistry, the dental hygienist becomes a primary healthcare professional, oral health educator and clinician who may choose to work in a variety of settings.
Dual Admission and Enrollment Option – BS in Dental Hygiene
Through a partnership with Metropolitan State University, we offer the option of a dual admissions and enrollment program. This means that there is simultaneous admittance to the Normandale Associate Degree program and Metropolitan State University Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BSDH) program if an applicant chooses this option. For those who are anxious to obtain a BSDH, this can be accomplished within one to two semesters after completion of the Associate Degree Program. More information about this option is available by meeting with the Health Sciences Enrollment Manager, Kiara Taylor.
The program in dental hygiene is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. 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 211 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60611. The Commission’s web address is: http://www.ada.org/en/coda.
Core Courses – 50 Credits
Courses are web-supplemented and web-enhanced, requiring computer and Internet access
| DENH 1112 | Oral and Facial Anatomy | 3 cr |
| DENH 1140 | Pre-Clinic Theory | 3 cr |
| DENH 1141 | Pre-Clinic Skill Development | 4 cr |
| DENH 1142 | Clinic 1 Theory | 2 cr |
| DENH 1143 | Clinic 1 | 4 cr |
Complete one of the following two courses:
Complete one of the following two courses:
Required
| DENH 1162 | Pharmacology for the Dental Hygienist | 2 cr |
| DENH 2240 | Clinic 2 Theory | 2 cr |
| DENH 2241 | Clinic 2 | 6 cr |
| DENH 2242 | Clinic 3 Theory | 2 cr |
| DENH 2243 | Clinic 3 | 6 cr |
| DENH 2252 | Clinical Radiology 1 | 1 cr |
| DENH 2254 | Clinical Radiology 2 | 1 cr |
| DENH 2263 | Pain Management | 2 cr |
| DENH 2264 | Periodontics for the Dental Hygienist | 2 cr |
| DENH 2266 | General and Oral Pathology | 2 cr |
| DENH 2281 | Preventive Concepts in Community Dental Health | 2 cr |
Additional Required Courses – 38 Credits
Progression through the program is dependent upon a grade of C or higher for each of the following courses:
| ENGC 1101 | College Writing | 4 cr |
| COMM 1111 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 cr |
| CHEM 1050 | Foundations of Organic and Biochemistry | 3 cr |
| BIOL 2041 | Human Anatomy | 4 cr |
| BIOL 2042 | Human Physiology | 4 cr |
| BIOL 2043 | Microbiology | 4 cr |
| HLTH 1107 | Principles of Nutrition | 3 cr |
| PSYC 1110 | Introduction to Psychology | 4 cr |
| SOC 1104 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 cr |
| MATH 0700 | 0 |
Complete two courses from MnTC Goal areas 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10
Courses must satisfy at least two different MnTC Goal areas.
Students who are considering a bachelor’s degree completion program are strongly encouraged to complete their Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) electives by taking MATH 1080 (Goal 4) and one class from Goal 6 and/or 10. These courses will meet bachelor degree completion requirements at Metropolitan State University. For more information, visit www.metrostate.edu/cnhs.
Other Degree Requirements
- Earn a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 for college-level coursework (courses numbered 1000 and above) completed at Normandale.
- Earn a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in the MnTC.
- Earn a minimum of 20 college-level credits at Normandale.
Coursework in this degree program satisfies a portion of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC). Please see MnTC Degree Audit Report.
Admission Requirements and Application Process
- Applicants who are new to Normandale must complete the online college application, found at www.normandale.edu/apply. Acceptance to the college does not imply acceptance into the dental hygiene program. A separate Normandale Health Sciences Dental Hygiene Program application must be submitted to be considered for acceptance into the dental hygiene program. The completed application is to be submitted to the Health Sciences Enrollment Manager (located in A2507) by December 31 of each year. The Dental Hygiene application can be found on the Dental Hygiene Apply page.
- An overall college GPA of 2.75 or higher is required.
- If the student earned credits in the fall semester, official transcripts with these fall grades must be submitted to the Health Science Enrollment Manager by January 15 to complete the application.
- All applicants will be notified of their dental hygiene program application status via US mail on or before April 30 of each year.
- Applicants who are not accepted into the dental hygiene program and have met the application requirements will be placed on an alternate list.
- Applicants who were placed on the alternate list and were not accepted into the program will need to meet all requirements and reapply for admission into the program the following year.
Dental Hygiene Application Requirements
Required
The requirements below must be completed before an application is processed. A grade of C or higher is required for each course.
| MATH 0700 | Intermediate Algebra | 0 cr |
| ENGC 1101 | College Writing | 4 cr |
| CHEM 1050 | Foundations of Organic and Biochemistry | 3 cr |
| BIOL 2041 | Human Anatomy | 4 cr |
| BIOL 2042 | Human Physiology | 4 cr |
| BIOL 2043 | Microbiology | 4 cr |
MATH 0700: or equivalent or higher
ENGC 1101 and CHEM 1050: or equivalent
BIOL 2041 and BIOL 2043: with a lab or equivalent
BIOL 2042: with a lab or equivalent or show registration in this course for spring semester
BIOL 2043: To increase their science ranking points on an application, students are strongly encouraged to complete this course prior to program application, although it may be completed during the first year of the dental hygiene program.
Additional Program Information
Visit www.normandale.edu/dental-hygiene. For further questions, please contact the Health Science Enrollment Manager, Kiara Taylor at kiara.taylor@normandale.edu or call 952-358-8417.
General Information
In addition to general fees and books, admitted dental hygiene students purchase uniforms, instruments, clinic supplies, software and textbooks. Each student is required to purchase dental professional liability insurance which is included in course fees each fall. Students will be required to pay additional fees to take the National Board Exam, Central Regional Clinical Board Exam and State Jurisprudence examination during the spring semester of the second year of study.
Due to the nature of the dental hygiene profession, students will be participating in a learning environment that has the potential of exposure to blood borne pathogens. Students accepted into the program are provided with written policies and instruction on infection control protocol to reduce the risk of disease transmission. The program complies with all institutional, local, state and federal policies. Policies and procedures on the dental hygiene program’s infection control protocol are available to applicants upon request. All students must complete the following prior to entry in fall semester of the first year of study and must be maintained throughout enrollment in the program. Physical examinationImmunizationsOptical examinationSuccessful Minnesota Department of Human Services background studyHIPAA trainingCardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for the health care provider
Students entering the Dental Hygiene program are expected to meet the Technical Standards for Entry-Level Dental Hygiene Programs. These technical standards are required abilities for effective performance in the Minnesota State dental hygiene education program. The standards are compatible with the scope of practice as defined by the Minnesota Board of Dentistry.
Sequence of Courses:
First Year Fall Semester – 13 Credits
| COMM 1111 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 cr |
| DENH 1112 | Oral and Facial Anatomy | 3 cr |
| DENH 1140 | Pre-Clinic Theory | 3 cr |
| DENH 1141 | Pre-Clinic Skill Development | 4 cr |
First Year Spring Semester – 18 Credits
| BIOL 2043 | Microbiology | 4 cr |
| DENH 1142 | Clinic 1 Theory | 2 cr |
| DENH 1143 | Clinic 1 | 4 cr |
| DENH 1150 | Dental Radiology | 4 cr |
| DENH 1160 | Dental Materials | 2 cr |
| DENH 1162 | Pharmacology for the Dental Hygienist | 2 cr |
Summer Sessions 1 and 2 – 8 Credits
| PSYC 1110 | Introduction to Psychology | 4 cr |
| Electives for 4 credits |
Second Year Fall Semester – 18 Credits
| DENH 2240 | Clinic 2 Theory | 2 cr |
| DENH 2241 | Clinic 2 | 6 cr |
| DENH 2252 | Clinical Radiology 1 | 1 cr |
| DENH 2263 | Pain Management | 2 cr |
| DENH 2264 | Periodontics for the Dental Hygienist | 2 cr |
| DENH 2266 | General and Oral Pathology | 2 cr |
| HLTH 1107 | Principles of Nutrition | 3 cr |
Second Year Spring Semester – 14 Credits
| DENH 2242 | Clinic 3 Theory | 2 cr |
| DENH 2243 | Clinic 3 | 6 cr |
| DENH 2254 | Clinical Radiology 2 | 1 cr |
| DENH 2281 | Preventive Concepts in Community Dental Health | 2 cr |
| SOC 1104 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 cr |
Additional Information
For more information on Advanced Degrees, visit www.normandale.edu/dental-hygiene advanced-degrees.
FAQs
What are the course requirements I need to complete before applying?
The following requirements need to be fulfilled by the end of the fall semester, prior to the December 31st application deadline. Applications must be post marked December 31st.
| Required Courses – | ||
| Course | Course Name | Credits |
| MATH 0700 | Intermediate Algebra or equivalent or higher | 0 |
| ENGC 1101 | Freshman Composition or equivalent | 4 |
| CHEM 1050 | Foundations of Organic and Biochemistry or equivalent | 3 |
| BIOL 2041 | Human Anatomy with a lab or equivalent | 4 |
| BIOL 2042* | Human Physiology | 4 |
| BIOL 2043 | Microbiology with a lab or equivalent. To increase their science rankings points on an application, students are strongly encouraged to complete this course during the first year of the dental hygiene program, continuation through the program is contingent upon completion of this course with a grade of C or higher. | 4 |
| *If an applicant is accepted into the dental hygiene program, final admission is contingent upon completion of the required BIOL 2042 course with a grade of C or higher. |
When do I apply?
When you have fulfilled the requirements listed above, you may apply for the dental hygiene program during fall semester. The application deadline is December 31st each year.
What will improve my chances of being admitted?
The majority of the students who are offered seats in the DH program have completed all their science and liberal requirements prior to applying.
PRIMARY ADMISSION FACTORS into the DH program are your grades and all required science courses completed and overall cumulative grade point average.
SECONDARY ADMISSION FACTORS are your grades in liberal arts portion of the general education requirements and any other chemistry or biology courses completed before the December 31st application deadline date.
How can I get a bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene?
Great News for Dental Hygiene Applicants: We now have a Baccalaureate degree completion pathway through a new “dual enrollment” opportunity with Metropolitan State University.
Partnering with Metropolitan State, we now offer the AS/BSDH dual admission program with simultaneous admission to Normandale Community College’s Associate Degree (AS) program and Metropolitan State University’s Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BSDH) program.
This unique partnership offers students the opportunity to take specific bachelor’s level degree completion courses along with associate program coursework on Normandale’s campus. This opportunity provides dental hygiene students flexibility in their educational and career planning. For those who are anxious to obtain a BSDH degree this may be accomplished within one or two semesters after completion of the Associate Degree Program.
Completing this application automatically enrolls you at both institutions (cost saving application fees) and provides you with a new career laddering option. (see application).
How many applicants are admitted who fulfill the requirements?
Normandale accepts 20 applicants. The remaining qualified applicants who fulfill the requirements will be considered as alternates.
Is there a waiting list?
NO, there is no waiting list but an alternate list. Normandale accepts 20 applicants, based on the applicants PRIMARY AND SECONDARY ADMISSION FACTORS. If you are not accepted into the program or placed on alternate status, you must reapply for the following year and meet the current program requirements. The alternate list will be completed after grades are posted from the spring semester.
What is the length of the dental hygiene program?
The degree program is four semesters (two years) starting each fall semester. Most students complete their liberal education and science courses prior to applying.
May I file an academic petition for my dental assisting courses?
Yes, only if you are awarded a seat. The Dental Hygiene Department Chair and Dean of Health Sciences will review your Normandale academic petition.
When are official transcript(s) due?
All official transcripts from accredited institutions must be mailed to Normandale by January 15th after the December 31st application deadline.
Do I need to be a registered or certified dental assistant?
No. This has no bearing on acceptance into the Dental Hygiene Program.
Should I include recommendations letters and resume?
No, they are not considered at all. Your admission is based on the primary and secondary admission factors listed above.
What will my schedule be like once I am in the dental hygiene program?
The Dental Hygiene curriculum includes lecture, laboratory, and clinical requirements. In your second year of the program, there are some late afternoon and evening clinics. Refer to a current class schedule. Some students may need to take microbiology or an elective along with the dental hygiene schedule. All other general education courses should have been completed prior to admission to the program.
I have a disability. Whom do I contact?
Refer to Normandale website Student Services Office for Students with Disabilities 952-358-8625. Also refer to the Technical Standards to review the required for effective performance in the Dental Hygiene Program.
Information Sessions
Contact Normandale Community College Office of Admissions for Information Session schedules at 952-358-8201 or go to Visit Normandale website.
Where can I find out career information about Dental Hygiene?
For an overview on this career regarding skills, abilities, knowledge, wages and benefits, click HERE to go to CAREERwise, Minnesota’s gateway to career, education, employment and business information.
How much will it cost me to complete my Associate of Science degree in Dental Hygiene?
*Your estimated student expenses include tuition and fees ($18,500), and books and supplies ($5,000).
*Professional association, license and examination fees are not included in this estimate
Be sure to consider financial aid and scholarship opportunities when planning your educational expenses.
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