Frequently Asked Questions

What does a dental hygienist do?
A dental hygienist is a licensed health care provider who, under the direct supervision of a dentist, provides preventive services to patients. Duties vary depending on the state, but in Alabama include cleaning teeth, radiographs, sealants and patient education. Hygienists are employed in private dental offices, hospitals, community health clinics, and other health care settings.
 
What is the job market for dental hygienists?
Employment of dental hygienists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. The demand for dental services will increase as the population ages and as research continues to link oral health to overall health. It is also in the top ten highest paying careers with an Associate’s degree. 100% of our students find employment in the field upon graduation. The national average salary for dental hygienists is $ 76,220. The average salary in the state of Alabama is $48,090. In the area of Huntsville and Birmingham, the average salary is $ 49,785. (Statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics)
 
How can I obtain more information about the program?
You may make an appointment with a dental hygiene advisor by calling 256-352-8300.
 
What is the process for being selected for admission to the program?
Applications are due June 1st. The process involves the ACT score, completion of the required prerequisite courses prior to application and the GPA (see admissions procedure link) The minimum GPA for acceptance into the program is 2.5. The program admits in the Fall semester only. Applications can be found on the website under Program Application or can be requested to be mailed by calling 256-352-8300.

What courses do I need to complete before applying to the program?
The following courses must be completed prior to application to the program: MTH 100 or higher, BIO 201, BIO 220. You must earn a "C" or above in these courses in order to apply to the program. Take these courses first if you haven't already done so. If you have already completed these courses, you can apply in March. These courses must be completed prior to June 1st to apply.
 
Do I have to complete all general required courses before applying?
It is not required to complete all general required courses before applying, but the more courses you have completed, the better your chances of getting into the program. Admission to the dental hygiene program is competitive. Most of our applicants that get admitted have almost all of the general required courses completed. These completion of the following courses will count as bonus towards your Dental Hygiene application if you take any of the below and earn a "C" or above. The general education required courses are: BIO 202, ENG 101, PSY 200, CHM 104, SOC 200, SPH 106 or 107, HUM 101.
 
Is it necessary to get letters of recommendation or observation hours to better my chances of getting into the program?
No. It is not necessary and will not improve your chances of getting into the program if you have letters of recommendation or observation hours.
 
I have a degree from another college and did not have to take the ACT. Is it mandatory to take the ACT to get into the program?
Yes. A minimum score of 18 is required to be qualified for acceptance into the program. The higher the ACT score, the better your chances of being admitted. The ACT Residual exam is offered at WSCC. You can call placement testing at 256-352-8248 to get information on taking the ACT. An SAT score can also be converted to an ACT score. 
 
Can the general required courses be taken at other colleges?
Yes. WSCC has linkage programs with many other colleges in the state. This linkage relationship guarantees the transfer of certain general required courses. Even if your college is not part of our linkage program or is out-of-state, courses are still transferable as long as they are equivalent to our courses. Information on course equivalency may be obtained by contacting the Admissions office at 256-352-8128.
 
If I don’t get into the program this year, what can I do to better my chances of getting in next year?
You can retake the ACT, finish your general required courses, retake courses in which a grade of C was earned, or apply for our dental assisting program. Graduates of dental assisting programs accredited by the American Dental Association (you can check with the program director to be sure that the dental assisting program is accredited by the ADA) are given extra points towards their total points for admission to the program. 
 
How many students apply and how many are accepted?
Currently the program accepts 30 students each year. We usually have over 100 applicants. We do not keep a waiting list and date of application is not a factor. Our average student who gets admitted to the program has a 23 ACT score and 3.7 GPA. 
 
Will I still be considered for the program if I am taking courses the summer semester before the application deadline of June 1?
Yes, you will be considered, but you will not receive credit for courses taken in the summer semester prior to the application deadline. All prerequisite courses must be complete prior to the deadline of June 1. Additional general education courses must be complete prior to the June 1 deadline in order to be considered for bonus points. 
 
Do I have to have CPR certification and a physical exam before being accepted?
You must have your physical exam and evidence of having begun the Hepatitis B vaccination series before the first day of class. You will receive these forms with your acceptance letter. You must complete CPR for Health care providers during the Fall semester.
  
When will I know if I’ve been accepted?
The deadline for applications is June 1. Students are contacted in early July to inform them of their acceptance/non-acceptance into the program. The letter will inform you of when to attend the mandatory orientation which is held prior to the first day of school.
 
What costs can I expect?
The costs are detailed on the website under program application. During orientation you will get information about uniforms, supplies and instruments that need to be purchased in the first semester.
 
When do clinical rotations begin and where do they take place?
Most of the clinical practice is done in our clinic. Students begin going to off campus clinical rotation sites in the Fall semester of the 2nd year. Our sites are in Birmingham and students can expect to go to the sites 4-6 days each semester.
 
Can I take any dental hygiene classes online?
We offer a few hybrid courses in which most of the coursework is done online, but the majority of the program is administered in the classroom/clinic setting.
 
What type of class schedule can I expect?
It varies each semester, but expect to be in class 8:00-3:00 3-4 days per week.
 
How long is the program?
The program is 2 years in length and includes 1 summer semester.
 
Are there loans/scholarships available?
Yes. Contact our financial aid department at 256-352-8182 for information about loans/scholarships.
 
What type of certification will I receive?
Our students are eligible to take the Dental Hygiene National Board exam which is administered in March of the last semester. Successful completion of the National Board allows students to take any state/regional board of their choice. Dental Hygienists must be certified by the state in order to practice. 
 
What is the pass rate of WSCC dental hygiene students on boards?
Our National Board first time pass rate is typically 96%. Our Regional Board first time pass rate is typically 93%.
 
Can I get into dental hygiene right after high school?
Yes. Students who participate in Dual Enrollment in high school and have completed the program prerequisites have the ability to be accepted into the program.