TIPS ON APPLYING TO DENTAL HYGIENE SCHOOL

Applying to dental hygiene school can be a tough and stressful hurdle to overcome. In most cases, there are not many schools around and there is a great amount of people applying. Here in Georgia, where I live, its not as bad since we have 13 dental hygiene colleges...yet some states might have 1-4 schools.

Unfortunately the greatest factor is often your GPA, and this does not always reflect how badly you want to be a dental hygienist, how good clinically you might be or other factors not related to grades. I don't think GPA should be as big a factor as it is, but unfortunately I'm not the one accepting students! Dental hygiene schools like to look at your grades in science classes since it usually gives them an idea of how you will do in the dental hygiene classes. If you are applying and have a low grade in some of your science classes, you might consider retaking one of them. Some schools, but not all, will look at only the cumulative GPA in your science classes while determining if they are going to accept you or not.

Make sure you have the best references possible. A previous college professor who knows how hard you work and study and your participation level in class will be a great addition. Also, its highly recommended that you observe at some dental offices and watch some dental hygienists. Show some variety and watch hygienists in several different settings such as, private family practice, periodontal office, public health, etc. This shows that your just not applying to a program only to drop out later and not like it. This way you know before you apply that this is the step in your life you want to take to better yourself.

Take more than what's required. Dental hygienists go above and beyond what is needed (hopefully), and taking some classes that are not required but will make you a more well rounded individual will help. Such classes that would help are: medical terminology (will help with definitions when you are in the program, communication/speech classes (will help you with speaking to patients and in public settings), First Aid and CPR (will show you are interested in helping and making a difference in times of need...also a requirement when in the program so you won't have to be certified again).

Meet the faculty and program director. Call the college and schedule an appointment to speak with the program director and take a tour of the clinic. This gives you an opportunity to ask the director what he/she looks for in a future student, and what makes a good applicant. Taking this step shows that you take initiative and determination in achieving your goals. If possible, you might be able to observe a student for an hour while they are working on a patient.. this will let you have the chance to talk to the student and get some tips and see what the program will be like. All this goes a long way when many people apply with the same GPA. When you name comes up in the stack to be looked at... they will have a face to go with your name..and it might play in to their decision.

Write a great personal statement or essay is critical! Avoid using too many "I's and don't start every paragraph with one! Keep the sentence structure from repeating so much so that you will keep the reader interested.

Verb List
It's all in the words you use, so use the best ones. You only have so much space, so choose your words wisely. Here is a list of good words that may come in handy for writing your personal comments.

Hope this has helped!