Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the program?

Two academic years or four semesters.

How many students are in each class?

Each class usually consists of 30 students.

Can out of state students apply and be accepted?

Yes. Even though students who qualify as residents of Tennessee are given first consideration, some students from out of state are accepted into the program each year.

How does one establish residency in Tennessee?

One should contact the Officer of Enrollment Services at UT Health Science Center for that information. The telephone number is 901.448.5560.

When can I come for a tour of the campus?

Students often want to come and take a look at the facilities and meet students and members of the faculty. Such visits are welcomed and arranged by contacting Debra Bolton at debra@uthsc.edu

Can I work while going to dental hygiene school?

While it is possible to work some part-time, we recommend that students limit the number of hours worked per week to not more than 8 to 10 hours.

What hours will be in attendance at school while enrolled in the dental hygiene program?

We advise students that the schedule may be 8:00 to 5:00 on some days, and to therefore, not schedule other activities.

What is the deadline for admission applications?

The application cycle for students wishing to begin in Fall opens November 1 and closes February 15.  The application cycle for students wishing to begin in Spring opens April 1 and closes August 1.

When do classes begin?

Students who are admitted for the Fall semester will begin classes in early July.  Students who are admitted for the Spring semester will begin classes in early January.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. Interested individuals may contact the Office of Student Financial Aid, located at 910 Madison Avenue  Suite 520, Memphis, Tennessee 38163 (telephone 901.448.5568) for information concerning available grants, loans and scholarships.

Is experience as a dental assistant helpful?

Yes. Familiarity with the dental work setting and terminology is helpful.

Do I have to have every prerequisite course completed before I can apply for admission?

No. However, when you apply for admission, you must present a plan which describes how you will complete all requirements prior to starting the program.  It is best to have completed most of the science courses prior to applying for admissions.

What kind of courses are recommended as electives?

Additional courses in English, Psychology, Sociology, Biology, Foreign Language, Computer Literacy, or Health and First Aid are generally helpful.

Is dental hygiene a field for women only?

The vast majority of dental hygienists are women. The field is becoming an option for men with an interest in a career in the dental field, who are not interested in attending dental school.

Are dental hygienists at risk for Infectious diseases?

Dental hygienists are at no greater risk than any other health care professional. Policies and procedures for immunization, testing, and post-exposure incidents have been developed to comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), American Dental Association (ADA), American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), and extramural site recommendations or policies. Dental hygiene students, in the course of their clinical responsibilities, have exposure to blood, blood products, tissue, secretions, or body fluids of patients potentially containing hepatitis B (HBV) and are at risk for HBV as well as other infectious diseases.