FAQ

What are the college’s requirements for this program?  Minimum GPA for admissions eligibility – 2.5
Students must complete Algebra, Biology with a lab and Chemistry with a lab.
College requirements: BIO109, MAT040, CHM112
High School Prerequisite Courses: Chemistry w/lab; Algebra and Biology w/lab. High School students must complete CHM-112 (College Chemistry), before the application deadline. A junior or senior high school student, 16 years of age or older, may apply for the College experience, with their guidance counselors or principal’s permission/endorsement. Then they can register for CHM 112 and successfully complete prior to the application deadline.

 IMPORTANT: BIO 109 and CHM 112 – LAB component MUST be attended in person

THE PROCESS OF ADMISSION
Submission of the application and transcript-DEADLINE January 15
Review of applications and transcripts after the deadline (generally it takes 2 weeks) for all applicants
Notification will be sent regarding Criminal History Background Check (CHBC)
Review of results of CHBC-pending negative/clear result (end of February) Notification will be sent regarding scheduling HESI exam (beginning of MARCH)
Review of HESI scores and GPAs after conclusion of testing period-pending review (end of March)
Notification will be sent regarding acceptance or denial to admission to the Dental Hygiene Program
Once applications are reviewed, a negative criminal background check is received, and it is determined that you are eligible, you will be invited to take the Dental Hygiene Admissions                          Examination (HESI).

The study guide is available in the library and in the bookstore. The Admissions Assessment Examination for Dental Hygiene covers the following subject areas:

  • Reading comprehension
  • Vocabulary
  • Grammar
  • Math
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Personality Profile
  • Learning Style

There is a total of 9 – 10 modules on the examination but modules to be completed will be program specific. You will receive more information once academic eligibility and a criminal background check is determined.
Title: HESI Admission Assessment Review Guide
Edition: 5th edition Elsevier

 What if I do not meet these requirements?
Any student not meeting these requirements will not be eligible for admission to the dental hygiene program

 Can I take general education courses along with my dental hygiene courses?
It is strongly recommended that students complete as many general education and science courses before applying to the dental hygiene program. The dental hygiene core courses require a substantial commitment and additional courses will decrease the amount of time and focus needed to be successful in the core dental hygiene courses.

What is the deadline for admission?
February 1 is the deadline for consideration of applications for the September admission.

How long is the program?
Approximately 2 years including a summer session between the 1st and 2nd year.

Do I need to submit letters of recommendation?
No, letters of recommendations are not considered as part of the admissions process.

Is there a personal interview included in the admissions process?
No, there is not a personal interview as part of the admissions process.

If I live out of the county, can I apply to the program?
Yes, you can apply and will be considered for admission to the program.

Am I able to transfer from another DH program?
No, all core dental hygiene (DHY) courses must be completed within the Bergen Community College Dental Hygiene Program.

I am a foreign trained dentist; can I audit the dental hygiene core courses?
No, all core dental hygiene (DHY) courses must be completed within the Bergen Community College Dental Hygiene Program.

Is there a sequence of courses that must be followed?
Yes, all courses are listed in the college catalog and on the college website. All core dental hygiene courses must be taken in order. If a student does not pass a course, they may not progress to the next semester.

Can general education and science courses be transferred into the program?
Students should complete as many of the general education courses as possible before entering the program. Students should consult with a counselor about the transfer of general education and science courses.

Is the program accredited?
Yes, the Bergen Community College Dental Hygiene Program is an accredited program. The program welcomed its first class in 1972.

Who is the accrediting agency?
The Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association is the accrediting body. The program goes through a site visit every seven years.

What happens when I finish the program?
In the last semester you will be eligible to take the National Dental Hygiene Board Examination and CDCA clinical board examination.

What are the graduation requirements?
Completion of all general education and dental hygiene coursework and the completion of all clinical requirements, clinical hours and experiences are required for graduation.

What are the requirements for dental hygiene licensure in the state of NJ?
Candidates for licensure must be graduates of an accredited dental hygiene program, have successfully completed both the National Dental Hygiene Board and CDCA board examination and successfully completed the NJDH Jurisprudence Examination. Candidates must also have a current Healthcare Provider CPR certification.

What should I know about dental hygiene as a career?
Dental Hygienists are members of the preventive oral health care team. If you enjoy helping people, working with your hands as well as your mind, and playing an important role in helping your patients maintain ideal health, then Dental Hygiene may be the career for you.A Dental Hygienist is a licensed professional, oral health educator and clinician, who, under the supervision of a dentist, is responsible for providing treatment that promotes both oral and total health care. Registered Dental Hygienists (RDHs) provide a wide range of services in dental practices and may pursue a variety of career options including clinical, administrative, education, public health and research Each state has established licensure requirements for Dental Hygienists. The Dental Hygiene curriculum is a challenging one that emphasizes a “hands on” approach and incorporates a variety of educational experiences and environments from the traditional classroom to the lab and state of the art clinic.

What are the approximate expenses related to the program in addition to tuition and fees?
In addition to tuition and fees, there are other expenses throughout the program. Costs for clinical instruments, uniforms, technology, licensing exams, and professional development total approximately $5000.00 plus (Fees will vary year to year). These additional costs may be considered in financial aid packages.

Where will I go for my clinical experience?
Most clinical experiences will be completed in our state-of-the-art clinic on campus. In addition, as part of our service learning program, students will have external experiences at area hospitals, schools and community outreach programs and settings.

Does the program provide patients for the clinical learning experience?
No, students are ultimately responsible to recruit their own patients.

Do many students apply to the program?
On an average, there are more than 200 applications each year so admission to the program is very competitive.

How many students are admitted each year?
Class size is limited to approximately 48 students each year; therefore, admission to the Dental Hygiene Program is very competitive.

How many classes are admitted each year?
There is one class admitted to the program each year. Classes begin in September and continue for two academic years including the summer between first and second year.

What should I know about the academic course of study for dental Hygiene?
The Dental Hygiene curriculum is a comprehensive curriculum encompassing a wide array of courses. Students must meet a minimum 75 average to pass each course.
The sequence of courses is listed in the college catalog and on the college website.

How many days a week will I be expected to devote to my education?
You will have classes 5 days a week with assignments in each. This program requires a full-time commitment.

 Is there an online component in the DH curriculum?
All dental hygiene courses have an online component. Some courses are hybrid courses, other courses use online testing. Access to computer and highspeed internet is a requirement of the program. The clinical evaluation system is also computer-based.

Are there any additional requirements related to my clinical experience?
Background checks are required for all Health Professions curriculums and fingerprinting is required to complete clinical experiences at external sites.
Any positive background checks will result in forfeiting admission to the program.
All students must hold a current Healthcare Provider CPR certification. This must be completed before entry into the program.