Program Overview

Introduction to the Dental Hygiene Program

The Dental Hygiene program at Georgia State University's Perimeter College is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a licensed dental hygienist. The program emphasizes the relationship between oral health care and total body health, and provides individualized oral hygiene care to patients.

Program Details

• The program requires 77 semester hours, including 37 hours of core curriculum and 40 hours of professional courses.
• The professional part of the program requires five consecutive semesters and must be taken at the Dunwoody Campus during the day.
• Additional semesters are required to complete the general education coursework.
• The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) of the American Dental Association.

Admission Requirements

• Acceptance to Perimeter College of Georgia State University
• Completion of three science prerequisites with a grade of "C" or better, and no older than seven years of the start of the program:
  • CHEM 1151/1151L Survey of Chemistry
  • BIOL 2251/2251L Human Anatomy & Physiology I
  • BIOL 2252/2252L Human Anatomy & Physiology II
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for general education courses.
• Satisfaction of all Learning Support requirements

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester: August 1
• Spring Semester: December 1
• Summer Semester: May 1

Program Highlights

• Hands-on training delivered by licensed dental and dental hygiene professionals
• A dynamic and licensed faculty, advanced training in dental technology equipment, service-learning opportunities, and the potential for advanced degree transfer
• Eligibility to join a preventive oral health profession that promotes quality health and education in a variety of practice settings

Careers Connected to Dental Hygiene

• Clinical instructor
• Community outreach coordinator
• Dental hygiene instructor
• Licensed dental hygienist
• Public health educator
• Dental industry sales consultant
• Correctional facility dental provider
• Expanded opportunities with a bachelor's degree, including dental hygiene practice manager, educator, graduate studies and researcher, and program administrator

Tuition and Financial Aid

• The cost of the program can be estimated using the university's cost calculator.
• Financial assistance and scholarships are available to support students through their education.
• Corporate assistance, military assistance, and the University System of Georgia Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) may also be available.

Program Outcomes

• Upon successful completion of the program, students earn an Associate of Science degree in Dental Hygiene.
• Successful completion of the National Boards, the Jurisprudence exam, and CRDTS (clinical exam) are essential before students are eligible to apply for licensure in Georgia.
• Graduates are qualified to seek employment as a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH).