Frequently Asked Questions

Is it important to have an A.A. or A.S. before entering the program?

No, this has no bearing on our admissions decisions. Decisions are based on GPA and math and science courses taken in high school or college. It takes three years to complete the professional sequence after the prerequisites are met, unless you are entering our degree completion program as a Dental Hygienist with an Associate's Degree

Will my classes transfer?

Contact your advisor to see which courses transfer into our prerequisites. The three courses applicants encounter difficulties in transferring are our Chemistry, Anatomy and Zoology classes. Applicants must make sure their 8 hours of Chemistry include a semester of Inorganic and a semester of Organic chemistry, plus include laboratory work. Also, make sure the Anatomy course covers all ten body systems (integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, hematocardiovascular, lymphoimmune, respiratory, genitourinary and reproductive). A four hour biology course, with a laboratory, will transfer for the Zoology prerequisite.

When will I know if I have been admitted?

Admission decisions begin in mid-February. Letters of acceptance or denial will be sent out in the following weeks. To expedite our decision, ensure all necessary documents have been submitted (application, transcripts, ACT scores and observation form). Applications will not be considered until all necessary materials have been received. The Dental Hygiene program needs a copy of your high school transcripts even if the university does not.

What are the advantages of a bachelor degree dental hygiene program?

Students are provided with the opportunity for an excellent education and preparation for a successful professional career. One major advantage is the university environment the students experience. All the benefits of a four-year institution are at the student's disposal. Additional preparation in the provision of periodontal care and an internship in caring for rural health and geriatric populations is provided in the curriculum. Integration of the dental hygiene professional courses over a three-year period allows the student extra supervised clinical practice prior to graduation.

I am a dental assistant; will I receive special consideration for admission?

Dental assistants receive a few extra points used in admission consideration. Otherwise, dental assistants are evaluated exactly the same as any other applicants: based on GPA in high school and college math and science courses, overall college GPA and ACT scores.

How much does it cost?

Normal tuition to SIUC applies to the Dental Hygiene program. Additional expenses for equipment, uniforms and fees also apply. Many of these expenses need to be met the FIRST week of the fall semester. See Costs Page for more information.

Are all dental hygienists female?

No. Men are encouraged to apply. Current statistics list 98% of dental hygienists as women.

Is selection competitive? How can I better my chance for admission?

Selection is competitive. Each class has only 36 spaces to fill. We receive more applications than spaces. You can increase your chances of admission by having high math and science scores, in both high school and college. If you are denied admission as a freshman, taking the required prerequisites and doing well in them will increase your prospects for admission as a sophomore.

How many spaces are available for Freshman?

Usually, 10 students are admitted as freshman. The remaining 26 students will then enter as sophomores to fill the rest of the class.

When are the classes offered? Do you have any weekend or night courses?

Classes are offered usually once a year. See the Course Sequence Page to see what classes are offered each semester. Classes are held between 8AM and 5PM, the same times as the clinic is open. Off campus experiences may take place outside of these times. See the Schedule of Classes Search to find the specific times the classes are held. This can change from year to year so it should not be used to plan schedules for semesters not listed.

How do I get to Carbondale?

Carbondale is located off Illinois Route 13. Route 13 is accessable from Interstate 57. Take Illinois 13 west to Carbondale. From the St. Louis area, take, Interstate 64 to Illinois Route 127. Take Illinois 127 South to Illinois Route 13. Follow Illinois 13 east into town. The SIUC Visitor Information Page contains more information on traveling to Carbondale.

How do I Apply?

Find an Application online:     SIUC Application | Program Application | DH Degree Completion Application or you may stop by our office in the Applied Science Building, Room 18 (across the street from the SIU Arena). You may also call (618) 453-8869, email or write to:

Program Representative-Dental Hygiene
School of Allied HEalth
College of Applied Science and Arts
Mailcode 6615
Southern Illinois University - Carbondale
Carbondale, IL 62901-6615

Thank you for your interest in our program! We wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.

Contact a program representative to learn more about the Dental Hygiene Program