Qualifications for the Dental Hygiene Program

A person is qualified to be considered for admission to the AAS Dental Hygiene Program if the candidate has met all of the following criteria:

• Accepted as a student at Tyler Junior College.
• Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher (or hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college).
• All of the following five sections of the HESI A2 Exam must be completed (only one retest allowed per application period):
  1. Math (minimum score of 75 percent required)
  2. Reading (minimum score of 75 percent required)
  3. Vocabulary and General Knowledge
  4. Chemistry
  5. Anatomy & Physiology
• Completed the following four science pre-requisites with a C or better:
  (Only courses that transfer to TJC as listed)
  • CHEM 1406: Introductory Chemistry I- Allied Health Emphasis OR CHEM 1405 Introductory Chemistry I
  • BIOL 2401: Anatomy & Physiology I (prerequisite may be required)
  • BIOL 2402: Anatomy & Physiology II
  • BIOL 2420: Microbiology
• Observe at least 2 dental hygienists for 12 hours or more

Technical Qualifications
In addition to the academic admission requirements for students entering the Dental Hygiene Program, the following mental and physical functions are also expected of all students with or without accommodations:

• Critical thinking ability
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Gross & fine motor skills sufficient to provide safe and effective dental hygiene care
• Effective interpersonal skills
• Physical mobility, range of motion, manual dexterity, eye-hand coordination
• Visual and perceptual abilities sufficient for patient assessment
• Auditory ability and other sensory skills sufficient to monitor and assess oral health needs
• Tactile sensitivity sufficient for detection and control with light pressure using small instruments
• Professional attitudes and behaviors
• Ability to use reasonable judgment under stressful conditions
• Ability to work independently while maintaining the highest standards of care
• Effective time management and patient management
• Ability to present a professional appearance, maintain personal health
• Emotional stability