College Catalog Programs of Study 2011-2012

Purpose:  The curriculum is designed to prepare selected students to serve in a dynamic and growing health profession as valuable members of the Dental Health team. At the successful completion of the program, the student will be eligible to take the National Board and Regional Board Examinations in Dental Hygiene leading to licensure as a Registered Dental Hygienist (R.D.H.).

Transfer Information:  Transfer is not the primary purpose of an A.A.S. program, but NOVA has articulation agreements that facilitate the transfer of this and other career-oriented programs to selected senior institutions. Students interested in transfer should contact a counselor or their faculty advisor early in their program.

Admission Requirements: 

Students must:

• Comply with all General Admission Requirements for Allied Health Programs.
• Be eligible to sit for the licensure exam, which will require the student to present documentation of legal status in the US.
• Pass NAS 161-162 Health Science I-II with a grade of “B” or higher prior to being admitted to the program.
• Pass ENG 111 College Composition I and SDV 101 Orientation to Health Care with a “C” or higher prior to being admitted to the program. (For admission in Fall 2009 or later)
• Be willing to repeat courses or to complete evaluative testing for credits earned more than ten years ago.
• Look for the competitive admission and deadlines for applications on the Dental Hygiene web site at http://www.nvcc.edu/medical/health/dental/index.htm.

Special Program Requirements: The Commonwealth of Virginia Board of Dentistry reserves the right to deny licensure to any candidate who has been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude or the use of drugs or alcohol to the extent that such use renders him/her unsafe to practice dental hygiene. Any applicant who has been found guilty of a misdemeanor or felony must consult with the Dental Hygiene assistant dean prior to admission.

Special Accreditation Status: The curriculum has been accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Post-Secondary Accreditation and by the U.S. Department of Education.