Meridian Community College has one application for all programs; click here to start the application process. While filling out the application select dental hygiene in the drop box under programs of study.

Progression: To meet graduation requirements for this program, students must successfully complete the specified courses listed below with a "C" average (grade point average of 2.00) or better. A grade of "C" or higher is required in each DHT course to progress in the program. All coursework must be passed.  Minimum admission requirements (in addition to general admission requirements):

Attain an 18 composite score on the ACT;

 Or

 Score 69.5 or above on the ACCUPLACER Reading Section and a 59.5 or above on the Arithmetic Section;

 Or

Complete 18 semester hours of program general education coursework with an average of “C” or above at an accredited college or university. These 18 hours of coursework should be selected from the following: General Chemistry Survey, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Microbiology, Nutrition, College Algebra, English Composition I. Anatomy and Physiology must have been completed within five years prior to admission into the DHT program;

And

Have a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.00 (“C” average) on all previous college coursework;                                                                              

And

All transcripts, high school and college, ACT scores, autobiographical essay and proof of eight (8) hours observation in a dental clinic must be received along with the application by the April 30 deadline. All applicants must attend a DHT Information Session. Applicants will receive notice from the Admissions Office about scheduling their Information Session. To include spring semester grades, final college transcripts should be received by May 21.

The DHT Admissions Committee will select a class of fourteen from the pool of applicants. Any application with incomplete records will not be considered for admission. Admission is competitive and specific admission requirements must be met. Priority consideration for admission will be given as follows: 1) In-district students who complete dental hygiene academic core courses and/or general education coursework at MCC; 2) Out-of-district students who complete dental hygiene academic core courses and/or general education coursework at MCC; 3) Mississippi residents who complete dental hygiene academic core courses and/or general education coursework elsewhere; 4) Out-of-state students. The selection process is based on a formula that gives points for the ACT score, overall GPA,  Sciences completed (A&P I, A&P II, Chemistry, Microbiology) required general education courses, autobiographical essay, personal interview, and place of residence. Check with the Health Education advisor for further information or clarification, 601-484-8629.

DHT ADMISSION CRITERIA

Scale for Rating Applicants for Admission

 

  Category 1: ACT Composite Score

  18 – 1 pt

  19-20 – 2 pts

  21-22 – 3 pts

  23-24 – 4 pts

  25Æ– 5 pts

 

  Category 2:  Accuplacer Reading Score

  69.5-74 – 1 pt

  75-79 – 2 pts

  80-84 – 3 pts

  85Æ  – 4  pts

 

Category 3: Overall GPA

  2.0 – 1 pt

  2.1-2.5 – 2 pts

  2.6-3.0 – 3 pts

  3.1-3.5 – 4 pts

  3.6-4.0 – 5 pts 

Category 4: DHT Curriculum Courses Completed

                                                            A          B          C

English Comp I                                      3          2          1

Sociology                                              3          2          1

Psychology                                           3          2          1

Nutrition                                               3          2          1

Speech                                                 3          2          1

Humanities                                            3          2          1

            Total                                       18         12         6 

Category 5: Sciences Completed

                                                            A          B          C         

A & P I                                                 4          3          2

A & P II                                                4          3          2

Chemistry                                              4          3          2

Microbiology                                          4          3          2

            Total                                        16         12         8         

 

Category 6: Personal Interview

Rated 1-3 pts

Category 7: Autobiographical Essay

Rated 1-3 pts

* In State – 1 pt

 

Upon admission to the program and prior to enrollment, students are required to receive the Hepatitis-B vaccination  (or present physician’s statement stating that this vaccination is not advisable).  Students are also required to obtain a CPR Healthcare Provider (2 year) certification, proof of immunization for MMR, varicella, and a Mantoux Two-Step TB Skin Test. A drug screening will be scheduled after enrollment.  All these conditions must be met prior to the start of clinical training.

Students accepted into the Dental Hygiene Technology Program are considered as full time students who earn 12 semester credit hours.