The BSDH program is a selective admissions program. This means applicants need to submit a separate application (Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Application) to be considered for a position in the program.
The Guidelines for Admission document outlines the admission requirements in detail. It has been designed to easily guide you through the application process.
Conditional Acceptance Requirements
Applicants must…
- have graduated with an associate degree, from a dental hygiene program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and have an active RDH license
OR
have graduated from a dental hygiene program accredited by CODA and completed licensure exams with passing scores and are awaiting the license to be issued.
- have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
- be within 12 hours of Core Completion (general education courses).
Application Periods
Applications can be submitted anytime. However, the application, including official transcripts must be complete at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the semester that you intend to enroll.
Documents Necessary to Complete the Online Submission Form
Before clicking the “Online Submission Form”, make sure the necessary documents have been completed and saved in a PDF format for uploading. Forms necessary for submission include:
- Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Application (all applicants)
- RDH License (licensed dental hygienist only)
OR
proof of graduation from an accredited dental hygiene program AND passing licensure exam results (while awaiting licensure).
It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all necessary documents outlined in the Guidelines for Admission are completed and submitted through the Online Submission Form, including any additional supporting documentation.
Submitting Your Application (Online Submission Form)
Once you have downloaded and completed the application click below to apply and upload the required documents (PDF files only).
FAQs
I am a student in the TJC Dental Hygiene AAS program. Can I take BSDH classes?
No, the BSDH program is a completion program and is designed for licensed dental hygienists or those awaiting receipt of their license after taking and passing licensing exams.
How do I know if I’m core complete?
Graduates from all colleges in Texas should have a core complete status listed on their official transcripts. Current TJC students can check in Apache Access-Degree Works, to see if they have met the core requirements. If you are unsure of your core status, contact a nursing & health sciences academic advisor. You can also visit the TJC website to see what courses are required. https://www.tjc.edu/core
I have been a TJC student in the past; do I still have to apply to the college again?
Yes, if it has been more than 2 semesters since you were last enrolled in classes at TJC, you will need to apply again, online. https://www.tjc.edu/admissions
I’m currently enrolled in the TJC AAS Dental Hygiene Program; does that mean I am automatically accepted in the BSDH program?
No. These are two separate degree plans. You must first complete the AAS Dental Hygiene Program and earn your RDH license. Then you can apply to the BSDH program if you meet all minimum requirements.
I graduated from an AAS Dental Hygiene Program outside of Texas, do I still have to be core complete, or within 12 hours of core complete?
Yes, all applicants considered for admission into the TJC BSDH program, must be within 12 hours of core completion or core-complete.
I only want to take one class at a time, can I still apply to the program?
Yes. However, we encourage applicants to follow the degree plan and take at least two courses per semester.
Do I have to take all of my core classes before applying to the program?
No, you do not have to be core complete. You must, however, be within 12 hours of core completion.
Can I take all of the DHYG courses before I take the last few general education courses?
Yes. If you are within 12 hours of core completion and you are accepted into the BSDH program, you are allowed to take all of the DHYG courses and can finish your general education whenever you choose (during or after you take the DHYG courses). You WILL have to complete ALL classes before you are issued the BSDH degree.
Do I have to take MATH 1342 (Statistics) before I’m accepted?
No, but you will need to complete MATH 1342 prior to taking DHYG 3330-Evidence Based Dental Hygiene Practice. It is a prerequisite for this course.
If I have only attended TJC, do I have to request a transcript evaluation from the registrar’s office?
No.
I’ve taken Algebra and I’m core complete for math. Can I substitute the math course I’ve completed for MATH 1342?
No. MATH 1342 is a pre-requisite course for DHYG 3330 and must be completed before you are allowed to register for that course.
I live outside the area and I want to complete my core classes at my local college. Is that OK?
Yes, you are allowed to complete your core at the college of your choice, but it must transfer to TJC as a course equivalent. If you complete your core classes at a different institution AFTER you have finished your BSDH courses at TJC, you will need to submit a transcript to the registrar’s office showing completion of those core courses and request a transcript evaluation. Once complete, you may apply for graduation from TJC.