FAQ’s for the Dental Hygiene Department

Answers to FAQs

Why should I select the Dental Hygiene Program at Chattanooga State?

Chattanooga State’s Dental Hygiene Program is a nationally recognized program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association. Chattanooga State’s dental hygiene program started in 1978 and has consistently achieved above the national average on the national board examination and has a high pass rate on the regional clinical board examinations. The faculty are highly experienced and qualified and hold a master’s degree or higher. All the dental hygiene full-time faculty and adjunct clinical faculty are members of the American Dental Hygiene Association. We believe students have a “stake” in their learning and have the responsibility and accountability to be actively engaged, prepared, and participatory in their learning. This is “active-learning” in all aspects and we promote student-centered learning.

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Can I apply to other dental hygiene programs?

Yes, we encourage applicants to apply to other programs either in Tennessee or in a surrounding state. Due to the competitiveness of the program, we have many highly qualified applicants but we can only accept twenty (20) per year. Applying to other programs indicates motivation of candidates and their desire to become a dental hygienist.

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What area in the profession can a dental hygienist work?

A dental hygienist may be employed in all of the following areas:

  • Private practice (General/Specialty)
  • Research
  • Educator
  • Public/Community Health
  • Hospital or Institutional Care
  • Armed Services
  • Dental Product Sales and Marketing
  • Insurance Industry
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What is the salary of a practicing hygienist?

This varies in local and the state you practice. Generally speaking, a dental hygienist can make anywhere from $18- $40/hour or $180-300/day.
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How many students are accepted into the program each year?

Twenty students are accepted each fall, with approximately 5-7 alternates chosen. Alternates and all other applicants who are not chosen must reapply to be considered for the next year.

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How do I get started?

We first recommend you attend an information session! In these information sessions we will explain pre-requisite courses needed, expectations of the program, dental hygiene curriculum, and answer other questions you may have.

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When and where are the Information Sessions held?

They are held in the Health Science Center on the main campus of Chattanooga State (4501 Amnicola Highway) in room # 2031. See the dates and times the information sessions are offered.

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When is the deadline for applying?

The first Monday in February of each year.

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What are the minimum requirements to be included in the applicant pool for the Dental Hygiene Program?

Submit a dental hygiene application and TEAS test scores prior to the deadline date. A minimum of a 2.5 grade point average is required in at least two science courses. A minimum of 55 on the reading comprehension part of the TEAS test is required. No grades lower than a C in any of the general education/support classes will be accepted.

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Do I have to take college chemistry?

Chemistry is a pre-requisite for the Dental Hygiene program. If you earned an A or B in high school chemistry you will not have to take college chemistry. If you had below a B in high school, then you will need to take college chemistry (we recommend CHEM 1010). This requirement must be met before entering the Dental Hygiene program.

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How are the points for admission calculated?

Academic points are calculated to determine who will be selected for interviews. Points are given in three areas...
1) science GPA (includes Microbiology, A&P I, A&P II, and Nutrition)
2) completed general education/support courses (2 points each for sciences and 1 point each for all others)
     Only the classes completed prior to the application deadline will be awarded points.
3) TEAS composite score

Typically 40-45 applicants with the highest academic points are asked to interview. Interview points are then added into the total academic points to determine selection for the program.

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How many points do I need to be admitted?

These vary depending on the applicant pool every year and cannot be determined ahead of time. Due to the competitive nature of this program we recommend completing as many general education/support courses as possible with A's and B's prior to applying to the program.

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Can I apply for more than one Allied Health Program?

Yes, several of the classes are required for more than one Allied Health program. Each program has its own criteria so you will need to follow their program guidelines. The TEAS test is used by other Nursing/Allied Health programs. Please refer to program websites for more information about other Allied Health programs.

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How do I take the TEAS test?

Click here for TEAS information and a copy of the TEAS registration form.

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How do I prepare for the TEAS test?

You may purchase a TEAS study manual in Chattanooga State’s bookstore. The TEAS study manual is also available on reserve at the Chattanooga State Library. We only give the Math and Reading Comprehension sections of the TEAS examination.

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Can I retake the TEAS test?

Yes, you may retake the TEAS to improve your score after a 6 month waiting period.

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When will I know if I am accepted?

The Dental Hygiene Admissions committee will meet after all interviews are completed. A letter of acceptance in the program, an alternate letter, or non-acceptance letter will be mailed to you within four weeks after interviews are concluded.

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If I am not accepted, can I reapply? Is there a waiting list for the program?

You may reapply for the next year and if not accepted. We select 5-7 alternates in addition to the twenty applicants. In years past, we may use one or more alternates depending on the circumstances of the candidates. If the alternates are not used, they may reapply to the program the following year. We do not use a waiting list.

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If I am accepted, what next?

We will send you a letter after the application process is completed and give you a date for the first orientation. At this orientation we will explain the specifics of the program and outline the process before classes start in the fall. We will hold two more days of orientation prior to the start of classes and will give you those dates at the first orientation.

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What should I do if I do not get called for an interview?

You will receive a letter in May stating you were not included in this year’s selected for an interview. The applications coordinator will send you an update letter in September asking if you want to reapply for the next year. 

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How much does the dental hygiene program cost?

Allied Health Dental Hygiene Program cost PDF

Is financial aid available?

All financial aid programs offered at Chattanooga State are available to students enrolled in the dental hygiene program. Check with the financial aid website for more details.

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Can I work while in the dental hygiene program?

Dental hygiene is a very intense program. Students may find working, even part-time, very difficult. However, many students do work while enrolled in the program. Attendance for class is strongly recommended and attendance in clinic is mandatory.

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When are the classes held? What is the schedule once I am admitted into the program?

The schedule is different every semester and we will go over all specifics at the first orientation. (Below is an example of first semester schedule)

  • Monday
    • 8:00am - 12:00pm > DH132 Dental Hygiene I
  • Tuesday
    • *
  • Wednesday
    • 8:00am - 12:00pm > DH132 Dental Hygiene I
  • Thursday
    • 8:30am - 4:30pm > DH142 Applications I, Pre Clinic
  • Friday
    • 8:00am - 10:00am/10:30am - 12:30pm > Competency exams/assessments as scheduled
    • DH142 Applications I
    • 8:00am - 10:15am > Radiology Lab group 1
    • 10:30am - 12:45pm > Radiology Lab group 2
    • 1:00pm - 3:15pm > Radiology Lab group 3
    • Group Assignments

Do you give additional points for someone having dental experience?

Even though it is beneficial to have dental experience, no additional points are given for having it.

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Is the dental hygiene program offered in the evening?

No evening classes are being offered at this time.

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What is the observation in a dental office required in the application process?

We require 16 hours of observation in a dental office to complete your application packet. Observation forms may be found on Chattanooga State’s website. This will help you decide if a dental hygiene career is right for you. We recommend going to more than one office in order to see all age groups and a variety of practice settings (general dentistry, pedodontics, and a periodontal practice).

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