Online Program
School of Health Sciences
The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene online program is designed for Registered Dental Hygienists (RDHs) with an associate or diploma degree in dental hygiene. Admission to the program is based upon meeting the criteria for admission and acceptance to Georgia Highlands College and the Department of Dental Hygiene. The RDH-BSDH is a degree completion program that will be offered fully online.
The RDH-BSDH program curriculum emphasizes student-centered learning and incorporates interdisciplinary components. Graduates of the program will have the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values necessary for positions of responsibility in a variety of healthcare, educational, research, and community settings. In addition, graduates will be able to interact effectively with other health professionals in a competent, collaborative, and ethical manner.
For registered dental hygienists with a diploma or associate degree who are returning to school to earn a baccalaureate in dental hygiene degree.
To qualify for graduation, students must meet all graduation requirements.
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
A. Essential Skills | ||
ENGL 1101 | English Composition I | 3 |
ENGL 1102 | English Composition II | 3 |
Select one of the following or a mathematics course for which one of these is a prerequisite: | 3 | |
Quantitative Reasoning | ||
College Algebra | ||
Precalculus | ||
B. Institutional Options | ||
COMM 1100 | Human Communication | 2-3 |
or COMM 1110 | Public Speaking | |
Select one of the following: | 2 | |
Special Topics: Humanities | ||
Special Topics: Mathematics | ||
Special Topics:Science | ||
Special Topics: Social Science | ||
C. Humanities/Fine Arts | ||
Select one of the following: | 3 | |
World Literature I | ||
World Literature II | ||
British Literature I | ||
British Literature II | ||
American Literature I | ||
American Literature II | ||
Latino Literature | ||
African-American Literature | ||
Select one of the following: | 3 | |
Art Appreciation | ||
Art History to Renaissance | ||
Art History Renaissance to Pre | ||
Humanities in Drama | ||
World Literature I | ||
World Literature II | ||
British Literature I | ||
British Literature II | ||
American Literature I | ||
American Literature II | ||
Latino Literature | ||
African-American Literature | ||
Film Appreciation | ||
History of Motion Pictures | ||
Studies In Humanities | ||
Music Appreciation | ||
Introduction to Philosophy | ||
Intro to Religion | ||
Elementary Spanish I | ||
Elementary Spanish II | ||
Intermediate Spanish I | ||
Intermediate Spanish II | ||
Theater Appreciation | ||
D. Science, Mathematics, and Technology | ||
Select one of the following science sequences: | 8 | |
Survey of Chemistry I and Survey of Chemistry II | ||
Principles of Chemistry I and Principles of Chemistry I Lab and Principles of Chemistry II and Principles of Chemistry II Lab | ||
Introduction to Biology I and Introduction to Biology I Lab and Introduction to Biology II and Introduction to Biology II Lab | ||
Principles of Biology I and Principles of Biology II | ||
Introductory Physics I and Introductory Physics II | ||
Principles of Physics I and Principles of Physics II | ||
Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
Elementary Statistics (Strongly Recommended) | ||
Precalculus | ||
Applied Calculus | ||
Calculus I | ||
E. Social Sciences 2 | ||
POLS 1101 | American Government | 3 |
HIST 2111 | American History I | 3 |
or HIST 2112 | American History II | |
Select one of the following: | 3 | |
World Civilization to 1500 | ||
World Civ Since 1500 | ||
Western Civilization I | ||
Western Civilization II | ||
Select one of the following: | 3 | |
Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
World Civilization to 1500 | ||
World Civ Since 1500 | ||
Western Civilization I | ||
Western Civilization II | ||
American History I | ||
American History II | ||
Minorities in U.S. History | ||
Economic History | ||
Intro to Global Issues | ||
Intro to Domestic Issues | ||
Intro to General Psychology (strongly recommended) | ||
Intro to Religion | ||
Introductory Sociology (strongly recommended) | ||
Intro to Social Problems (3-0-3) | ||
F. Courses Related to the Program of Study 3 | ||
BIOL 2251K | Anatomy & Physiology I | 4 |
BIOL 2252K | Anatomy & Physiology II | 4 |
STAT 1401 | Elementary Statistics 4 | 3 |
Approved Lower-Level Electives | ||
Select from the following courses complete 18 hours: | 7-10 | |
Principles of Nutrition | ||
or PHED 2202 | Principles of Human Nutrition | |
or AHSC 2202 | Principles of Nutrition | |
Medical Terminology | ||
Foundations of Microbiology and Foundations of Microbiology La | ||
Survey of Chemistry I | ||
Principles of Chemistry I and Principles of Chemistry I Lab | ||
Introductory Sociology | ||
Intro to General Psychology | ||
Intro to Human Development | ||
Abnormal Psychology | ||
DHYG Major Courses | ||
Transfer Credit after completing DHYG 3090 | ||
DHYG 1100 | Preclinical Dental Hygiene 5 | 3 |
DHYG 1110 | Introduction to Patient Care 5 | 2 |
DHYG 1120 | Dental Anatomy/Histology 5 | 2 |
DHYG 1200 | Clinical Dental Hygiene I 5 | 4 |
DHYG 1210 | Dental Hygiene I 5 | 2 |
DHYG 1300 | Clinical Dental Hygiene II 5 | 2 |
DHYG 1330 | Dental Pharmacology 5 | 2 |
DHYG 2400 | Clinical Dental Hygiene III 5 | 3 |
DHYG 2410 | Dental Hygiene III 5 | 2 |
DHYG 2430 | Community Dental Health 5 | 2 |
DHYG 2500 | Clinical Dental Hygiene IV 5 | 3 |
DHYG 2510 | Dental Hygiene IV 5 | 3 |
Dental Hygiene Requirements | ||
DHYG 3090 | Current Concepts in Dental Hyg | 3 |
DHYG 4010 | Special Populations | 3 |
or HSCI 3506 | Special Populations | |
DHYG 4020 | Supportive Periodontal Therapy | 3 |
DHYG 4030 | Foundations of Research | 3 |
or HSCI 4700 | Foundations of Research | |
DHYG 4040 | Leadership & Mgmt. in Hlthcare | 3 |
or HSCI 4820 | Leadership & Mgmt in Hlth Prof | |
DHYG 4050 | Healthcare Education | 3 |
or HSCI 3710 | Health Education | |
DHYG 4085 | Dntl Hygienist in Alt Practice | 3 |
DHYG 4090 | Capstone | 3 |
Upper-Level Electives: (3000-4000 Level) | ||
Any 3000-4000 level NURS, DHYG, HSCI, or HCMT courses | 6 | |
Total Hours | 120-125 |
- 1
Beginning Fall 2020 - The Introduction to Biology I/BIOL 2190 Principles of Nutrition sequence is only allowed for the following students:
- Student who has completed coursework at GHC prior to Fall 2020 or
- Spring 2022 and earlier graduates of Associate Degree and Diploma Dental Hygiene programs, this can be at GHC or other institutions
- 2
Students should consult an advisor to coordinate Area E course selections with Area F requirements.
- 3
Any course taken to satisfy an Area D or E requirement cannot also be used to satisfy an Area F requirement
- 4
If not taken in Area D
- 5
These courses are held in escrow until students completes DHYG 3090 Current Concepts in Dental Hyg with a grade of C or better
Criteria for Admission
Admission to the RDH-BSDH program is a three-step process: admission to the College, submission and approval of required documentation, and acceptance to the RDH-BSDH program. The deadline for submission of applications follows GHC general admissions deadlines which can be found on the GHC Admissions website. The RDH-BSDH program accepts students in any semester.
- Admission to Georgia Highlands College
Submit the following materials to the Admissions office:- Completed Georgia Highlands College application or application for readmission.
- If applying for initial admission to GHC, a copy of your high- school transcript and official transcripts from any college(s) previously attended must be submitted with application.
- If applying for readmission, you must submit official transcripts from any college(s) you attended since last attending GHC.
- The application can be accessed online from the RDH-BSDH website located at http://sites.highlands.edu/dental/.
- Submission and Approval of Required Documentation
Submit materials that document the following requirements to the Dental Hygiene Department office of GHC by the admissions deadline to ensure consideration for acceptance:- Proof of general admission to Georgia Highlands College (separate application)
- RDH to BSDH Application form – completed online at our website
- Copy of State or Federal ID for verification purposes
- Proof of one of the following:
- Copy of Current Dental Hygiene License with no disciplinary action,
- Letter of Good Academic Standing from a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) accredited dental hygiene program in which the student is currently enrolled, or
- Proof of having successfully passed both the dental hygiene clinical licensure examination and National Board Dental Hygiene Exam (NBDHE)
Any student who is a resident of Georgia may be required to submit the following prior to being registered for the required Internship (DHYG 4080 Internship) and/or Capstone (DHYG 4090 Capstone) courses . - Drug testing and a background check through Advantage Students.
- A student may be tested if drug abuse is suspected.
- Students are responsible for all costs associated with the drug test and background check.
- Current (within 1 year) negative tuberculin screening. Documentation must remain current throughout enrollment. In addition, students will adhere to requirement(s) of agency used for assigned learning experiences.
- Students who have been advised against tuberculin skin testing must maintain current documentation from Health Dept. or healthcare provider of TB risk assessment and completion of any recommended follow-up care.
- Completion of annual influenza vaccine or signed declination form (if applicable for facility) which meets state requirements
- Proof of two MMR injections or positive rubella, rubeola and mumps titers.
- TDAP within the last ten years. (Note: if TDAP is greater than 10 years ago, must provide proof of the TDAP and a TD booster)
- Two varicella vaccines or positive varicella titer (proof of disease is not sufficient).
- Positive Hep B titer/declination form
- Current certification by American Heart Association in Basic Life Support. (Heartsaver courses are not acceptable).
- Acceptance to the RDH-BSDH Program
The admission process is selective and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 out of 4.0 is required for consideration. Acceptance is based on cumulative GPA, completed application, and supporting materials.
Readmission to the RDH- BSDH Online Program
Readmission will be considered only for students who have withdrawn only once from the program or earned only one D or F in any bachelor level dental hygiene course. To request readmission, a student must write to the Director of Dental Hygiene requesting readmission at least three months prior to the semester they wish to reenter and identify reasons they would be successful if re-admitted. Readmission is limited to one time in the RDH-BSDH program. The applicant must meet the current admission requirement for all dental hygiene applicants. Applicants seeking readmission will be considered on a space- available basis with the following conditions:
- Approval of the RDH-BSDH Director and Dean of Health Sciences is required for re-entry into the dental hygiene sequence
- A 2.5 or higher cumulative grade point average
- A student who has been dismissed from the College for any reason will not be considered for readmission into the BS dental hygiene program.
Required Documentation Once Accepted into RDH-BSDH Program
- Liability/Personal Health Insurance
Personal health insurance may be required for undergraduate students. If required, evidence of coverage must be presented to the dental hygiene department. Professional liability insurance is required for all RDH-BSDH students during internship course. Professional liability insurance will be purchased as a group plan and premium added to student fees in DHYG 4080 Internship. - Drug Testing & Background Checks
Students may be required to submit to drug testing and a background check prior to beginning the internship and/or capstone. Students are responsible for all costs associated with the drug test and background.
Progression and Graduation in the RDH- BSDH Program
In order to progress in the RDH-BSDH program, the student must:
- Maintain a GHC cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 cumulative average.
- Make a grade of C (2.00) or better in each dental hygiene course in the RDH-BSDH curriculum.
- If a grade of D or F is made in a dental hygiene course, the course must be repeated and a C or better must be attained for the student to progress to the next dental hygiene course in the program.
- Incomplete grades in dental hygiene courses must be completed within the time specified by the dental hygiene faculty. If this is not done, the student will automatically receive an F.
The student must meet all the requirements for graduation specified by the College and the dental hygiene program including a minimum of a 2.0 average in all combined courses and in dental hygiene courses to graduate.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Clinical agencies may place additional health requirements on students affiliating with that agency. Evidence of a background check with all components required by clinical facilities must be submitted by the student and on file in the department of dental hygiene