Dear Potential Dental Hygiene Student: We are pleased that you have expressed interest in Eastern Washington University, and particularly in the Dental Hygiene Department. Completion of the dental hygiene curriculum requires a minimum of four full academic years of study. The first year(s) focuses on a broad spectrum of courses, which include general education core requirements, competencies, and proficiencies, as well as basic science courses, which prepare students for the dental hygiene major. Once admitted to the program, students combine their dental hygiene lecture and clinical coursework with general university core requirements and upper division liberal arts courses in Spokane and Cheney over a three-year period. Upon satisfactory completion of program and university requirements, students receive a Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene. Dental hygiene graduates are eligible to take national, regional and state licensing examinations. Successful completion of the examinations enable baccalaureate hygienists to seek employment in private dental practices, health clinics, school programs, public health programs, hospitals, nursing homes, industrial clinics, college dental hygiene programs, corporations and in research. Employment opportunities for dental hygienists are excellent. The dental hygiene faculty at Eastern consists of full-time and part-time dental hygienists and dentists. Their diverse educational backgrounds and strong clinical expertise provide an excellent professional learning atmosphere for students. Please call or write us if you have any questions regarding the dental hygiene department. The following may be of useful information for you: If you are interested in visiting Eastern, touring the campus, and experiencing what life on campus is like, please call the Admissions Office (509) 359-2397 (at least one week in advance of your planned arrival) to make the proper arrangements. If you would like to tour the dental hygiene program (which is not located on the Cheney campus), please call (509) 368-6550 and make an advising appointment. For information on campus housing please call (509) 359-2451. For information on financial aid possibilities please call (509) 359-2314. We invite you to visit EWU s website http://www.ewu.edu/home.xml which has general information about all aspects of the university; and the dental hygiene department s website http://cshe.cslabs.ewu.edu/deptdh/x55892.html or, if you wish to contact the dental hygiene office directly, please call the number printed below during regular business hours. Again, thank you for your interest. Department of Dental Hygiene Health Sciences Building #160 310 N. Riverpoint Blvd. Box E Spokane, WA 99202-1609 509.368.6510 fax: 509.368.6514 Eastern Washington University is committed to equal opportunity and affirmative action in employment.
EASTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY DENTAL HYGIENE PROGRAM PROCEDURES FOR ADMISSION 1. All students who are interested in EWU should visit http://www.ewu.edu/home.xml and familiarize themselves with all EWU academic, administrative and student services prior to application. 2. All students who are interested in the dental hygiene program are strongly encouraged to contact (by phone or in person) the dental hygiene office early during prerequisite coursework for current informational packets and/or equivalent transfer course lists. 3. Advising appointments (in person or by phone) with an advisor in the dental hygiene department are strongly encouraged, and can be arranged through the dental hygiene office (509-368-6550). Students should bring college transcripts and specific questions to the appointment. 4. Students who have taken their pre-dental hygiene coursework at colleges other than EWU are strongly encouraged to formally apply to the university early in December. The online application is at http://www.ewu.edu/x5203.xml. The completed application form, along with the university application fee and current, official transcripts, should be submitted. Note: At the end of each succeeding quarter/semester, official copies of transcripts of all college coursework must be received by both EWU s Admissions Office and the dental hygiene office. 5. Students who attended EWU previously, but who are not currently enrolled, need to complete a Former Student Returning Application. They are available at the Admissions Office and online at http://www.ewu.edu/x5393.xml 6. Students attending EWU for prerequisites may declare their majors as DNHY-BSDH. This step is completed by filling out the appropriate form in the dental hygiene office. 7. A dental hygiene application packet must be downloaded from the dental hygiene program website: http://cshe.cslabs.ewu.edu/deptdh/x6819.html after October 15. Applications will not be mailed from the department. The instructions must be followed carefully and completely for students to proceed through the application process. 8. Applications for the dental hygiene program (including the DH application fee $42.00) are accepted after January 4 th, for the following fall s class. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply during the month of January in order for the admissions committee to have time for thorough evaluation. The final deadline for applications is 5pm, FEBRUARY 15, or the next working day if the 15th falls on a weekend or holiday. The applications must be received by the dental hygiene admissions committee by the above date. All applications must be sent via certified mail to: EWU Dental Hygiene Department, Health Sciences Building, 310 N. Riverpoint Blvd. Box E, Spokane, WA 99202. Hand-delivered applications will not be accepted. 9. Evaluation of applicants files will take place in 2 stages; the first evaluative stage will take place after the February 15th deadline, and will include the average of prerequisite course grades and any dental hygiene course grades earned through the preceding fall quarter/semester. Highest-ranked applicants will be selected to compete in the second evaluative stage in April, which will include the average of grades through winter quarter, a formal group interview, and a writing assessment. (OVER)
10. The selection process involves a competitive ranking of major and minor factors. MAJOR FACTORS WILL INCLUDE: Grade point average of pre-requisite courses and any dental hygiene coursework at any dental hygiene program. Success on the group interview. MINOR FACTORS MAY INCLUDE: Achievement of a college degree (AA, BA, BS). Critical Thinking Exam 11. One of the following must be completed in order to apply: 1. Minimum of 20 hours in 2 or more offices of observation of dental hygienists, documented with signatures. 2. 50 documented hours of volunteer work in 1-2 separate dental offices. 3. Dental office work experience (3 months minimum paid employment, full or half-time). 12. All applicants will be notified of their acceptance status, by mid to late April, when the evaluative process is completed. Applicants must be prepared to pay a $100 non-refundable deposit upon acceptance. This deposit is applied to 1 st year Fall quarter course fees. 13. Students who are placed on the alternate list are ranked, and should stay in close contact with the dental hygiene office if they are interested in remaining active applicants. Alternates should complete all prerequisite courses as planned. If a candidate on the accepted list withdraws, alternate candidates will be contacted between April and the first day of classes in September. 14. Since enrollment in the program is limited to 36 and the admissions process is competitive, no assurance can be given that all applicants who have completed the prerequisite coursework and have been accepted by EWU will be admitted to the program. 15. Due to the competitive nature of dental hygiene programs, we recommend applicants apply to other Washington State dental hygiene programs. Please check our web site for a list of the other WA State dental hygiene schools. Rev. 07/09
EASTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY DENTAL HYGIENE PROGRAM PREREQUISITES It is strongly suggested that students seek advising from the dental hygiene department EARLY during their prerequisite coursework either in person or by phone (509-368-6550). Students should bring college transcripts and questions to the advising appointment. Applicants are encouraged to carry full time study loads (12-15 credits) in the process of completing the prerequisite courses in order to be prepared for the rigorous dental hygiene program. Quarters of the dental hygiene curriculum average 14 credits per quarter. Applicants need to demonstrate the ability to manage full time study. In addition, due to the heavy course load per quarter, the dental hygiene department strongly suggests that the student not work while attending the 2 nd and 3 rd years of the program. It is highly recommended that Biology and Chemistry series be completed at one institution to assure continuity of coursework. DENTAL HYGIENE PREREQUISITES: In order to be considered for admission, the following prerequisite courses or their equivalents must be completed or in progress prior to the application deadline of FEBRUARY 15: PRE-REQUISITES Quarter System PRE-REQUISITES Semester System CHEM 161 (Inorganic Chemistry with Lab) 1 Semester Chemistry (Inorganic with Lab) CHEM 162 (Organic Chemistry with Lab) BIOL 232 and 233 (2 of the 3 required Anatomy & 1 Semester Anatomy & Physiology (with Lab) Physiology courses with Lab) PSYC 100 (Intro to Psychology) PSYC 100 ENGL 101 (Writing American English) ENGL 101 FNDT 356 (Nutrition) within the last 5 years FNDT 356 (Nutrition) within the last 5 years All seven (7) of the above-listed courses must be successfully completed by the end of Winter Quarter All five (5) of the above-listed courses must be successfully completed by the end of Fall Semester NOTE: The admissions committee will acknowledge and consider only one (1) repeat of any dental hygiene pre-requisite course. The most recent grade will be used in the evaluation process. It is expected that all pre-requisite courses be completed at high grade levels in order to be competitive with other applicants. In addition, each of the following courses must be successfully completed at competitive grade levels with a grade of 2.0 or higher, failure to do so will result in the acceptance to be rescinded. Prior to entering the dental hygiene program in the fall: ADDITIONAL COURSEWORK Quarter System Note: Biochemistry and computer literacy courses must be completed at a competitive grade level with a grade of 2.0 or higher prior to the end of 1st year DH courses or sooner. Biol 335 Microbiology with lab (within the last 5 years) BIOL 234 (3 rd required Anatomy & Physiology Course with Lab) CMST 200, 210, 250, 312, 331, 340, or 440 (Interpersonal Communication) only one course required Prior to entering the dental hygiene program in the fall: ADDITIONAL COURSEWORK Semester System 2 nd Semester Chemistry (Organic/Biochemistry with Lab) 2 nd Semester Anatomy & Physiology (with Lab) CMST 200, 210, 250, 312, 331, 340, or 440 (Interpersonal Communication) only one course required Note: Microbiology and computer literacy courses must be completed at a competitive grade level with a grade of 2.0 or higher prior to the end of 1st year DH courses or sooner. The specific GECRs needed by individual students are dependent upon entry date at EWU, number of credits, and transfer degree. These requirements will be confirmed by EWU Credential Evaluators in the Admissions office at the time of application to EWU. These university requirements are outlined in the EWU General Catalog, and should be followed carefully by all applicants. A catalogue may be obtained on-line or from EWU Bookstore, PUB 152, Cheney, WA 99004 (509-359-2542) or (509-359-2231). (OVER)
GUIDELINES FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS: Students transferring from community colleges or other 4-year universities must take equivalent courses, if available (in name, credits, content, depth, with lab) to those listed above. Approval for equivalent general education courses must be obtained from EWU s Credential Evaluation Unit, 101 SUT, Cheney, WA, 99004, 509-359- 6578. Lists of equivalent dental hygiene prerequisite courses at other WA colleges are available from the Dental Hygiene Office (Health Sciences Building, 310 N. Riverpoint Blvd. Box E, Spokane, WA, 99202, 509-368-6550) or online. Out-of-state students must supply the dental hygiene admissions committee with current college catalogs so that prerequisite courses can be evaluated (by this department or basic science departments) for equivalency. This step must be completed early (at least three (3) months before application deadline) for effective curricular planning. Compliance with this step will ensure that the student can proceed through the application process. Transferable, approved in-state associate degrees are accepted by EWU as satisfying most lower division general education requirements, but they are not required for admission to the dental hygiene program. Note: It is very difficult to switch between a quarter system and a semester system mid year, especially if a student is taking sequential series courses such as Biology or Chemistry. It is up to the student to check with Eastern Washington University s Admissions office prior to transferring to be sure course work transfers. CONTAGIOUS DISEASES: By law, when performing health care functions, dental hygienists must protect the health and safety of the public. According to the Washington state Administrative code 18.130.180, Regulation of the Health Professions-Uniform Disciplinary Act. Engaging in a profession involving contact with the public while suffering from a contagious or infectious disease involving serious risk to public health constitutes unprofessional conduct which may result in denial of licensure. CRIMINAL HISTORY: Washington state law requires that all student health care professionals complete a questionnaire and have a background check before treating children and elderly patients. In addition, any prior criminal convictions may prohibit a graduate from obtaining a license to practice dental hygiene. Upon acceptance a criminal background check will be conducted for the dental hygiene student, and subsequent checks will be done during the three year program. LATEX ALLERGY: The dental hygiene clinics at EWU cannot be made latex free. Although latex free gloves are available, other latex products are used in the clinic and a latex aerosol may also be present. If a student knows or suspects that he/she may have a latex allergy, it is strongly suggested that he/she seek advice from a medical professional specializing in allergies prior to applying to the program. E-MAIL: It is expected all dental hygiene students have an EWU e-mail address and check multiple times each week. PREVIOUS EWU/DH STUDENTS: Any student dismissed from our program or any other DH program for ethical/professional reasons will not be considered for readmission at EWU. Rev. 07/09
ESTIMATED EWU DENTAL HYGIENE STUDENT EXPENSES 2009-2010 TUITION & ACADEMIC EXPENSES Tuition per quarter for full-time students, residents: $1,780.00 Tuition per quarter for full-time students, non-residents: $5,080.00 Recreation Center fee (per quarter): $65.00 Transportation fee (per quarter): $6.50 Technology Fee (per quarter): $35.00 Health and Wellness Fee (per quarter): $70.88 (Scholarship and financial aid information may be obtained by calling 509-359-2314) DENTAL HYGIENE EXPENSES (First Year) Supply Issue1 (instruments, supplies, laundry, FALL: $954.00 rental fees) WINTER $576.00 SPRING: $265.00 Miscellaneous (optional instruments, supplies, copying, CE fees, etc.) $150.00 Books $700.00 Professional Dues and Malpractice Insurance $150.00 Safety eye wear for YOU (1 pair) $20.00-$25.00 Campus parking permit $189-$265.00 Vaccination against Hepatitis B $200.00 Magnifying Loops (optional) $400.00-$1,500.00 Disability/Supplemental insurance (optional) Total First Year (minus optional and tuition) $3,204.00-$3,285.00 DENTAL HYGIENE EXPENSES (Second Year) Supply Issue1 (instruments, supplies, rental fees, FALL: $1,081.00 laundry) WINTER: $1,068.00 SPRING: $920.00 SUMMER: $400.00 Miscellaneous (optional instruments, supplies, copying, CE fees) $300.00 Books (including summer quarter) $600.00 Professional Dues and Malpractice Insurance $150.00 Campus parking permit $189-$265.00 Disability/Supplemental insurance (optional) Total Second Year (minus optional and tuition) $4,708.00-4,784.00 (OVER)
DENTAL HYGIENE EXPENSES (Third Year) Supply Issue 1 (instruments, supplies, rental fees, FALL: $996.00 laundry) WINTER: $695.00 SPRING: $611.00 Miscellaneous (optional instruments, non-issued supplies copying costs, CE fees, replacement of broken instruments, new DH Board exam instruments, etc.) $600-800.00 Books $200.00 Professional Dues and Malpractice Insurance $150.00 National Board Exam fee (paid in Mid-February) $300.00 Western Regional Board Exam fee (paid in Feb-March) $1,800.00 Washington State License application fee (paid in June) $110.00-160.00 Dental Hygiene Law Exam (paid in May) $90.00 Campus parking permit $189.00-$265.00 Graduation Fee $40.00 Senior pin (optional) $100.00 Disability/Supplemental insurance (optional) Summer clinic tutorial 2 (if needed): Total Third Year (minus optional and tuition) $5,781.00-$6,107.00 Grant Total (minus optional and tuition) $13,693.00-$14,176.00 IMPORTANT NOTES: 1. STUDENTS MUST PLAN ON PURCHASING DESIGNATED SUPPLY ISSUE THROUGH THE DENTAL HYGIENE STORES (rather than through private sources). Student course fees for these items are payable with tuition upon registration. 2. If students do not complete clinic requirements in time for the June Dental Hygiene Board Exams, summer tutorials are required for graduation and eligibility for board exams & state licensure. 3. Not all instruments in the student instrument supply issues are stocked in Dental Hygiene Stores special order will be done occasionally on student s behalf. *PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THESE ESTIMATED EXPENSES ARE SUBJECT TO LEGISLATIVE, UNIVERSITY OR OTHER CHANGES AT ANY TIME! Revised July 2009