Iowa Western

Dental Hygiene Program - Application Checklist

In order to be eligible for admission to the Dental Hygiene program, students must complete the following eligibility requirements by the priority deadline. All eligible students will be awarded points based on the point system listed on the second page. Students with the highest point totals will be accepted. If a tiebreaker is needed, preference will be given to students who complete the most prerequisite courses at Iowa Western (prerequisite courses are listed below and include the chemistry requirement). If a second tiebreaker is needed, preference will be given to students with the earliest admission file completion dates. 15 students will be accepted each Fall, and 15 students will be accepted each Spring.

Fall Term (August) - Priority deadline is January 31

Spring Term (January) - Priority deadline is September 1

Eligibility Requirements

Iowa Western Community College
2700 College Rd.
Council Bluffs, IA 51503

Dental Hygiene Program - Point System

Points will be awarded based on the following criteria. To be calculated in the point total, all documentation must be on file with the Office of Admissions by the priority deadline. Possible Points
 
Grade Point Average for Biology Courses 0 - 40 pts

Points will be awarded based on the grade point average the student earns in the three biology courses required for admission to the Dental Hygiene program:

 
BIO-168 Anatomy and Physiology I with Labs;
BIO-173 Anatomy and Physiology II with Labs; and
BIO-186 Microbiology

The following scale will be used to determine the number of points the student will be awarded:
3.68 - 4.0……...40 pts
3.34 - 3.6...........35 pts
3.01 - 3.33.........30 pts
2.68 - 3.00.........25 pts
2.34 - 2.67.........15 pts
2.01 - 2.33.........10 pts
 
Completion of Chemistry Requirement 1 - 5 pts

Points will be awarded based on the grade(s) the student earns in the chemistry course(s) required to begin the Dental Hygiene program:

 
CHM-132 Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry; or
CHM-166 General Chemistry I and CHM-176 General Chemistry II

The following scale will be used to determine the number of points the student will be awarded:
GPA of 4.0……......5 pts
GPA of 3.0-3.9.......3 pts
GPA of 2.0-2.9 .......1 pt
 
Prior Attainment of a Bachelor’s Degree or Master's Degree 5 pts

Points will be awarded based on the attainment of either a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree; points will not be awarded for both.

  
 
Healthcare Work Experience 5 pts

Points will be awarded based on work experience in a healthcare setting, including but not limited to a medical or dental office. The work experience must be a minimum of two years if the student worked full-time or a minimum four years if the student worked part-time. The work experience must be documented using the Verification Form, which is available in the Office of Admissions.

  

Program Mission Statement

The mission of Iowa Western Community College Department of Dental Hygiene affiliated with Creighton University School of Dentistry is to educate Associate of Applied Science Degree dental hygienists in the broadest scope of clinical practice. Graduates are competent to provide comprehensive educational and clinical services, reflecting dental hygienists’ areas of expertise. Graduates are prepared to serve the community in both private and public health settings that support optimal oral health. All aspects of the program are continually assessed to provide ongoing excellence and to guide improvement. In keeping with the mission of caring, commitment and challenge, the dental hygiene program provides a positive learner focused environment.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of Iowa Western's Dental Hygiene program will be:

  1. Self-directed, lifelong learners who utilize evidence-based research methodology.
  2. Critical thinkers and problem solvers who model professional behavior and provide a high standard of client-centered care.
  3. Positive motivators who utilize leadership skills through active participation in professional and community organizations.
  4. Effective communicators who demonstrate effective communication skills with peers, clients, and the community.
  5. Community contributors who meet the needs of the diverse communities, including under-served populations to be culturally aware and sensitive.

Affiliated Program Information

The Iowa Western Community College Dental Hygiene Program was organized and established in conjunction with Creighton University School of Dentistry in 1998. Each institution offers a diverse educational and clinical experience for the students. Although IWCC is small in comparison to Creighton, our students receive the best of both worlds: exposure to an urban, private university campus with the intimacy of a small, rural community college campus.

General Information

Iowa Western Community College does not discriminate on the basis of disability, gender, age, race, religion, or national origin in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admissions procedures. We adhere to CDC and OSHA guidelines. A copy of the Infection Control Policy is located in the Division Office.

Dental Hygiene Program - Observation Form for Prospective Students

To be completed by the student and signed by the participating Dentist or Dental Hygienist.

 

Student name (print or type): _________________________________________ Date of Birth: _________________________

 

The purpose of the observation is to expose applicants to a wide-variety of procedures performed in a dental practice setting. Applicants are required to observe a minimum of 16 hours with a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH). After completing the observation hours this form must signed by the supervising RDH. The completed form must be submitted to the Office of Admissions by the priority deadline.

Observation Log

Applicants are required to document the times and dates of their observation hours using the log below.

Date

Time In

 Time Out

 Hours
 

 

 

  
 

 

 

  
 

 

 

  
       
       
       
       
   

Total Observation Hours

 

Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) Certification

This section must be completed by the supervising RDH

By signing below, I hereby certify that the information provided on this form is true and accurate.

Signature(s) of RDH: _______________________________________, __________________________________

Printed Name(s) of RDH: ____________________________________, __________________________________

Name of Practice or Facility:

Address of Practice or Facility:

Phone Number of Practice or Facility:

Applicant Certification

By signing below, I hereby certify that all information on this form is true and correct.

Signature of Student: ______________________________________ Date: ____________________

 

This form can be found online at www.iwcc.edu/es/admissions/information