Yes, the Dental Hygiene Program has been granted the accreditation status of "accreditation with reporting requirements" from the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association. All necessary steps are continually taken to ensure that this program is of the highest quality and meets or exceeds all accreditation standards.
The Dental Hygiene Program is 2 years long begining in August of each year.
What is the appliation deadline?
April 1st. Mailed applications must be postmaked by April 1st. Applications packets are usually available around the 2nd week of February.
Who do I contact for advising?
Kathleen Bettinger RDH, First Year Clinical Coordinator kbetting@nmsu.edu
What degree will I have after graduation?
Associates of Applied Science
What are the career opportunities?
This career can lead to many exciting and rewarding careers. Just to name a few would be as a clinician, researcher, administrator/manager, educator, an advocate and consultant.
What is the paid salary for a Dental Hygienist?
According to the Bureau Labor Statistics, in 2010 the median pay was $68,250 annually or $32.81 per hour.
How do I apply for the program?
Begin by applying at DACC Admissions
What is the HOBET Test?
The HOBET Test is a Health Occupations Basic Entrance Test. The HOBET provides an objective measurement of your critical reading ability, evaluate your level of success with basic mathmatics, identifies how you approach studying, and identifies which learning approach is most effective for you. It also identifies test and learning styles, social intereaction profile, stress level and test taking skills, which will help faculty to assist students to be successful in the program. The test will be available to take in February 2013 at the DACC East Mesa Campus. If you have any further questions you can call the DACC Testing Services @ (575) 527-7569.
Why is the program so difficult?
The curriculum is very rigerous and has a heavy emphasis on dental health sciences, as well as clinical sessions demand technical and lecture application skills. All courses must be passes with a grade "C" or above to ensure continued enrollement. Continuance of the program is based upon academic criteria and adherance to attendance and other program policies that are in the class syllabi and in the clinic manual. Satisfactory progress in necessary for eligibility to take licensure examanations.
