For Your Information

• A select application process is required for entrance into the program. Contact an Academic Advisor at (480) 517-8580 for application materials.
• Thirty-six (36) students are admitted each February.
• A full listing of the Dental Hygiene Associate Degree curriculum content is available at www.riosalado.edu/programs/dental_hygiene/Pages/aas.aspx.
• Admission and Continuation in the program is contingent upon:
  1. Current CPR Healthcare Provider / Professional Rescuer
  2. Physical examination indicating no evidence which would compromise the ability of the student to participate fully in the program
  3. Vision and dental examination
  4. Fingerprinting Clearance Card
  5. Drug Screening Clearance
  6. Up-to-date immunization record including Hepatitis B vaccination and Tuberculosis testing
  7. Completion of all prerequisites prior to submission of application
  8. High school diploma or GED equivalency
• Program transfer or course substitution is available if:
  1. Space should become available
  2. Determination of proper placement can be made by Program Director
• The program requires that students act as patients for other students.
• Students are responsible for the recruitment of patients for their clinical experience.
• The student must achieve a minimum of the letter grade “C” (77%) in each of the Dental Hygiene program courses for promotion and graduation.
• The student must possess the ability to meet program Essential Abilities Requirements for Retention and Promotion (available upon request).
• Applicants accepted to the program are required to attend the New Student Orientation held on the first Friday of November.

Application Process

1. Contact an Academic Advisor at (480) 517-8580 for a dental hygiene program application or go to www.dental.maricopa.edu. Applications will be considered year round.
2. Meet with an Academic Advisor to review your application.
3. The following information will be necessary to include when applications are accepted:
   (Prerequisites must be completed prior to submitting application. Applications with pending classes will NOT be considered.)
   • Dental Hygiene Application (form must be complete)
   • ALL official transcripts from each college or university in a sealed envelope
   • If “exempt” from reading requirement, documentation of placement score is required.  Obtain Experience Verification Forms from the Student Enrollment Services Office.  The form is available online under Application Forms.
   • Course work approved through Student Enrollment Services as a waiver, substitute or equivalent must have written documentation. Verbal consent will not be accepted.
   • Documentation of dental office work experience. Obtain Experience Verification Forms from the Program Admissions, Academic Advisement Office. Separate documentation is required for each employer. These forms may be copied.
   • Documentation of graduation from a CODA accredited dental assisting program.
   • Documentation of 40 hours of observation in a dental office. 
   • Fingerprint Clearance Card (front & back)
   • Employer Reference Form.