top of page
Logo ToothTalk by Alex

Georgia State University

ToothTalk by Alex Explains Requirements, Pre-Requisites, and Pathways to a Successful Career in Dental Hygiene


Smiles that Transform

The Dental Hygiene program at Georgia State University (GSU) Perimeter College is fully accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) of the American Dental Association (ADA), ensuring students receive a nationally recognized education. Graduates of the program earn an Associate of Science (A.S.) in Dental Hygiene and, after successfully completing the required exams, are eligible to apply for licensure as a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) in Georgia.


🔥 Eligibility and Application Requirements

Before applying to the Dental Hygiene program, all applicants must be current students at Georgia State University Perimeter College. Transfer students must complete all prerequisite steps before applying, while current GSU students need to complete the necessary steps prior to the application deadline.


Important updates:

  1. The ATI TEAS exam is no longer required for submitting an application.

  2. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, shadowing hours are not required for the application process.


🔥 Step 1: Gain Admission to Perimeter College

Applicants must first complete the Perimeter College admission process by the announced deadline:

  1. Submit an application to Georgia State University Perimeter College.

  2. Receive the acceptance letter, which is required to apply to the Dental Hygiene program.

  3. Indicate “Health Science” as your intended major on the college application.


⚠️ Missing the application deadline will make the student ineligible for admission into the Dental Hygiene program.


🔥 Step 2: Complete Required Science Courses

Applicants must complete three main science prerequisites prior to applying:

  1. CHEM 1151 & CHEM 1151L (College Chemistry) – must be completed within the last seven years with a grade of “C” or higher.

  2. BIOL 2251 & BIOL 2251L (Human Anatomy and Physiology I with lab) – must be completed within the last seven years with a grade of “C” or higher.

  3. BIOL 2252 & BIOL 2252L (Human Anatomy and Physiology II with lab) – must be completed within the last seven years with a grade of “C” or higher.


Completion of these courses is mandatory, and students may also consider BIOL 2260 & BIOL 2260L (Microbiology) as part of their preparation.


🔥 Step 3: Maintain GPA and Meet Academic Requirements

  1. Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in general education and science courses.

  2. Science courses are calculated separately to create a science GPA.

  3. Any course with a grade lower than “C” in English 1101 or required science courses must be retaken before applying.

  4. Students enrolled in ESL or developmental support programs must complete all required classes before submitting the application.

  5. Certain general education courses must be completed prior to application to accumulate GPA points for the admission scoring system.


⚠️ It is essential to plan 1–2 years in advance, as completing all pre-requisites may take multiple semesters.


🔥 Step 4: Submit the Dental Hygiene Application

  1. Applications must be submitted directly to the Dental Hygiene program during the open enrollment period in January of the year the student plans to start.

  2. The application is available under the “Forms” section of the Dental Hygiene program website.

  3. Only applications submitted during this period will be considered.


🔥 Program Completion and Licensure

Upon successfully completing the Dental Hygiene program:

  1. Students earn an Associate of Science (A.S.) in Dental Hygiene.

  2. Graduates must pass the following to become licensed in Georgia:

    • National Boards Exam

    • Jurisprudence Exam (written)

    • CRDTS Clinical Exam


After licensure, graduates can work professionally as Registered Dental Hygienists (RDH), providing preventive dental care, educating patients on oral hygiene, and contributing to overall patient well-being and safety.


🔥 Tips for a Competitive Application

  1. Aim for high grades (A or B) in all pre-requisite courses.

  2. Gain experience in labs or shadowing in dental offices when possible, even if not required.

  3. Consider taking additional courses in communication, dental anatomy, or biochemistry to enhance your application.

  4. Keep all deadlines in mind and track required documents meticulously.


🔥 Why Choose GSU Perimeter College

  1. CODA-accredited program ensures your degree is recognized nationwide.

  2. Pathway from Associate to Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene.

  3. Strong emphasis on hands-on clinical training, preparing students for real-world practice.

  4. Comprehensive guidance through admission, pre-requisites, GPA, and licensure exams.


 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page