Apply to the Dental Hygiene Program

Application Materials!

Please note that this application requires a CCD S Number to access; you must have already applied to and been accepted by the Community College of Denver and have a current S Number to apply.  All materials for the fall 2022 application which is now closed. These materials are for reference and are subject to change.

We look forward to reviewing applications again in the fall of 2023. 

Apply to CCD if you are not a current student.

  • www.ccd.edu, click on the “Future Student” link, “Apply to CCD Today,” then “Apply Now”
  • Declare your “major.” 

Please read all application instructions and information to ensure your application is complete. 

 

We encourage you to download the application checklist and ensure that you have all your materials gathered prior to starting the online application.  Once your application is complete, you will receive a confirmation email. Please keep this email for your records in case of problems with the application process.

  • Application Check List (please ignore the directive to change your program of study to AGS)
  • Prerequisite Course List Form
  • Dental Hygienist Interview Form (two interviews required)
  • Register for and take ATDH (Admission Test for Dental Hygiene)
  • Biographical Profile*
  • Estimated Program Expenses Form
  • Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens Form
  • Written Prompt Response* - Applicants will choose ONE of the following prompts and provide a typewritten 500-word response using 12 pt. font and 1-inch margins. The writing sample will be evaluated for content, organization, language use, structure, grammar, and mechanics. We feel it is important for individuals to provide a written response to assess the individual’s writing skills and ability to communicate effectively, as this is important in practice and as a dental hygiene professional.

    • Prompt 1: Conflict Resolution Describe a situation in which you were in direct conflict with someone – a colleague, patient, or fellow student. Address your feelings at the time, how they impacted the situation, and how you were able to resolve the conflict.

    • Prompt 2: Community Service Activity & Summary Describe your participation in a minimum of two volunteer activities, demonstrating at least 4 hours of active involvement for each session. Describe your experiences and the impact on you personally. 

FALL 2022 ASSOCIATE OF DENTAL HYGIENE APPLICATION (fall 2023 start)

*Writing Sample and Biosketch Rubric

 

The Community College of Denver’s Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Dental Hygiene program is designed for those who wish to become a dental hygienist. It is a unique blend of academic and clinical coursework that requires attention to detail, motivation to succeed, and the ability to complete tasks within a specific timeframe. Through its science and clinic-based curriculum, students learn the educational, clinical, and communication skills necessary to become a valued member of the dental team.

Applications to the Dental Hygiene Program are accepted once a year between August 15 and December 1. One class is accepted each year, and study begins part-time in the summer semester following application and acceptance. The full-time study begins during the fall semester following application and continues for five semesters.

To prepare to apply to the AAS Dental Hygiene program, applicants must complete eight (8) prerequisite classes (four (4) science classes and four (4) general education classes). All prerequisite courses must be completed by the end of the application semester in order to be eligible for application. The science classes must have been taken within seven years of the planned start of the program and, when averaged, have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Science prerequisite classes:

  • BIO 2101 - Human Anatomy & Physiology I
  • BIO 2102 - Human Anatomy & Physiology II
  • BIO 2104 - Microbiology
  • CHE 1009 - General, Organic & Biochemistry (CHE 1011 and 1012 will compensate for CHE 1009)

The four (4) general education classes are good for a lifetime and must have a minimum GPA of 2.5.

General education classes:

  • ENG 1021 - English Composition (ENG 1022 will compensate for ENG 1021)
  • PSY 1001 - General Psychology I (PSY 1002, 2221, or 2440 will compensate for PSY 1001)
  • SOC 1001 - Introduction to Sociology (ANT 1001, SOC 2018 will compensate for SOC 1001)
  • COM 1150 - Public Speaking (COM 1250 or 1260 will compensate for COM 1150)

To verify the classes have been completed and to provide proof of grades for GPA calculation and credits by semester, unofficial copies of all transcripts containing prerequisite courses must be submitted with the application. Courses that have been taken more than once will be averaged if taken within two years of each other.

If planning to apply, applicants must complete the Admission Test for Dental Hygiene (ATDH) which is only offered in spring and fall windows. Please go to link for dates and times. The score from this aptitude exam will be used in the evaluation of the application to the Dental Hygiene program. To register for the exam, applicants should visit the website Admission Test for Dental Hygiene to learn more and register to take the exam.

There will be other documents that must be submitted or paperwork completed as part of the application process. Be prepared to provide the following additional items with your application.

  • Application Essay - Applicants will choose one of two writing prompts and provide a typewritten response.
  • Two Dental Hygienist Interviews - Applicants will conduct an interview with two (2) dental hygienists and provide a summary of each interview.
  • Signed Notification of Estimated Program Expenses
  • Signed Notification of Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens

All applicants to the CCD Dental Hygiene program must apply and be accepted to Community College of Denver prior to submitting a separate selective admission application to the Dental Hygiene program. During the CCD application process, applicants will establish their residency status and document their demographic/life experiences. These demographic/life experiences are evaluated during the application review to the dental hygiene program and include the following.

  • First-generation college student
  • Non-Traditional student (over age 50, GED recipient, single parent)
  • Underrepresented minority
  • DACA, DREAMer, ASSET, Undocumented
  • A resident of a rural location identified as a home/permanent address verified by federal, state, or county data

To see how each application is evaluated, visit our Application Review section to learn more.

All applicants must complete a criminal background check and drug screening before being offered an opportunity to interview for the program. Applicants who meet the minimum GPA criteria will be provided information on how to complete this step once all applications have been received and reviewed. 

 

Have Questions? Connect with Us!

Need further assistance? Please contact one of the following individuals to assist you with your specific question or concerns:

  • For general info about CCD and application to the college, contact Admissions.
  • If you are a current CCD student needing help for prerequisite classes, make an appointment with your Academic Advisor using Navigate or contact Academic Advising.
  • For application help, including submission of supplemental items, contact Voletha Bradley, the application reviewer.
  • With questions about the Dental Hygiene Program or its application, contact Paige McEvoy, CCD Dental Hygiene program director.