Programs of Study

Programs

The School of Dentistry offers the following educational programs: a four-year course of instruction leading to the degree of Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD); a two-year course of instruction leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene (traditional program); and an Advanced Standing Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene. The Advanced Standing Dental Hygiene program is an online program offered across five semesters for students who have already completed a dental hygiene certificate program.

All School of Dentistry programs are accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation. The commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the American Dental Association Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation and by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-2719 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611.

Select a program to jump to a section:

• Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)
• Dental Hygiene Program
  • Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (traditional program)
  • Advanced Standing Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene

Doctor of Dental Medicine

Sreenivas Koka, DDS, MS, PhD, MBA, Dean of the School of Dentistry

TECHNICAL STANDARDS FOR ADMISSION

The Dean and faculty's recommendation that a student be granted the DMD degree by the University of Mississippi Medical Center signifies that the recipient of that degree possesses the knowledge, skills and attitudes to provide care across a wide spectrum of dental health needs and to function effectively in varied clinical settings. The dental practitioner must exhibit a unique combination of scientific and health care knowledge, technical abilities, communication and interpersonal skills as well as professional attitudes and behaviors in order to deliver the dental health care that is required and expected of today's dental professional.

The University of Mississippi School of Dentistry has a responsibility for the welfare of patients treated at the school and a responsibility to graduate the best possible practitioners. Therefore, the School of Dentistry maintains certain minimum technical standards for admission to the school. Applicants must possess a basic core of skills and abilities that will allow them to successfully complete the dental curriculum and benefit fully from their professional education. As an integral part of their education, students are required to provide treatment for patients who seek care at the School of Dentistry. The school has the responsibility of ensuring the safety of those patients. This includes the completion of treatment safely and within an acceptable amount of time.

It is the responsibility of the candidate for admission to review the technical standards for admissions. To receive academic accommodations at UMMC, all students must contact the Office for Student Success and complete the appropriate process.

Motor Skills: All applicants must be able to meet the following technical standards: Candidates must have sufficient motor function to conduct various diagnostic and treatment procedures; to manipulate dental instruments and handpieces. These behaviors require both gross and fine muscular movements and coordination, as well as sight, touch and manual dexterity and fully functioning wrists, hands, fingers and arms. Candidates must be able to ensure that basic life support emergency procedures, including CPR, can be performed on all patients; transfer and position disabled patients personally or with assistance from auxiliary personnel; position themselves in an appropriate sitting or standing position so as to render dental care; position dental equipment including carts, stools and dental chair; operate hand or foot controls utilizing fine movements; operate high and low speed dental handpieces during dental treatment requiring controlled movements of less than one millimeter; utilize hand instrumentation including surgical instruments for dental procedures on hard and soft tissues; perform all necessary procedures in required educational exercises including activities in the preclinical laboratories; execute motor movements necessary to arrive at a diagnosis and treatment plan, and provide patient care including emergency treatment; perform motor functions to elicit information from patients or from simulations through palpation, auscultation, percussion and other diagnostic procedures utilizing instrument manipulation.

Sensory Skills: Candidates must have functional use of the senses of vision, hearing, touch and smell in order to observe and learn effectively in the classroom, laboratory and clinical settings and, ultimately, to provide oral health care in a practice setting. These sensory skills must be sufficient to allow the student to acquire information through physical, laboratory and clinical means; to visualize intraoral and extraoral structures; to observe a patient accurately both close at hand and at a distance; and to obtain information from written documents, films, slides and video. Candidates must be able to perform educational exercises, dental examinations, and treatment utilizing functions of vision (acuity, accommodation and adequate color differentiation), touch (tactile sense using direct and indirect palpation), hearing (distinguishing sounds of auscultation and percussion, and discerning audible signs of distress from a patient) and smell (enabling observation and discernment of normal and abnormal odoriferous conditions related to either the patient or environment) in order to correctly discriminate between normal and abnormal tissues or conditions during examination, diagnostic and treatment procedures; read charts, records, small print and handwritten notations; and interpret radiographs and other graphic images with and without assistive devices.

Communication Skills: Candidates must have sufficient fluency in the English language to be able to speak, understand, read and write so as to obtain information from texts and lectures; communicate concepts; perceive and describe patient behaviors and emotional states; communicate effectively and sensitively with patients and all members of the health care team both orally and in writing. Candidates must be able to discuss, explain and exchange information with the patient at a level necessary to develop a health history to address health problems, to arrive at diagnoses and treatment plans and to give direction before, during and after treatment; to retrieve information from texts and lectures; to communicate concepts on written and oral examinations and to other health care workers/providers; and to communicate effectively in spoken and written English in classroom, laboratory and clinical settings.

Cognitive Skills: Candidates must possess those cognitive skills necessary to problem solve in all educational and clinical settings, to accumulate, comprehend and apply information as part of learning and in the establishment of a diagnosis and treatment plan, and to provide oral health care. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to acquire, analyze, synthesize, integrate, measure, calculate and manage data and background knowledge in developing understanding and concepts, and to do so in educational and clinical settings; to perform these cognitive skills in a critical and logical problem solving format and to do so within a specific time limited framework; to comprehend three-dimensional and spatial relationships of structures; to make rational decisions regarding patient care; and to provide treatment within an acceptable time frame so as to ensure safety of the patient.

Behavioral Skills: Candidates must demonstrate sufficient behavioral and social skills, professionalism and emotional health to successfully accomplish the responsibilities related to care of the dental patient and to perform to the fulfillment of the full range of academic and clinical duties of a student. Candidates must be able to manage patients with a wide variety of moods and do so in a tactful, congenial and compassionate manner so as to avoid alienation and antagonism; possess sufficient physical ability to meet the demands of ongoing, concurrent classroom, laboratory and clinical educational exercises; adapt to a changing environment, display flexibility and function appropriately in the face of those uncertainties inherent in dental education; possess emotional health sufficient to carry out tasks, have good judgment and behave in a professional, reliable, mature and responsible manner; exhibit appropriate motivation and a genuine interest in caring for others; exercise good judgment in prompt completion of responsibilities attendant to the educational process and to the diagnosis, treatment planning and care of patients; possess interpersonal skills and attributes of integrity, empathy, stability and punctuality to be able to function effectively as part of the dental health care team.

TUITION AND REQUIRED FEES

Tuition and fees for the current academic year can be found on the institutional website. Tuition is subject to change pending information from the Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL). The total tuition fee is divided into either two or three semester charges, depending on the individual course calendars for each year of dental school.

Note: All amounts are subject to change pending information from the Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL).  Please contact the Department of Student Accounting at (601) 984-1060 for more information. 

SCHOOL TECHNOLOGY/TOOL/SUPPLY REQUIREMENTS

Computers – Entering dental students are required to have a computer that meets certain specifications outlined by the School of Dentistry. Without this laptop, students will not be eligible to begin classes. Students entering dental school are expected to possess basic computer competencies. These include, but are not limited to, use of a computer, use of e-mail, use of Internet browsers and use of software for word processing and data backup. Each student will be provided an institutional e-mail account and will be responsible for frequently checking this account and responding to e-mails sent to that address. Please consult the Accepted Applicants information posted on the SOD Student Affairs website for more information.

Privacy Screens - The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requires the University of Mississippi Medical Center to appropriately safeguard protected health information (PHI). The School of Dentistry, in a reasonable and effective initiative to better protect PHI, requires privacy screens to be installed on computer monitors or other electronic device viewing screens in any public environment in which protected health information is being viewed. In addition, all computer monitors and other electronic device viewing screens should be positioned so that the monitor/viewing screen is facing away from patients or others in the area.

Failure to conform to this policy will result in penalties including loss of clinical access/privileges and up to dismissal.

Materials/Supplies – Dental students are provided numerous types of dental materials/supplies during their dental education and some items are included as part of their tuition and fees. However, additional educational supplies above the normal threshold may be purchased on an individual basis from the preclinical storeroom. Students will be charged for any supplies that exceed the normal allowance. Students are required to purchase some additional supplies as needed per their yearly curriculum. Required textbooks may be obtained in various electronic or printed versions.

Those who have not purchased the school's required supplies and instruments for any semester will not be permitted to begin classes for that semester.

Note: Requirements for computers, materials, and supplies are subject to change, and any changes will be communicated to students prior to their taking effect.

Textbooks, Laboratory, and Supplies – A list of required textbooks will be provided to students prior to their first semester and included in the syllabus for each course. Various options for purchasing print and/or electronic texts will be provided. Those who have not purchased the school's required supplies and instruments for any semester will not be permitted to begin classes for that semester.

Late Graduates – Senior dental students who go past the last day of clinics/classes in the spring semester as listed on the daily schedule to complete all DENT 675 courses will be charged a fee to continue clinical activities past the date of Commencement. The fee will be one-twelfth of the tuition cost for one year for part or all of each of the following: from the Monday after Commencement through the month of June; for the month of July; from August 1 to the end of the summer session; for the month of September; for each following month or part of a month until all course work is complete and the student is eligible for a degree.

ACADEMIC REGULATIONS

Curriculum – The dental school administration reserves the right to make changes in curricula and regulations and required equipment and supplies when those changes are determined to be in the best interest of the students and the school.

Examinations – Examinations may be written, oral, practical, simulations, standardized patients or other means or combinations. The student may be excluded from an examination for failure to pay tuition or fees. Make-up examinations for failure of a course must have permission of the Student Evaluation and Promotion Committee (SEPC).

Grades –

1. The School of Dentistry employs a numerical grading system based on zero to 100. Some courses are graded as Pass/Fail.

2. A student must achieve a grade of 70 or more in each course and a grade of Pass in each Pass/Fail graded course. Students must satisfactorily complete all requirements stated for each course in the syllabus and all Clinical Practice guidelines in each Clinical Practice syllabus in order to become eligible for promotion.

3. If work is incomplete for reasons beyond a student's control, a temporary grade of "Incomplete" is reported when grades are due. The "I" must be replaced with a final grade prior to the termination of the following semester.

4. If a course extends beyond the end of a semester, the SEPC and the relevant course director will notify students of unsatisfactory progress.

5. Transfer of acceptable course credit attained in programs other than as a student at the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry will be recorded as a "Transfer" grade on the official transcript.

6. All students will be allowed to view their final grades in Workday through the Academic History link in the student record. Students may challenge grades within 30 days of issuance of final grades; otherwise, grades will stand as recorded.

7. The determination of class rank is made by using the 0-100 scale grade point average, which is derived by:

   1. multiplying the grade in a course by the clock hours of that course; and

   2. by dividing these totals (grades x clock hours-of all courses) by total number of clock hours (of all courses, except remedial or repeat courses).

8. The determination of letter grade or four point published grade point average is derived by:

   1. multiplying the numerical grade in the course by the semester hours of that course; and

   2. dividing the totals in "a" by the total number of semester hours.

In order to be eligible for the Dean's Honor List, a student must have attained: 1) an average of 85 or higher for the academic year; 2) must be in the top 20% of the class; 3) must have completed stated guidelines for the academic year; and 4) must have received all passing grades for the academic year.

Withdrawal – Students who are unable to return to school at the beginning of any semester or who must discontinue their work during the year for legitimate reasons ordinarily will be permitted to withdraw in good or satisfactory standing with approval of the Dean. Students who withdraw must complete School of Dentistry check out procedures as per the SOD Business Office and Office of Academic Affairs. Approved withdrawal, if completed on or before the last day specified in the academic calendar, will not be recorded on the student's record. Withdrawals authorized after this date will be recorded as a "W" if student performance is satisfactory and as an "F" if the student performance is unsatisfactory at the time of withdrawal.

Students who have withdrawn in good standing must receive approval for readmission from the SEPC on the basis of their status at the time of withdrawal. Students who have been absent for more than one academic year, must apply to the Admissions Committee for readmission. This readmission application must be made before November 1 of the year prior to enrollment.

Leave of Absence – Leaves of absence are granted at the discretion of the Dean and will be for a period of up to one year.

Due Process – Due process for students is defined in the procedures identified in the Student Handbook.

CREDIT TRANSFERRED FROM A COMMUNITY COLLEGE

A maximum of 65 semester hours of credit from a junior college may be applied toward admission. However, it is strongly recommended that as many required science courses as possible be completed at a senior college or university to improve chances for admission.

PROGRAM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

The authority to select applicants for admission to the Dental program is vested in the Dental School Admissions Committee (DSAC) and the Dean of the School of Dentistry. DSAC is appointed by the Admissions Committee Directors of the School of Dentistry and includes clinical and basic science faculty of the School of Dentistry and the School of Medicine, representatives of the dental private practice, UMMC School of Dentistry students and other administrative personnel in the various departments at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. All correspondence and records regarding the admissions process are filed in the Office of Enrollment Management become the property of the University of Mississippi Medical Center and cannot be returned or forwarded to the applicant or another school.  Applicants and Admission Committee members are required to sign a confidentiality agreement which grants the committee members authority to review all applicant information when making decisions on selection of candidates. All applicant information reviewed shall be confidential.

Selection of applicants is made on a competitive basis, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, or veteran status. Decision and consideration are given to both cognitive and noncognitive components. Cognitive components include overall GPA, overall science GPA, overall DAT (academic average), overall science DAT and masters GPA, if applicable. Noncognitive components include honesty/integrity, ethics/values, respect for others, critical thinking, communication skills, altruism, motivation for dentistry, accountability, support system, maturity, excellence, vision of practice, participation in Health Careers programs, leadership, self-appraisal and research. Recommendations from college science faculty, dentists that have been shadowed and community service directors are also considered. Multiple mini-interviews with members of the Admissions Committee are required. 

For admission purposes, the School of Dentistry at the University of Mississippi Medical Center gives preference to residents of Mississippi, as defined by Miss. Code §§ 37-103-7, 37-103-13 and IHL Policy 610. As such, the School of Dentistry currently accepts admission applications only from individuals who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. The School of Dentistry may choose to not accept applications from students who cannot demonstrate residency as defined by Miss. Code § 37-103-7 and 37-103-13. In recent years, nonresidents have not been considered for admission to DMD program in the School of Dentistry.

Applicants must complete all required course work at an accredited U.S. or Canadian college or university. Full-time members of the U.S. military must obtain orders to be based in Mississippi prior to starting first-year classes. All questions pertaining to resident status should be addressed to the Office of Enrollment Management, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS  39216-4505.

INTERVIEWS – Applicant files are reviewed by the School of Dentistry Admissions screeners. Applicants whose credentials indicate potential for success in the UMMC dental school program are invited for an interview session which includes multiple mini-interviews with members of the DSAC. Applicants must not present themselves for interviews until requested to do so by the Admissions Committee. Prescreening factors include, but are not limited to, metrics (grades and DAT scores), shadowing experiences (minimum of 70 hours of shadowing is required with at least four different dentists), research experience, commitment to community service (a minimum of 80 hours is required) as well as professionalism, leadership, and other non-cognitive attributes. Interviews are scheduled during specific periods, and applicants are notified in advance of such periods.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE – The UMMC School of Dentistry is now a participant of the ADEA Associated American Dental Schools Application Service, AADSAS. Applicants can apply online. Contact information for ADEA AADSAS:

• Phone: (617) 612-2045 (Applicant inquiries only)

• E-mail: aadsasinfo@aadsasweb.org

It is not necessary that an applicant complete the entire application at once. The applicant may save the application and work on it over a period of time. Once it is submitted, however, only minor changes can be made online. Check with AADSAS to determine what information can be edited after submission of the application.

Upon verification of an applicant's primary application, the applicant will be provided with a link to complete the UMMC School of Dentistry's supplemental application. The supplemental application fee is $50.

Admission Timeline 2023-2024

• Begin working on application: May 9, 2023

• Begin submitting application: May 30, 2023

• Application deadline:

  • AADSAS deadline: October 1, 2023 (Application, all documentation and fees required by AADSAS must be received by AADSAS.)

  • UMMC School of Dentistry deadline: November 3, 2023 (All application materials, including secondary application, fees, official transcripts and letters of recommendation, must be received.)

• Earliest date of acceptance notification: DECEMBER 15, 2023

DENTAL ADMISSION TEST (DAT) – Applicants for admission to the UMMC School of Dentistry must take the American Dental Association Dental Admission Test (DAT). The test must be scheduled to be taken by computer at Prometric Testing Centers. Information regarding the American Dental Association Dental Admission Test may be obtained from the pre-dental advisor in most colleges or from the American Dental Association, 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611.

By following a well-planned schedule, the pre-dental student should be ready to take the test at the end of the second full year of college work; the DAT is generally taken by March of the third year of college work. DAT scores more than 3 years old are not accepted. Candidates seeking to retake the DAT must wait 90 days before a re-test is allowed.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS – The applicant must show credit for at least three years of college work, totaling not fewer than 90 successful semester hours (grade of "C" or better), completed in an accredited United States or Canadian college or university.

In addition, all applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

PLEASE NOTE: While not required, these courses are highly recommended: foreign language, sociology, psychology, speech, humanities, philosophy, embryology, histology, immunology, cell biology, physiology, comparative anatomy, gross anatomy, neuroanatomy.

There is no time limit on the validity of a baccalaureate degree; however, the Admissions Committee has concerns when prerequisite courses have been taken ten (10) or more years ago. If a science course is being used for any course requirement (for any method) and was taken ten (10) or more years ago, it must be repeated.

Unacceptable Courses – None of the minimum 90 acceptable semester hours of collegiate course work listed or described or recommended above may be met by the following: correspondence courses; courses in physical training, military science, or dogmatic religion; courses in mathematics or science designed for non-science majors; or course credit granted without college-level testing and grade. A limited number of distance learning credits may be accepted for liberal arts electives; however, none will be accepted for required science and math courses. Courses taken outside science and math departments (course numbers other than BIOL, CHEM, PHYS or MATH) are not acceptable as required courses.

Online Courses – Effective Fall 2023, online courses will no longer be accepted to satisfy pre-requisites for the Doctor of Dental Medicine program. Online courses taken between Spring 2020 and Summer 2023 are acceptable to satisfy pre-requisites. Special consideration will be given to non-traditional students on a case-by-case basis.

Approved Elective Courses – It is recommended that the student develop proficiency in a specific area while in undergraduate school and acquire a background in the humanities and social sciences, consulting with a pre-dental/pre-health profession advisor concerning specific courses.

COMPLETION OF DEGREES – An applicant enrolled in a degree-granting program at any college or university is expected to complete the requirements for and earn that degree before enrollment in dental school. Unless prior approval has been granted by the Admissions Committee, this applies to both undergraduate and graduate degrees.

CONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE – Acceptance to the dental school is conditional; the Admissions Committee may rescind an offer of acceptance at any time before matriculation if an applicant fails to maintain expectations upon which the acceptance was based. Examples include, but are not limited to, a significant decline in academic performance, failure to complete prerequisites or other course work and degrees in progress, patterns of unprofessional behavior and incidents discovered in a criminal background check.

SPECIAL STUDENT

No student may enroll for courses in the School of Dentistry as a special part-time student without being admitted by the Admissions Committee and receiving approval from the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs to attend class(es).

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The degree of Doctor of Dental Medicine is conferred upon candidates of good moral character who have properly fulfilled all academic requirements of the School of Dentistry's curriculum; and who have discharged all financial obligations to this school.

The diploma is awarded summa cum laude, Wallace V. Mann Jr. Award, to the graduate who ranks first in the class in academic achievement; magna cum laude to the second ranking graduate; and cum laude to the graduates who rank third and fourth.

ACCREDITATION STATUS

All School of Dentistry programs are accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation. The commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the American Dental Association Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation and by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-2719 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

The mission of the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry is to foster an environment of lifelong learning, collaborative teaching, service, and research through partnerships within the Medical Center, and with community organizations and dental health practitioners throughout the State of Mississippi. The School of Dentistry is committed to acquiring and retaining a diverse community of students, residents, fellows, faculty and staff, which exemplifies qualities of leadership and dedication in preparing competent, ethical dental health professionals for the state of Mississippi and who work to improve health outcomes and eliminate health disparities.

The objectives of the Doctor of Dental Medicine degree below reflect the areas and level of knowledge and action that will prepare a student to be competent in the practice of general dentistry upon graduation.

1. Professionalism and Ethics

   • The new graduate will conduct himself/herself in a professional manner

   • The new graduate will be able to understand the ethical duties and responsibilities to society, the patient, and the dental profession

2. Patient Assessment

   • The new graduate will be able to perform an examination that collects biological, psychological, and social information needed to evaluate the medical and oral condition of patients of all ages.

   • The new graduate will be able to determine differential, provisional, and definitive diagnoses by interpreting and correlating findings from the history, clinical and radiographic examination, and other diagnostic tests.

   • The new graduate will be able to develop, present, and discuss individual treatment plans for patients of all ages, appropriate for the patient's condition, interest, and capabilities.

3. Patient Management

   • The new graduate will be able to communicate with and manage patients effectively.

   • The new graduate must be able to manage discomfort and distress of the patient.

   • The new graduate will be able to assess patients with dental emergencies and prescribe care for and manage acute dental disease.

4. Establishment and Maintenance of a Healthy Oral Environment

   • The new graduate will be able to provide care for patients of all ages that emphasizes prevention of oral disease and supports the maintenance of systemic and oral health.

   • The new graduate will be able to diagnose and treat dental caries.

   • The new graduate will be able to diagnose, prevent, treat, manage, and evaluate outcomes of all phases of periodontal disease.

   • The new graduate will be able to prevent, treat, and evaluate treatment outcomes of pulpal diseases and subsequent periradicular pathosis.

   • The new graduate will be able to diagnose and manage oral and maxillofacial surgical problems and perform routine dentoalveolar surgical procedures.

   • The new graduate will be able to recognize and manage orthodontic problems.

5. Restoration of Form, Function, and Esthetics

   • The new graduate will be able to understand and use materials in the treatment of patients with dental and orofacial disease.

   • The new graduate will be able to design and provide restorations for the treatment of dental disease.

   • The new graduate will be able to diagnose and treat uncomplicated conditions of missing teeth to restore and maintain oral function, health, and appearance.

6. Practice Administration

   • The new graduate will be able to develop and assess a practice plan for a general practice.

   • The new graduate will be able to demonstrate understanding in business, office, and personnel decisions.

7. Community Involvement

   • The new graduate must have experience in service learning activities and other community-based experiences to promote and advance oral health.

   • The new graduate will demonstrate knowledge of jurisprudence and risk management.

8. Critical Thinking

   • The new graduate will be able to acquire and process information intellectually in a critical, scientific, and effective manner.

Degree Completion Requirements

Student promotion depends on the satisfactory completion of each year's work and overall satisfactory performance. Promotions within the School of Dentistry are considered on the basis of recommendations by individual instructors, on departmental evaluations and the student's total record.

Students in the School of Dentistry should be aware of the information in the course syllabi which details practices, procedures and provisions of the school pertaining to academic and clinical performance and related matters.

Listed below are the minimum acceptable standards of scholastic performance, promotion and graduation:

1. Scholastic performance and promotions, first, second, and third years:

   1. achieve a grade of 70 or more in each numerically graded course, a grade of Pass in each Pass/Fail graded course, and satisfactorily complete all requirements stated for each course in the syllabus and all Clinical Practice guidelines in each Clinical Practice syllabus and

2. Fourth-year eligibility requirements for the Doctor of Dental Medicine degree:

   1. achieve a grade of 70 or more in each course and satisfactorily complete all requirements stated for each course in the syllabus, including all Clinical Practice 675 guidelines in each Clinical Practice 675 syllabus

   2. for the class of 2022 and later, students must register for and take the Integrated National Board Dental Examination during the academic graduating year.

   3. discharge all financial obligations to this school; and

   4. merit a recommendation from the SEPC to the Dean for eligibility to receive the Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. The School and University make no actual or implied guarantee that any student completing most or all of the required work will be granted a dental degree. Factors other than academic achievement are and may be used to determine the eligibility for a student to be granted a dental degree.

PROGRAM OF STUDY

The curriculum consists of four academic years. Because of an ongoing evaluation by the Curriculum Committee, clock hours and placement of courses may be different from that listed in the following distribution of instruction by clock hours.

Distribution of Instruction by Semester Hours

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Dental Hygiene Program

Elizabeth O. Carr, DHA, RDH, Department Chair and Program Director

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Registered dental hygienists are licensed oral health care professionals. Dental hygienists provide preventive services that limit the extent of cavities and periodontal disease as well as promote the overall health and well-being of the oral environment and head and neck region. Dental hygienists assess general and oral health by using a variety of diagnostic aids (comprehensive health histories, head, neck and oral examinations, radiographs and indices). Using the information obtained from the assessment process, the hygienist develops a care plan in conjunction with the patient's goals and needs, provides oral health education and performs preventive (fluorides, sealants) and therapeutic services (non-surgical periodontal therapy). Baccalaureate graduates are employed as clinical practitioners, educators, researchers, administrators, managers, preventive program developers and consultants. Registered (licensed) dental hygienists practice according to the requirements of individual state dental practice acts.

The Dental Hygiene department offers two programs of study:

The entry-level, traditional baccalaureate program is a dental hygiene program for students who want to earn a dental hygiene license. Upon completion of the five semester, 22-month face-to-face program, students earn a bachelor of science degree and are prepared to apply for and obtain a dental hygiene license.

The dental hygiene advanced standing online program (DHAS program) enables licensed dental hygienists the opportunity to earn a bachelor of science degree in dental hygiene.

ACCREDITATION STATUS

The dental hygiene program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611-2678. CODA's phone number is (800) 621-8099.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

The goals of the Dental Hygiene Program are to: strive for professional and educational excellence; provide trained and competent dental hygienists for Mississippi; instill a desire in its students to maintain competence through life-long learning; foster respect for individual differences by providing quality preventive and educational services to the surrounding diverse community.

The objectives below of the Dental Hygiene Program reflect the educational, personal, and professional qualities that are expected of students in the program.

1. Legal

   • Understand, respect and function within all local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations.

2. Ethical

   • Understand, practice and promote the American Dental Hygienists' Association's (ADHA) professional code of ethics in all dental hygiene endeavors.

3. Patient Needs Analysis (Assessment)

   • Systematically collect, record and analyze data on the general, oral and psychosocial health status of a variety of patients using methods consistent with medical, legal and ethical principles and practices.

4. Care Plan (Treatment Plan)

   • Employ critical decision-making skills to formulate a comprehensive dental hygiene care plan based on all available assessment data and collaboration with the patient and other health care professionals to meet the patient's dental hygiene needs.

5. Patient Care (Implementation, Evaluation and Documentation)

   • Provide each patient with personal dental hygiene care based on assessment, dental hygiene diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation to achieve and maintain oral health and wellness. Document care by accurately recording all collected data, treatment planned and provided and other information/recommendations pertinent to patient care and treatment.

6. Professional Growth

   • Promote quality patient care by providing each graduate with the foundation for continuing professional growth, learning and practice founded on evidence-based research and evolving standards of care.

   • Enhance the standing of the profession by preparing the graduate for participation in professional and service organizations.

7. Community Health

   • Plan and participate in community oral health activities to promote health and disease prevention of diverse groups.

8. Career Opportunity

   • Identify and evaluate dental hygiene careers within alternative health care, industry, education, government and research settings.

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Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene

GENERAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Selection of applicants is made on a competitive basis, and equal educational opportunity is offered to all students who meet the entrance requirements without regard to race, creed, sex, color, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability or veteran status.

For admission purposes, the School of Dentistry Dental Hygiene Program at the University of Mississippi Medical Center gives preference to residents of Mississippi, as defined by Miss. Code §§ 37-103-7, 37-103-13 and IHL Policy 610.

For the traditional program, out-of-state applicants will be considered only if there are positions available after all qualified Mississippi applicants are accepted. For the advanced standing, online program, out-of-state applicants will be considered. The number of students admitted to the Dental Hygiene program is dependent upon the educational resources available to support the program.

The School of Dentistry currently accepts admission applications only from individuals who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. The School of Dentistry may choose to not accept applications from students who cannot demonstrate residency as defined by Miss. Code §§ 37-103-7 and 37-103-13.

Meeting qualifications does not ensure admission as selection of applicants is on a competitive basis. No applicant is accepted until the admissions process is complete, which may include an interview by members of the appropriate departmental admissions committee. Applicants should not present themselves for interviews until requested. If an interview is requested, attendance is required for an applicant to be considered for acceptance. Interviews are held within the first two Fridays in March each year.

CPR Certification Students are required to submit evidence of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation certification (CPR) as a BLS Health Care Provider (American Heart Association) to the School of Dentistry Dental Hygiene program. Students in this program must show evidence of CPR certification prior to beginning any clinical courses. This certification must be maintained throughout enrollment in the School of Dentistry Dental Hygiene program if the student is enrolled in clinical courses. Note: Should a student have a physical disability that impedes the skills-testing portion of the CPR certification will be offered via alternative methods. 

Background Check – Mississippi Law requires all health care workers, including students, to successfully complete a criminal history background check, including fingerprinting, prior to beginning clinical activities. Students will receive information about the Medical Center process for completing the criminal history background checks from their respective schools. Be advised that a felony conviction may affect a student's continued enrollment in the School of Dentistry and a graduate's eligibility to sit for certification, registration, or licensure examinations. Affected students should contact the appropriate certification, registry or licensure agency or organization.

GENERAL APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Applicants for programs in the School of Dentistry Dental Hygiene Program must apply online. All applicants must pay a nonrefundable application fee of $25.

All transcripts and documents submitted in support of an application become the property of the University of Mississippi Medical Center and cannot be returned to an applicant or forwarded to another school or individual.

Applications may be submitted for the enrollment period designated on the application beginning July 1 and continuing until the application deadline. The school reserves the right to consider and accept applications after the established deadline. To determine if a deadline has been extended, call the Office of Enrollment Management after the deadline at (601) 984-1080. If the applicant fails to complete the application, is accepted and fails to enroll or is not accepted, a new application including all forms, documentation and transcripts must be submitted to be considered for a subsequent enrollment date.

Application deadlines are:

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Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (Traditional Program)

TECHNICAL STANDARDS FOR ADMISSION

The program admissions committees of the School of Dentistry, in accordance with Section 504 of the 1973 Vocational Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (PL101-336), have established technical standards for the essential functions of students in the school's educational programs. Admission criteria do not discriminate against persons with handicapping conditions. However, all candidates must meet minimum technical standards to function successfully as students and later as dental hygiene practitioners. It is the responsibility of the candidate for admission to review the technical standards for admission.

Motor skills: Candidates must demonstrate fine psychomotor skills, coordination, and dexterity adequate to: utilize sharp hand instruments requiring controlled movements of less than one millimeter in order to perform manipulation of dental hygiene instruments in such procedures as exploring, probing, scaling, root planing, polishing, and placement of preventive materials, etc.; operate high or low speed dental handpieces during dental hygiene procedures, requiring controlled movements of less than one millimeter; operate foot controls utilizing fine movements. Candidates must demonstrate physical strength and balance adequate to perform basic life support including CPR, position and reposition self around patient and chair in sitting or standing position, assist with transferring and positioning disabled patients, manage patients who lack motor control position dental equipment including carts and dental chair, and tolerate physically taxing workloads.

Sensory Skills: Candidates must demonstrate sensory abilities adequate to perform visual oral examinations and treatment including use of visual acuity, indirect vision, and color perception; i.e. to discern differences and variation in color, shape and general appearance between normal and abnormal, soft and hard tissues; perform oral examinations and treatment utilizing tactile sense to discern differences through variations in shape, pressure and hardness in hard and soft tissues. Tactile sense may be either direct palpation or indirect through instrumentation.

Cognitive Skills: Candidates must demonstrate adequate mental preparation and ability by a record of successful academic accomplishment indicating the capability to negotiate the dental hygiene curriculum; a record of acceptable accomplishment on a standardized test indicating the ability to utilize background knowledge and synthesis of that knowledge in developing knowledge or creative concepts and/or interpretation.

Communication Skills: Candidates must demonstrate communication skills adequate to speak, hear and observe patients; elicit information; describe changes in mood, activity and posture; perceive nonverbal communication; and convey or exchange information at a level allowing one to develop and record health history; identify problems presented by the patient, explain alternative solutions to the problems and give directions during treatment and for post-treatment and home care; communicate effectively and efficiently in written and oral form with patients, colleagues, and all members of the health care team, and in written and spoken English in classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings. Verbal and written communication skills are vital to success in the academic programs in the School of Dentistry; therefore, applicants whose native language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination and demonstrate competence in written and spoken English. Information on the TOEFL examination may be obtained from the Educational Testing Service, (877) 863-3546.

Interpersonal Skills: Candidates must demonstrate a capability for developing interpersonal skills adequate to manage apprehensive patients with a range of moods and behaviors in a tactful, congenial, personal manner so as not to alienate or antagonize them. Candidates must demonstrate ability to function effectively under stress, adapt to changing environments, display flexibility, and learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of patients.

TUITION AND REQUIRED FEES

Tuition and fees for the current academic year can be found on the institutional website. Tuition is subject to change pending information from the Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL).

SCHOOL TECHNOLOGY/TOOL/SUPPLY REQUIREMENTS

Entering dental hygiene students are required to have a laptop computer that meets specifications outlined by the School of Dentistry Department of Dental Hygiene. In addition to tuition, fees, and health insurance, students should be prepared to spend approximately $6295 the first year and $1000 the second year for books, uniforms, as well as other instruments and supplies as specified throughout the course of study. Students should be prepared to spend approximately $2400 for licensure testing fees during the second year.

ACADEMIC REGULATIONS

The regulations published in the Bulletin are a digest of the rules of the University and School of Dentistry Dental Hygiene Program. Changes may be made in the regulations at any time to promote the best interests of the university and its students. Students are responsible for knowing the published regulations, policies and standards of the university and the school.

Registration – In order for the student to receive credit for any course, the student must be registered for that course in the Office of Enrollment Management.

Attendance – Enrollment in the School of Dentistry Dental Hygiene Program obligates students to attend all class meetings and complete all assigned course work. No right or privilege exists which permits a student to be absent from any given number of class meetings or to collaborate on any assigned course work or exams unless given permission from the course instructor.

No Show Policy – A "no show student" is defined as an individual registered for a course who fails to begin attendance or actively participate. Any student receiving financial aid reported as a "no show" by the course instructor will have their financial aid adjusted to reflect actual enrolled hours.

Classroom Behavior – Students are expected to behave respectfully toward class instructors, guest lecturers and fellow students. Cell phones must be turned off or placed on silent mode. Food and drink are only permitted in designated areas. Disruptive behavior in an academic situation or purposely harming academic facilities also is grounds for academic discipline.

Standards of Honesty – The School of Dentistry Dental Hygiene Program is conducted on a basis of common honesty. Dishonesty, cheating, plagiarism or knowingly furnishing false information to the School are regarded as particularly serious offenses and may result in disciplinary action.

Grading – In determining the final grade to be assigned to each student at the end of a course, all important attributes of each student's performance in the course are given consideration. This includes cognitive, psychomotor and other attributes such as deportment, interpersonal relationships, attitudes toward course work and other factors which in the opinion of the faculty are important to the student's future role as a health care professional.

Undergraduate programs - Final grades will be expressed using this letter system: "A" - Excellent, 90-100; "B" - Good, 80-less than 90; "C"- Average, 75-less than 80; "D" - Below average, 70-less than 75; "F" - Failure, below 70. The quality point value of each letter grade is A-4; B-3; C-2; D-1; and F-0.

Grade Challenge – The responsibility for evaluating student work and assigning grades lies with the instructor of a course. However, a student may challenge a grade in order to initiate a review process for the student to better understand the reason(s) why the grade was assigned, the instructor to be made aware of and correct possible errors, and academic administrators to review the basis on which a grade has been awarded and, to correct, when appropriate, grades assigned by arbitrary or capricious action or other reasons not related to academic performance.

In all cases of a disputed grade, the student has the burden of proof that the assigned grade was not appropriate. It is for this reason that students should first speak with the instructor. If satisfaction is not found after speaking with the instructor, the student should speak with the program director who will advise the student to submit a written petition to include a copy of the syllabus and any assignment/grading rubrics along with copies of any tests, quizzes, assignments or other written work completed for which the student is challenging the grade. If the student is still not satisfied, the department chair and/or dean's office will review the action of the program director and/or department chair to see if the grade being challenged was appropriately assessed. If, in the opinion of the program director, department chair and/or the dean's office, deficiencies in instruction are so grave as to warrant such a change, the proper remedy will usually involve alternative assignments or examinations to allow the student the opportunity to demonstrate the appropriate level of competency in that area in order to earn a different grade than the grade originally assigned. The decision of the dean's office is final.

Grade Forgiveness – The Dental Hygiene Program does not allow for admission forgiveness or progression forgiveness.

Repeat Courses – A repeated course is defined as the opportunity for a student to repeat a single course within a program without readmission or reclassification. However, due to the complexity of the curriculum, the school allows for, but does not mandate, repeat courses within the program. Repeat courses require approval of the program chair and academic dean. The following guidelines are followed for repeat courses:

1. A student must obtain written approval from the department chair and academic dean to repeat a course.

2. When a student is approved to repeat a course, both grades are counted in GPA calculations.

3. A student must have a grade of "F" to be eligible to repeat the course.

Course Withdrawal – Registration for a course makes the student responsible for attending that class until the course is completed or until, with the permission of the dean or designee, the student withdraws from the course. Official withdrawal is facilitated by the dean or designee submitting official notice of withdrawal to the Offices of Enrollment Management, Student Financial Services and Student Accounting.

An approved withdrawal, if completed on or before the last day specified in the academic calendar, will not be recorded on the student's record. Withdrawals authorized after the last day specified in the academic calendar will be recorded as a "W." Withdrawals authorized after the three quarters point of the semester, specified in the academic calendar, will be recorded as an "F" if failing a course at the time of withdrawal. Failure to officially withdraw will result in the recording of a failing grade in the course in which the student is registered.

Academic Progress – It is the student's responsibility to ascertain his or her academic progress and seek assistance from the course instructor if the student finds himself or herself performing inadequately.

The program faculty reserves the right to recommend promotion, probation, reclassification, or dismissal of any student. The school reserves the privilege of promoting only those students who, in the judgment of the program faculty, satisfy requirements of scholarship and personal suitability for the profession.

Promotion – Promotion is contingent upon successful academic performance, including demonstration of professional attributes. Recommendations for promotion and graduation are made by program faculty to the dean.

Probation - Upon the recommendation of undergraduate program faculty, a student may be placed on probation when either the student's semester or overall cumulative grade point average falls below 2.00 or the student has failed to meet professional expectations.

Dismissal - Upon recommendation of undergraduate program faculty, a student may not be permitted to continue enrollment when:

1. The student has received a grade of "F";

2. The student's overall cumulative grade point average is less than 2.00 on all course work completed at the University of Mississippi Medical Center;

3. The student's grade point average is less than 2.00 in each of two consecutive grading periods;

4. The student has failed to meet professional expectations; or

5. The student incurs an unexplained or unexcused absence from all classes and school and departmental activities for a period of two continuous weeks.

Appeal of Dismissal – The appeal procedure is designed to provide the student with a clearly defined avenue for appealing his or her dismissal if he or she believes the dismissal was an arbitrary or capricious action or for other reasons not related to academic performance. The appeal procedure is as follows:

1. The student must submit a written request for an appeal to the dean within five (5) calendar days from the time that the notice of dismissal is sent by e-mail. Failure to make a written appeal within the five calendar day time period shall constitute a waiver of the appeal right and shall result in the sanction becoming final as recommended. The written request for an appeal must set forth the substantive basis for the appeal and be documented in an official letter to the dean. The official letter of appeal can be sent as an email attachment, by regular mail, or hand delivered to the dean.

2. The dean may uphold or deny the appeal or appoint a committee to hear the appeal and forward its written recommendation to the dean. If the dean appoints a committee to hear the appeal, the student will be informed of the time and place of the appeal hearing. The student must appear in person at the hearing to present the appeal to the appeals committee.

3. During an appeal hearing the student shall be permitted, at his or her expense, to have an advisor at the hearing and through all other stages of the disciplinary process. The role of the advisor/legal counsel shall be limited to an advisory capacity only. He/she will not be permitted to make opening or closing statements, question witnesses, or make oral argument. The student is entitled to present witnesses or other evidence, and make opening and concluding statements on his or her own behalf. If the student elects to bring legal counsel to the hearing, he/she must give prior notice to the dean.

4. The decision of the dean will be made in writing and will be sent by e-mail to the student. The dean's decision shall be final.

Leave of Absence – On the recommendation of a department chair and the approval of the dean, a student in good academic standing may be granted a leave of absence for approved medical, personal, or military reasons. The request for leave of absence must be appropriately documented, and in the case of medical leave, reviewed by the director of the Student-Employee Health Services. Leave may not exceed one (1) calendar year. Because of the intensity of the curricula, phasing of the courses, and rapid changes in allied health education, a student may be required to restart courses from the beginning upon returning from leave. Students who fail to return to the academic program within the specified time will be automatically withdrawn from the program. If the student has courses in progress at the time leave of absence is granted, a letter grade of F may be assigned to these courses. A student on leave of absence will not be assigned any academic or clinical responsibilities. Upon return from leave of absence, the student will re-enroll and pay all tuition and fees appropriate for the period of re-enrollment. No leave of absence will be granted without appropriate prior approvals.

Program Withdrawal – Registration in an academic program makes the student responsible for completion of the course of study or until, with the permission of the dean or designee, the student withdraws from the curriculum. Official withdrawal is facilitated by the dean or designee submitting official notice of withdrawal to the Offices of Enrollment Management, Student Financial Services and Student Accounting.

An approved withdrawal, if completed on or before the last day specified in the academic calendar, will not be recorded on the student's record. Withdrawals authorized after this date will be recorded as a "W" unless the student has completed the course, in which case the final grade in the course will be recorded. Withdrawals authorized after the three quarters point of the semester, specified in the academic calendar, will be recorded as an "F" if failing a course at the time of withdrawal. Failure to officially withdraw will result in the recording of a failing grade in the course(s) in which the student is registered.

TRANSFER OF CREDITS

All prerequisite courses may be taken at either the University of Mississippi, Oxford campus, or any other accredited institution of higher education. (If transferring from a Mississippi community college, please see the Articulation Agreement between the Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning and the Mississippi State Board for Community and Junior Colleges for program-specific transfer. Depending upon the undergraduate program, up to 60 semester hours of academic credit is the maximum which may be applied toward admission to departments where a degree is granted by the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The traditional baccalaureate degree program in dental hygiene is an entry-level program for students who want to obtain a dental hygiene license. Upon completion of the two-year program, students receive a bachelor of science degree and are prepared to apply for and obtain their initial dental hygiene licensure.

PROGRAM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the general admission requirements above, candidates seeking admission to the Dental Hygiene Program must:

Have completed a minimum of 60 semester hours of academic credit from an accredited institution of higher learning;

1. Have a minimum overall cumulative grade point average of 2.50 on 4.00 scale

2. Complete 8 hours observation of a licensed or registered dental hygienist in two separate clinical environments;

3. Complete an interview and hands-on dexterity test

4. Submit ACT scores;

5. Complete 12 hours of the science and 24 hours of the non-science prerequisite courses prior to the February 1st application deadline to the program; and

6. Successfully complete (a grade of C or better) the following minimum prerequisite number of required courses below:

PROGRAM APPLICATION DEADLINE

All application documents and application fees must be received by the Office of Enrollment Management by February 1st for the next academic year's fall admission. General application information may be found in the General Application Procedures section above.

DEGREE COMPLETION

Candidates for the dental hygiene degree must have completed the prescribed curriculum with an overall cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or better on a 4.00 scale on all work at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Following satisfactory completion of all requirements, students will be awarded the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from the University of Mississippi and are eligible to apply to challenge national and state or regional board clinical examinations for licensure as a registered dental hygienist. A degree cannot be granted unless the student has spent the equivalent of at least one full academic year in residency; earned a minimum of 30 semester hours of residence credits; and completed the required course of study in the School of Dentistry with the appropriate overall cumulative grade point average on all work at the University of Mississippi Medical Center:

PROGRAM OF STUDY

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Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (Advanced Standing)

TECHNICAL STANDARDS FOR ADMISSION

The program admissions committees of the School of Dentistry, in accordance with Section 504 of the 1973 Vocational Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (PL101-336), have established technical standards for the essential functions of students in the school's educational programs. Admission criteria do not discriminate against persons with handicapping conditions. However, all candidates must meet minimum technical standards to function successfully as students and later as dental hygiene practitioners. It is the responsibility of the candidate for admission to review the technical standards for admission.

Motor skills: Candidates must demonstrate fine psychomotor skills, coordination, and dexterity adequate to: utilize sharp hand instruments requiring controlled movements of less than one millimeter in order to perform manipulation of dental hygiene instruments in such procedures as exploring, probing, scaling, root planing, polishing, and placement of preventive materials, etc.; operate high or low speed dental handpieces during dental hygiene procedures, requiring controlled movements of less than one millimeter; operate foot controls utilizing fine movements. Candidates must demonstrate physical strength and balance adequate to perform basic life support including CPR, position and reposition self around patient and chair in sitting or standing position, assist with transferring and positioning disabled patients, manage patients who lack motor control position dental equipment including carts and dental chair, and tolerate physically taxing workloads.

Sensory Skills: Candidates must demonstrate sensory abilities adequate to perform visual oral examinations and treatment including use of visual acuity, indirect vision, and color perception; i.e. to discern differences and variation in color, shape and general appearance between normal and abnormal, soft and hard tissues; perform oral examinations and treatment utilizing tactile sense to discern differences through variations in shape, pressure and hardness in hard and soft tissues. Tactile sense may be either direct palpation or indirect through instrumentation.

Cognitive Skills: Candidates must demonstrate adequate mental preparation and ability by a record of successful academic accomplishment indicating the capability to negotiate the dental hygiene curriculum; a record of acceptable accomplishment on a standardized test indicating the ability to utilize background knowledge and synthesis of that knowledge in developing knowledge or creative concepts and/or interpretation.

Communication Skills: Candidates must demonstrate communication skills adequate to speak, hear and observe patients; elicit information; describe changes in mood, activity and posture; perceive nonverbal communication; and convey or exchange information at a level allowing one to develop and record health history; identify problems presented by the patient, explain alternative solutions to the problems and give directions during treatment and for post-treatment and home care; communicate effectively and efficiently in written and oral form with patients, colleagues, and all members of the health care team, and in written and spoken English in classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings. Verbal and written communication skills are vital to success in the academic programs in the School of Dentistry; therefore, applicants whose native language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination and demonstrate competence in written and spoken English. Information on the TOEFL examination may be obtained from the Educational Testing Service, (877) 863-3546.

Interpersonal Skills: Candidates must demonstrate a capability for developing interpersonal skills adequate to manage apprehensive patients with a range of moods and behaviors in a tactful, congenial, personal manner so as not to alienate or antagonize them. Candidates must demonstrate ability to function effectively under stress, adapt to changing environments, display flexibility, and learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of patients.

TUITION AND REQUIRED FEES

Tuition and fees for the current academic year can be found on the institutional website. Tuition is subject to change pending information from the Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL).

SCHOOL TECHNOLOGY/TOOL/SUPPLY REQUIREMENTS

In addition to tuition and required fees, advanced standing students should be prepared to spend approximately $215 per year for textbooks. While no fee exists for proctored testing at UMMC, students may be asked to pay a fee if using a site at one of the state's other proctoring centers. Proctoring fees can range from $20 to $50 per exam at off campus sites.

ACADEMIC REGULATIONS

The regulations published in the Bulletin are a digest of the rules of the University and School of Dentistry Dental Hygiene Program. Changes may be made in the regulations at any time to promote the best interests of the university and its students. Students are responsible for knowing the published regulations, policies and standards of the university and the school.

Registration – In order for the student to receive credit for any course, the student must be registered for that course in the Office of Enrollment Management.

Attendance – Enrollment in the School of Dentistry Dental Hygiene Program obligates students to attend all class meetings and complete all assigned course work. No right or privilege exists which permits a student to be absent from any given number of class meetings or to collaborate on any assigned course work or exams unless given permission from the course instructor.

No Show Policy – A "no show student" is defined as an individual registered for a course who fails to begin attendance or actively participate. Any student receiving financial aid reported as a "no show" by the course instructor will have their financial aid adjusted to reflect actual enrolled hours.

Classroom Behavior – Students are expected to behave respectfully toward class instructors, guest lecturers and fellow students. Cell phones must be turned off or placed on silent mode. Food and drink are only permitted in designated areas. Disruptive behavior in an academic situation or purposely harming academic facilities also is grounds for academic discipline.

Standards of Honesty – The School of Dentistry Dental Hygiene Program is conducted on a basis of common honesty. Dishonesty, cheating, plagiarism or knowingly furnishing false information to the School are regarded as particularly serious offenses and may result in disciplinary action.

Grading – In determining the final grade to be assigned to each student at the end of a course, all important attributes of each student's performance in the course are given consideration. This includes cognitive, psychomotor and other attributes such as department, interpersonal relationships, attitudes toward course work and other factors which in the opinion of the faculty are important to the student's future role as a health care professional.

Undergraduate programs - Final grades will be expressed using this letter system: "A" - Excellent, 90-100; "B" - Good, 80-less than 90; "C"- Average, 75-less than 80; "D" - Below average, 70-less than 75; "F" - Failure, below 70. The quality point value of each letter grade is A-4; B-3; C-2; D-1; and F-0.

Grade Challenge – The responsibility for evaluating student work and assigning grades lies with the instructor of a course. However, a student may challenge a grade in order to initiate a review process for the student to better understand the reason(s) why the grade was assigned, the instructor to be made aware of and correct possible errors, and academic administrators to review the basis on which a grade has been awarded and, to correct, when appropriate, grades assigned by arbitrary or capricious action or other reasons not related to academic performance.

In all cases of a disputed grade, the student has the burden of proof that the assigned grade was not appropriate. It is for this reason that students should first speak with the instructor. If satisfaction is not found after speaking with the instructor, the student should speak with the program director who will advise the student to submit a written petition to include a copy of the syllabus and any assignment/grading rubrics along with copies of any tests, quizzes, assignments or other written work completed for which the student is challenging the grade. If the student is still not satisfied, the department chair and/or dean's office will review the action of the program director and/or department chair to see if the grade being challenged was appropriately assessed. If, in the opinion of the program director, department chair and/or the dean's office, deficiencies in instruction are so grave as to warrant such a change, the proper remedy will usually involve alternative assignments or examinations to allow the student the opportunity to demonstrate the appropriate level of competency in that area in order to earn a different grade than the grade originally assigned. The decision of the dean's office is final.

Grade Forgiveness – The Dental Hygiene Program does not allow for admission forgiveness or progression forgiveness.

Repeat Courses – A repeated course is defined as the opportunity for a student to repeat a single course within a program without readmission or reclassification. However, due to the complexity of the curriculum, the school allows for, but does not mandate, repeat courses within the program. Repeat courses require approval of the program chair and academic dean. The following guidelines are followed for repeat courses:

• A student must obtain written approval from the department chair and academic dean to repeat a course.

• When a student is approved to repeat a course, both grades are counted in GPA calculations.

• A student must have a grade of "F" to be eligible to repeat the course.

Course Withdrawal – Registration for a course makes the student responsible for attending that class until the course is completed or until, with the permission of the dean or designee, the student withdraws from the course. Official withdrawal is facilitated by the dean or designee submitting official notice of withdrawal to the Offices of Enrollment Management, Student Financial Services and Student Accounting.

An approved withdrawal, if completed on or before the last day specified in the academic calendar, will not be recorded on the student's record. Withdrawals authorized after the last day specified in the academic calendar will be recorded as a "W." Withdrawals authorized after the three quarters point of the semester, specified in the academic calendar, will be recorded as an "F" if failing a course at the time of withdrawal. Failure to officially withdraw will result in the recording of a failing grade in the course in which the student is registered.

Academic Progress – It is the student's responsibility to ascertain his or her academic progress and seek assistance from the course instructor if the student finds himself or herself performing inadequately.

The program faculty reserves the right to recommend promotion, probation, reclassification, or dismissal of any student. The school reserves the privilege of promoting only those students who, in the judgment of the program faculty, satisfy requirements of scholarship and personal suitability for the profession.

Promotion – Promotion is contingent upon successful academic performance, including demonstration of professional attributes. Recommendations for promotion and graduation are made by program faculty to the dean.

Probation - Upon the recommendation of undergraduate program faculty, a student may be placed on probation when either the student's semester or overall cumulative grade point average falls below 2.00 or the student has failed to meet professional expectations.

Dismissal - Upon recommendation of undergraduate program faculty, a student may not be permitted to continue enrollment when:

• The student has received a grade of "F";

• The student's overall cumulative grade point average is less than 2.00 on all course work completed at the University of Mississippi Medical Center;

• The student's grade point average is less than 2.00 in each of two consecutive grading periods;

• The student has failed to meet professional expectations; or

• The student incurs an unexplained or unexcused absence from all classes and school and departmental activities for a period of two continuous weeks.

Appeal of Dismissal – The appeal procedure is designed to provide the student with a clearly defined avenue for appealing his or her dismissal if he or she believes the dismissal was an arbitrary or capricious action or for other reasons not related to academic performance. The appeal procedure is as follows:

• The student must submit a written request for an appeal to the dean within five (5) calendar days from the time that the notice of dismissal is sent by e-mail. Failure to make a written appeal within the five calendar day time period shall constitute a waiver of the appeal right and shall result in the sanction becoming final as recommended. The written request for an appeal must set forth the substantive basis for the appeal and be documented in an official letter to the dean. The official letter of appeal can be sent as an email attachment, by regular mail, or hand delivered to the dean.

• The dean may uphold or deny the appeal or appoint a committee to hear the appeal and forward its written recommendation to the dean. If the dean appoints a committee to hear the appeal, the student will be informed of the time and place of the appeal hearing. The student must appear in person at the hearing to present the appeal to the appeals committee.

• During an appeal hearing the student shall be permitted, at his or her expense, to have an advisor at the hearing and through all other stages of the disciplinary process. The role of the advisor/legal counsel shall be limited to an advisory capacity only. He/she will not be permitted to make opening or closing statements, question witnesses, or make oral argument. The student is entitled to present witnesses or other evidence, and make opening and concluding statements on his or her own behalf. If the student elects to bring legal counsel to the hearing, he/she must give prior notice to the dean.

• The decision of the dean will be made in writing and will be sent by e-mail to the student. The dean's decision shall be final.

Leave of Absence – On the recommendation of a department chair and the approval of the dean, a student in good academic standing may be granted a leave of absence for approved medical, personal, or military reasons. The request for leave of absence must be appropriately documented, and in the case of medical leave, reviewed by the director of the Student-Employee Health Services. Leave may not exceed one (1) calendar year. Because of the intensity of the curricula, phasing of the courses, and rapid changes in allied health education, a student may be required to restart courses from the beginning upon returning from leave. Students who fail to return to the academic program within the specified time will be automatically withdrawn from the program. If the student has courses in progress at the time leave of absence is granted, a letter grade of F may be assigned to these courses. A student on leave of absence will not be assigned any academic or clinical responsibilities. Upon return from leave of absence, the student will re-enroll and pay all tuition and fees appropriate for the period of re-enrollment. No leave of absence will be granted without appropriate prior approvals.

Program Withdrawal – Registration in an academic program makes the student responsible for completion of the course of study or until, with the permission of the dean or designee, the student withdraws from the curriculum. Official withdrawal is facilitated by the dean or designee submitting official notice of withdrawal to the Offices of Enrollment Management, Student Financial Services and Student Accounting.

An approved withdrawal, if completed on or before the last day specified in the academic calendar, will not be recorded on the student's record. Withdrawals authorized after this date will be recorded as a "W" unless the student has completed the course, in which case the final grade in the course will be recorded. Withdrawals authorized after the three quarters point of the semester, specified in the academic calendar, will be recorded as an "F" if failing a course at the time of withdrawal. Failure to officially withdraw will result in the recording of a failing grade in the course(s) in which the student is registered.

TRANSFER OF CREDITS

All prerequisite courses may be taken at either the University of Mississippi, Oxford campus, or any other accredited institution of higher education. (If transferring from a Mississippi community college, please see the Articulation Agreement between the Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning and the Mississippi State Board for Community and Junior Colleges for program-specific transfer. Depending upon the undergraduate program, up to 60 semester hours of academic credit is the maximum which may be applied toward admission to departments where a degree is granted by the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Advanced Standing Baccalaureate Degree program in dental hygiene is intended to enhance the quality and education of dental hygienists. It enables practicing licensed dental hygienists to update their educational background, enhance their didactic skills, improve their clinical decision-making skills and receive the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. The program, offered across five semesters, is designed for, but not limited to, part-time, nontraditional students. Online coursework is the method of content delivery.

PROGRAM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the admission standards of the institution and the general admission requirements outlined above, candidates seeking admission to the advanced standing dental hygiene program must:

1. Have completed a minimum of 60 semester hours of academic credit from an accredited institution of higher learning;

2. Have completed a dental hygiene program accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation;

3. Submit a copy of a dental hygiene license;

4. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 on a 4.00 scale; and

5. Successfully complete (a grade of C or better) the following minimum prerequisite requirements:

¹Social and Behavioral Sciences include courses such as anthropology, economics, political science, psychology or sociology.

²Humanities and Fine Arts include courses such as art history, dance, history, modern languages, music, philosophy, religion or theatre.

³Natural Sciences include courses such as astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, physics or physical science.

PROGRAM APPLICATION DEADLINE

All application documents and application fees must be received by the Office of Enrollment Management by June 15 for fall admission. General application information may be found in the General Application Procedures section above. The School reserves the right to consider and accept applications after the established deadline if places are available. To determine if a deadline has been extended, call the Office of Enrollment Management after the deadline at (601) 984-1080.

DEGREE COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS

Requirements

Candidates for the dental hygiene degree must have completed the prescribed curriculum with an overall cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or better on a 4.00 scale on all work at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Following satisfactory completion of all requirements, students will be awarded the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from the University of Mississippi.

PROGRAM OF STUDY

*Upon the successful completion of DH455, students will be awarded an additional 30 semester hours of prior learning assessment (PLA) based on required course work completed in the previous program that enables them to sit for and earn their professional credential.

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