Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it take to complete the Dental Hygiene Program?
A: The Dental Hygiene Program is a two-year program and runs from August to May each year. 

Q: How many students does the Dental Hygiene Program accept?
A: Positions in this Program are limited to 24 students per year.

Q: Do I have an option of being a full-time or part-time student?
A: No, this is a full-time Program.  Classes are scheduled Monday-Friday.  Most classes are scheduled  from 9 a.m. -  4 p.m.  

Q:  Are classes offered in the evenings and/or weekends?
A: No, there are no evening and weekend classes. The classes are offered only during the weekdays.  

Q: Do I need to apply to Del Mar College before applying to the Dental Hygiene Program?
A: Yes, you need to submit a formal online application to Del Mar College. Admission requirements of the college is accessed here. 

Q: If I am transferring course work from another College/University, how will I know if the courses will transfer?
A: In addition to applying to Del Mar College, you must also submit to the Registrar's Office a Transcript Evaluation Request Form (TERF).  Students who have completed course work at another college or university and wish to have that credit evaluated for use on a degree plan at Del Mar College must provide official college and/or university transcript(s) from all previously attended institutions. After all transcripts have been received by the Student Enrollment Center and a completed Transfer Evaluation Request Form (TERF) has been submitted, the Registrar's Office can begin the evaluation process.

Q: If I am transferring course work from another College/University outside the boundaries and territories of the United States, how will I know if the courses will transfer?
A: If you are a student who has earned credits from an institution outside the boundaries and territories of the United States toward a certificate or degree from Del Mar College, a course-by-course evaluation must be completed. If you would like your coursework evaluated, see the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) for an approved agency. These agencies are independent and not affiliated with Del Mar College. Del Mar College reserves the right to determine acceptability and/or placement of international academic credit. Evaluation by an international evaluation agency does not guarantee acceptance or use at Del Mar College.

Q: When does the application cycle begin for the Dental Hygiene Program?
A: It begins November 1st.

Q: What is the application deadline for the Dental Hygiene Program?
A: Before February 1st of the year admission is desired.  There are NO exceptions.  Failure to submit application and/or college transcripts to ADEA DHCAS before February 1st will cause your application to be disqualified.

Q: How do I apply to the Del Mar College Dental Hygiene Program?
You must apply through ADEA DHCAS (an online application service).  Access the online application process here.

Q: Where can I find answers about applying through the online application process?
A: Access frequently asked questions concerning the ADEA DHCAS online application process here.

Q: Is there a fee for the application?
A: Yes, the fee is $55.00.

Q: Is there any kind of fee waiver available?
A: Yes, information on a fee waiver can be found by clicking here.

Q: What courses are recommended to be complete before applying to the Dental Hygiene Program?
A: It is recommended that the nine co-requisite general education and science courses in the curriculum be completed prior to applying: BIOL 2401, CHEM 1406, BIOL 2402, BIOL 2420, ENGL 1301, SOCI 1301, PSYC 2301, Communications (SPCH) core elective, and Creative Arts OR Language, Philosophy and Culture core elective. All science courses completed must be within a five-year period prior to enrollment in the Dental Hygiene Program.

Q: Why is it recommended for the nine co-requisites to be completed prior to applying to the Program?
A: The selection process is based on a point-system. The criteria is cumulative GPA and the letter grades for completed co-requisite courses.  Completion of the general education and science courses enhances a student’s selection to the program.  Access the criteria and selection process here.

Q: Do I need to submit any documents to the Dental Hygiene Program office?
A: NO, you do not need to submit to the Del Mar College Dental Hygiene Program any hard copy documents such as placement test scores or official transcripts. All documentation is submitted through the online application process. Any documents submitted in hard copy to the Program will be destroyed and NOT utilized for your application.

Q: When will I know if I am accepted into the Del Mar College Dental Hygiene Program?
A: All applicants will be notified by email, of the Selection Committee's decisions, by March 31st.  All applicants will receive either a notice of acceptance, alternate, or denial.  All acceptance notices are "conditional."

Q: If "conditionally" accepted, why do I have to do a background check and drug screening?
A: Background checks and drug screening are required on incoming students to insure the safety of the patients treated by students in the clinical education program. You must pass a background check and drug screening through PreCheck, Inc., at your expense.  Final acceptance into the program is contingent upon a “clear” background check AND a “clear” drug screening. 

Q: What if I receive an email that states I’m an alternate?
A: Based on your alternate ranking, identified on the notice, you can be notified of any changes as late as the first day of class for the Fall semester.  Please notify the Dental Hygiene Program of any change of address, phone number, and email where we can reach you at (361) 698-2858 or email acanales43@delmar.edu.

Q: Once I have submitted all pertinent documents online, should I continue to log into my DHCAS online application account?
Yes, you should continue to check your status of your online application. Once your status is “verified,” you will then have a completed application that will be reviewed by the Selection Committee.  "Unverified" applications will not be reviewed.

Q: Does the Program require letters of recommendation and/or observation hours?
A: Although dental hygiene observations are highly encouraged, NO letters of recommendation and observation hours are currently required for application to the Program. 

Q: What if I have questions that are not answered in this FAQ?
Access the Dental Hygiene web pages here. It is also highly recommended that you schedule an advising appointment with a Dental Hygiene Advisor.  To schedule, please call (361) 698-2858 or email acanales43@delmar.edu. Advising appointments are offered in-office and virtual (email, phone, or online).