In order to be eligible for admission into the Dental Hygiene program, students must have the following eligibility requirements completed by the priority deadline. All eligible students will be awarded points based on the point system listed on the second page. Students with the highest points will be granted interviews with the Dental Hygiene Selection Committee. 20 students are accepted each Fall.

Eligibility deadline is January 31

Eligibility Requirements

• Meet with an Admissions Advisor in Enrollment Services in Clark Hall.
• Complete an Application to Iowa Western Community College.
• Submit all official transcripts (high school and college).
• * Take a placement test:  All new students need to complete a skills assessment test called the COMPASS. If a student has taken the ASSET or ACT recently, he or she can submit those scores in lieu of taking the COMPASS test. Students who have already completed math and/or English for college credit should check with an Admissions Advisor before scheduling the COMPASS.

* Scores expire after two years. In order to be valid, scores cannot be more than two years old at the start of the term for which you have applied. Students who do not have valid test scores may schedule a time to take the COMPASS test by emailing testing@iwcc.edu, or by calling Enrollment Services at 800.432.5852 extension 3277 or 712.325.3277 (select option 5).



• Complete the following prerequisite courses with a “C” or better:
  
  • * Anatomy & Physiology I
  • Anatomy & Physiology II
  • Microbiology

* Please note that Human Anatomy and Physiology I has a prerequisite of Human Biology, General Biology, or one year of high school Anatomy and Physiology.



• Submit completed Dental Hygiene Observation Form.

 

It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all admissions requirements are documented in the Office of Admissions.

Updated 01/21/2010:  Admissions requirements are subject to change.

Please contact the Office of Admissions with any questions:
Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
admissions@iwcc.edu  |  800.432.5852 or 712.325.3277  |  www.iwcc.edu

Program Missions Statement

The mission of Iowa Western Community College Department of Dental Hygiene affiliated with Creighton University School of Dentistry is to educate Associate of Applied Science Degree dental hygienists in the broadest scope of clinical practice. Graduates are competent to provide comprehensive educational and clinical services, reflecting dental hygienists’ areas of expertise. Graduates are prepared to serve the community in both private and public health settings that support optimal oral health. All aspects of the program are continually assessed to provide ongoing excellence and to guide improvement. In keeping with the mission of caring, commitment and challenge, the dental hygiene program provides a positive learner focused environment.

Program Learning Outcomes IWCC Dental Hygiene Graduates will be:

1. Self-directed, lifelong learners who utilize evidence based research methodology.
2. Critical thinkers and problem solvers who model professional behavior and provide a high standard of client centered care.
3. Positive motivators who utilize leadership skills through active participation in professional and community organizations.
4. Effective communicators who demonstrate effective communication skills with peers, clients, and the community.
5. Community contributors who meet the needs of the diverse communities including under served populations to be culturally aware and sensitive.

Affiliated Program Information

The Iowa Western Community College Dental Hygiene Program was organized and established in conjunction with Creighton University School of Dentistry in 1998. Each institution offers a diverse educational and clinical experience for the students. Although IWCC is small in comparison to Creighton, our students receive the best of both worlds: exposure to an urban, private university campus with the intimacy of a small, rural community college campus.

General Information:

• Clinic requirements are met at Creighton University School of Dentistry and selected offsite clinics.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old on the first day of class.
• Twenty (20) students are admitted each fall semester.
• Classes are held during the day, Monday through Friday.
• Courses must be taken in sequence with a minimum grade of “C” in order to progress in the program.
• Corequisites may be taken either before entering the program or along with the dental hygiene courses. Workplace Empowerment should be taken during your final semester at IWCC.
• The cost of the program varies from student to student. Some general costs are:
  • Tuition, fees, labs, etc...………$15,000.
  • Books & Instruments...………....$3,500.
  • Exams/Licenses…………..…….$1,800.
• There is no waiting list – new applications are taken yearly.
• Upon completion of the curriculum, students must successfully complete the Dental Hygiene National Board, and either the CRDTS exam or another state or regional board of choice, and a jurisprudence exam before being licensed.

Iowa Western Community College does not discriminate on the basis of disability, gender, age, race, religion, or national origin in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admissions procedures. We adhere to CDC and OSHA guidelines. A copy of the Infection Control Policy is located in the Division Office.

IWCC Office of Admissions - Dental Hygiene Program Acceptance
Observation Verification Form

To be completed by the student and returned to IWCC Office of Admissions:

 

Name: Student ID# or DOB:

Address:

City, State, Zip:

 

To be completed by Dental Hygienist/Dental Professional:

The above named student is applying for admission to the Dental Hygiene program at Iowa Western Community College. All applicants are required to complete a minimum of 16 hours of Dental Hygiene observation.

Name: Title:

Business Name:

Business Address:

Business Phone Number:

 

I confirm that the above named student has completed 16 hours or more of dental hygiene observation at this facility.

Signed:Dated:

 

Did the student complete more than 16 hours of dental hygiene observation? If yes, how many hours and what tasks did the individual see performed?