Dental Hygiene Application Process

TWO SEPARATE APPLICATIONS ARE REQUIRED:

• The Primary DHCAS Application is submitted through The American Dental Association’s Dental Hygiene Centralized Application Service. This primary application and instructions are available on the American Dental Education Association’s (ADEA) website:  http://www.adea.org/DHCASapp/applicants/

• Applicants must also submit an OUHSC Supplemental Application to The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC).The application can be found at admissions.ouhsc.edu. When applying to OUHSC, applicants apply to each site they wish to be considered for: Ardmore, Bartlesville, Oklahoma City and/or Weatherford. Site order preference is not determined during the application process.

DO NOT SEND ANY MATERIALS TO THE DENTAL HYGIENE PROGRAM. 

1. All materials are submitted through the DHCAS website according to their instructions:  http://www.adea.org/DHCASapp/applicants/

• OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS:  Applicants request official transcripts from each college or university attended using a special DHCAS transmittal form.
• ACT or SAT SCORE:  Individual component scores and composite scores are required.  Applicants are instructed to upload their ACT score report under the Standardized Tests section of the application.
• PERSONAL STATEMENT:  For detailed instructions regarding the personal statement, please use this link:  ADEA Personal Statement, then scroll to the Personal Statement section.
• 40-HOUR OBSERVATION VERIFICATION :  Signed documentation from practicing registered dental hygienist(s) for a minimum of 40 hours of observation is required.  Use additional forms if necessary.
  •  Download 40 Hour Observation Verification Form.

• TWO LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION:  Applicants provide email addresses for two letter writers to the DHCAS.  The DHCAS sends emails to letter writers with instructions explaining the submission process.
•  OPTIONAL: Applicants that have completed the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) examination offered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), please upload a copy of the certificate to the DHCAS website under the Licenses and Certificates section of the application. 

 2. TOEFL Exam (Test of English Foreign Language)

The TOEFL Exam is Required for Applicants to Whom English is a Second Language

DENTAL HYGIENE PROGRAM EXCEPTIONS:

• The TOEFL exam is waived for applicants whom have earned a high school diploma from a United States high school
• The TOEFL exam is waived for applicants whom have earned a bachelor’s degree from a four-year United States institution

*Minimum TOEFL Scores for Dental Hygiene Program applicants:

• Paper Based TOEFL Score: 550

• Internet Based TOEFL Score: 79

*Please be aware that TOEFL scores expire after two years 

Applicants with additional questions regarding the TOEFL exam, please click here: Who should take the TOEFL Exam? 

3. Foreign Transcripts or Credentials:

Applicants with foreign transcripts or credentials are required to submit official grade documents to WES for a course-by-course evaluation. Please click on the World Education Services (WES) link above to visit their website.

Applicants with additional questions regarding foreign transcripts or credentials, please click here: OUHSC Admissions­ Click on Prospective Students, then International Applicants

Dental Hygiene Program  
Student Program Coordinator  
Phone: (405) 271-4435
E-mail: dental-hygiene@ou.edu