How To Apply
Dear Prospective Student:
We are pleased that you have shown an interest in the Dental Hygiene program at Pearl River Community College. The enclosed application packet contains all the information you will need to successfully apply to the program. Applicants that have completed all academic prerequisites are encouraged to apply by February 1st. The deadline to apply for the August 2023 class is February 28, 2023. All information for the application must be received by 3 pm or postmarked on this deadline date. At this current time, the DHT program application is closed until the Fall. It will reopen in the Fall and will remain open until the new deadline date of: February 28, 2024. Feel free to read the information below along with the other pages on this site, as most of it will remain the same and it will give you some great information to assist you with your program application.
Information Sessions
Each spring semester the Dental Hygiene Technology program will hold Information Sessions for fall applicants. Please see the information link below for the scheduled Information Sessions. Information Sessions are not mandatory, but will be an opportunity for applicants to meet faculty and learn more about the DHT program and submit any application materials you have completed. Applicants who attend an information session will receive one point on the Admissions Rubric. The Admission Rubric will be shared at each information session. You only need to attend one of the information sessions offered.
Application Process
Applicants must have the PRCC application on file in the Admission’s office to be considered for admission to the DHT program. When you complete the PRCC application, you will receive an email with your log-in credentials so you can complete the DHT application. Please follow the steps below to ensure that your application is complete and correct. Letters of recommendation are not required and are not used in the admissions rubric.
The following items must be completed and submitted prior to February 28, 2023.
- PRCC Application – completed online only.
- Once you receive your RiverGuide credentials, use them to complete the Dental Hygiene Program Application. The Fall 2023 Dental Hygiene Application is closed. Check back for the Fall 2024 application information.
- ACT Score – sent to PRCC and the DHT Program. Applicants must have an ACT score of 18 or higher to be considered for the program. If you have taken the ACT multiple times, please make sure that your highest score is on file with the DHT Department. If you have questions or concerns about multiple scores, please contact the DHT department.
- Official College transcripts from all colleges attended should be E-scripted to the PRCC Admissions department. When you request your e-scripted transcript, your option will be Poplarville, MS. This is the correct option to select.
Note: If college work was completed at any PRCC campus, please indicate you attended PRCC on your application and we will be able to retrieve your transcript. You do not have to send an official PRCC transcript. - Handwritten Autobiographical Essay – Applicants, please return this form to the Dental Hygiene Department.
- Verification of Observation Hours Form - Observe a Registered Dental Hygienist for a minimum of four (4) hours, Maximum of (16) hours. You must have the verification form completed and returned to the Dental Hygiene Department. Multiple forms with the number of hours observed may be used. All observation hours must have been completed within the application period of March 1, 2022 through February 28, 2023.
- Course List Form – Applicants, please return this form to the Dental Hygiene Department.
PRCC Admissions Department:
Pearl River Community
Admissions Department
101 Hwy 11 North
Poplarville, MS 39470
PRCC Dental Hygiene Program:
Pearl River Community College
Attn: Dental Hygiene Department
5448 US Hwy 49 South
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
All states require licensure to practice this profession. A license is issued by the State Board of Dental Examiners after successful completion of both clinical and written examinations. The National Board of Dental Hygiene Examination must also be passed to qualify for licensure.
Special Admission Requirements
The courses listed below are required for graduation from the Dental Hygiene Program. Grades obtained from these courses listed below will be used in the Admissions Rubric. All courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher to meet graduation requirements. Only courses that have been completed with a final grade on your transcript by the February 28, 2023 deadline will be considered on the Admission Rubric. Mid Term grades are not used on the rubric.
Science courses: A & P I with lab, A & P II with lab, Microbiology with lab, Chemistry with lab must have been completed within the last 5 years.
Non-Science Courses: English Composition I, Psychology, Oral Communications, Sociology and a Humanities class.
Nutrition is highly recommended.
- Academic standing of “probation”, “suspension”, “dismissal” or the like at other institutions is considered in the evaluation of applicants.
- Completion of the Dental Hygiene academic core curriculum prior to application does not guarantee admission to the program.
- Students not selected for admission in 2023 must reapply before February 28th of the next year to be considered for the fall DHT class of 2024.
- Meeting the minimum requirements listed above does not guarantee any applicant admission to the Dental Hygiene program or an interview.
- Upon acceptance, the applicant must submit a college approved health/vaccination form and complete CPR training for health care providers with an AED component. Students accepted into the program will also complete a background check and drug screen prior to starting classes.
*All statements related to admission criteria or announcements of present policies are subject to revisions.
*Any advice given by the Dental Hygiene Technology Department regarding coursework does not ensure acceptance into the program.
Admission Interviews
Please note, if you are selected for an interview, you will receive an email concerning dates and times of interviews. 15 students are accepted each year to start the fall semester in the Dental Hygiene Program.
