Dental Hygiene - Frequently Asked Questions

Program

Is the Dental Hygiene Program accredited?
Yes. This program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association. Click on the link below to review the accreditation dates and contact information.
http://www.ada.org/prof/ed/accred/commission/index.asp

What is the length of the Dental Hygiene program?
The length of this program is 4 semesters over 2 years.

If I transfer in credits will it shorten the clinical portion of my program? No.

Is the Dental Hygiene program a day or evening program?
Overall, the Dental Hygiene classes meet during the day. There are some required general education courses that are available in the evenings and on weekends.

What will my schedule look like when I get into clinicals?
You will have clinical 2 times per week for 8 weeks.

Are any of the classes online?
Yes. Dental Professionalism (DENAST 307) is entirely online. General and Dental Anatomy (DENAST 304) is a blended course. That means that instruction is delivered both in the classroom as well as online.

Can the clinical experience be done during the evenings or weekends? No.

What is the cost of the program?
Click on the link below to see the current tuition rates. http://matc.edu/student/newstudent/fees.html

Is financial aid available for the program?
Yes. Click on the link below to review financial aid availability.
http://matc.edu/student/resources/FinancialAid/finaid.html
Contact 414-279-6908 for additional information.

Are there scholarships available for the program?
Yes. Click on the link below to search for Health Occupations Scholarships. http://matc.edu/student/resources/FinancialAid/scholarships.html

Are the Dental Hygiene program courses transferable to another college or university?
No.

Is there career laddering in this program?
Yes. 3 credits apply to the Dental Hygiene program.

Can I choose where I do my clinical rotation?
No. The faculty within your program will select your clinical site.

Can I work during the program?
Yes, you may work while you are in the Dental Hygiene program. However, you should keep in mind that you should plan to spend about 3 hours per credit hour of class per week in preparation. So, if you take a 3 credit course, you’ll want to set aside approximately 9 hours of study time.

Application

Is there a student advisor?
Yes. If you are NOT currently admitted to MATC you should call 414-297-6000 or click the following link to see an advisor. http://www.matc.edu/student/newstudent/Admissions.html
If you ARE currently admitted to MATC you should call 414-297-6596.

Is there a separate application process for the Dental Hygiene program than for admission to MATC?
No.

When can I apply for admission to the Dental Hygiene program?
You may apply at any time. However, the start date(s) for this program may be different from the time that you apply. Click on the link below to view the start date(s) for this program.
http://matc.edu/student/offerings/denthyg.html

Do I need to complete any health forms?
Yes. There are forms that you must complete and also forms that your healthcare provider should complete. The health forms involve documentation of immunizations, TB and hepatitis tests, and verification from your health care provider that you are functionally able to successfully complete the program. Click on the link below to obtain a listing of functional abilities that students should have for this program. Contact the health records specialist at 414-297-7871 for further information. http://matc.edu/student/newstudent/HLTHFRMDentHygiene.pdf

Do I need a criminal background check?
A criminal background check is required. Click on the link below to review the criminal background process. There is a $15 fee to run your criminal background check. Contact the MATC paralegal at 414-297-7498 for more details. If you have a criminal background, Wisconsin's Caregiver Law may bar you from working in field or clinical sites, depending on the date and type of your offense. If a placement site cannot be arranged for you as a result of your criminal record, you will not be able to complete your program. This requirement must be satisfied before any clinical placement is made. http://matc.edu/student/newstudent/CBC0064.R040308.pdf

Are there prerequisite classes that I must take before I can apply?
No.

Are there any tests that I must take before I am admitted?
Possibly. Click on the link below to review the criteria for preadmission testing. http://matc.edu/student/newstudent/Admissions_StepThree.html

How do I apply?
Submit an application with a $30 one-time only admission fee and an additional $15 fee for criminal background check. Click on the link below to review the application procedure.
http://matc.edu/student/newstudent/admissions.html

Is there a waiting list?
Yes. Click on the following for additional Waitlist Information. http://matc.edu/student/newstudent/Waitlisted%20Programs2.html

Is there an orientation meeting for prospective students?
Yes. The MATC Orientation is mandatory. Click on the link below to review how to complete the MATC orientation session. Other program specific orientations may be offered. http://matc.edu/student/resources/OrientationChecklist/OrientationChecklist.html

Graduation

Are there jobs available?
Yes. Click on the link below to review the latest employment rate for graduates of this program.
http://matc.edu/documents/grad_report06.pdf

What are the current salary levels?
Click on the link below to review the latest salary level(s) for this occupation. http://matc.edu/student/resources/JOBshop/WagesAndSalaries.html

Are graduates required to pass a state certification?
Yes. Click on this link for additional information. http://drl.wi.gov/prof/burhealth.htm

What resources are available for job placement? http://matc.edu/student/resources/Jobs.html

How can I learn more about Dental Hygiene?
http://www.adha.org