Overview
The career program of Dental Hygiene at Georgia State University Perimeter College provides an intensive program of specialized study and general education. It has delivered a highly successful record in training students to become licensed dental hygienists.
In the past 10 years, 98 percent of Perimeter’s Dental Hygiene students passed the National Board exam on their first attempt. Past achievements make us so proud and also bring a responsibility to continue to innovate, explore and shape the teaching and learning of new students.
At Perimeter College, the Dental Hygiene community of students come from a wide range of cultures and languages. This diversity is among our greatest attributes.
Prevention and treatment of oral disease are recognized as important factors in a patient’s overall health and well-being. A dental hygienist is a licensed member of a dental health team, providing educational, clinical and therapeutic services to patients. Care provided by the dental hygienist includes collection and assessment of data, planning and implementation of care and evaluation of treatment results.
Whether you’re starting a career or looking for a change, the dental hygiene profession can provide opportunities, including a flexible work schedule, the rewards of keeping people healthy, an attractive income potential, the ability to work in a variety of professional settings, the option of working nationwide and career stability. Information about dental hygiene careers can be found on the American Dental Hygienists’ Association.
Georgia State University Perimeter College
Dunwoody Campus
2101 Womack Road
Dunwoody, Ga. 30338
Located in NC Building
Department Office: NC1361
Department Telephone: 770-274-5130
Clinic Office: NC1400
Clinic Telephone: 770-274-5140
Dental Hygiene Accreditation
Granted full approval by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) of the American Dental Association. Commission on Dental Accreditation, American Dental Association, 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611-2678
The Department of Dental Hygiene at Perimeter College is committed to addressing issues related to bloodborne pathogens, such as Human Immunodeficiency (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in order to protect patients, students, faculty and staff, as well as protect the rights of individuals who may have a bloodborne infectious disease. Students are required to treat all patients assigned and as a result, the potential exists for transmission of bloodborne and other infectious diseases during patient care services. The purpose of the department’s Bloodborne Pathogen Policy (BPP) and Exposure Control Plan (ECP) is to minimize the risk of transmission of bloodborne pathogens, as well as, minimize the risk to other environmental hazards. Policies will be reviewed annually and changes recommended as appropriate.
Admission/Employment
Perimeter College’s Dental Hygiene program will not discriminate against employees, students, applicants for admission or patients based solely on health status. Applicants who test positive for infectious disease or who are carriers of an infectious disease should seek counsel from their physician and the program director prior to application.
Immunizations
The risk for exposure to Hepatitis B is higher for Dental Health Care Providers (DHCP) than the general population, therefore, it is recommended that students start the vaccination process for Hepatitis B as soon as they receive acceptance into the program. A comprehensive medical history, physical examination, dental exam, negative Tuberculin (Mantoux) skin test (negative chest x-ray if positive or contraindicated) and immunizations are additional requirements outlined in the ECP.
HIV testing
Testing of DHCP and students for HIV is not required by the Department of Dental Hygiene. However, health care workers and students who perform exposure-prone procedures on patients are encouraged to be tested voluntarily in order to know their HIV status.
Obligation to report
A student will be allowed to continue his/her education as long as their medical condition permits patient care and other individual’s health are not jeopardized or at risk. In the event that an individual poses a risk to others, the Dental Hygiene Program Director will assist the individual in obtaining counseling and advisement regarding their health and education.
Confidentiality
All information regarding the health status of an individual is confidential and protected by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1994 and the 1996 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act .
Bloodborne Pathogen & Infection Control Training
The dental hygiene program complies with all local, state and federal infection control policies including the application of Standard Precautions as stipulated by current CDC Guidelines. Written policies and instruction on infection control protocol to minimize the risk of disease transmission is provided in courses throughout the curriculum, at yearly required bloodborne pathogen training sessions and through documents such as the Dental Hygiene Clinic Manual and the Department of Dental Hygiene Exposure Control Plan. Compliance of safety practices is evaluated throughout the students’ clinical experience to ensure a safe educational and work environment. The Department of Dental Hygiene Exposure Control Plan which outlines infection control protocol is available to all applicants upon request.
Limitation of Activity
The Department of Dental Hygiene will follow CDC suggested work restrictions for health-care personnel infected with or exposed to major infectious diseases in the dental hygiene clinic. A copy of work restriction recommendations is found within the ECP.
Enforcement of Practice Limitations or Modifications
Any student or DHCP who engages in unsafe and/or careless clinical practices, which create risks to the health of patients, employees, or students shall be subject to disciplinary action. When such actions are brought to the attention of the Department Chair, the students or DHCP may be suspended immediately from all patient care activities pending a full investigation of the matter.
Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens
DHCP or students who are exposed to a bloodborne pathogen in the course of their clinical care are expected to follow the procedures set forth in the ECP. If a student should be exposed to a patient’s body fluids in a manner that may transmit a bloodborne or infectious disease, the patient will be asked to be tested for disease.
Environmental Hazards
Environmental hazards of dental hygiene practice include: disorders associated with repetitive activities, exposure to high decibel sounds, exposure to hazardous chemicals or substances, accidental injury, exposure to radiation and allergic reactions to latex or other chemical agents.
Communication of Bloodborne Pathogen Policy to Dental Hygiene Clinic Patients
Patients of the Dental Hygiene Clinic are informed of bloodborne pathogen policies at their initial appointments in the clinic. Patients are asked to read the Clinic Brochure which includes the “Patient Responsibilities” and “Your rights as a Patient” The patients are asked to sign the Dental Hygiene Treatment Plan which acknowledges they have received and read this information. The GPC Bloodborne Pathogens Policy and Exposure Control Plan are available upon request in the dental hygiene clinic.
Welcome
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for dental hygienists will grow by 11% from 2020 to 2030. About 15,600 openings for dental hygienists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Dental Hygienists, (visited January 28, 2022).
The Georgia State University Perimeter College Dental Hygiene program prepares students to provide educational, therapeutic and preventive dental hygiene services to children and adults in a variety of treatment settings. The program also operates a clinic at the Dunwoody Campus, through which the public can receive dental hygiene care.
Program Costs
|
Year One |
Year Two |
|
| In-state Tuition: | $3,878 | $2,298 |
| Out-of-state Tuition & Fees: | $10,759 | $6,003 |
| Supplies & Instruments: | $1,600 | $400 |
| Uniforms: | $250 | |
| Magnification Loupes: | *$1200-$1800 | |
| Laptop computer or tablet capable of connecting to the internet: | #$200 + | |
| Textbooks: | $1,100 | $600 |
| Lab Fees: | $195 | $130 |
| CPR Certification: | $25 | $25 |
| Background check and drug screening: |
$80 | |
|
Other Fixed Costs (i.e. cost of examination) |
$65 | $1,500 |
| Subtotal for In-state: | $8,593 | $4,953 |
Two-year Total (In-state): $13,1406 (This amount does not include costs of prerequisite classes)
*Cost for a custom order. Other options are available.
# Specific model not required. A new purchase is not required if a student currently has one.
Admissions Process for the Dental Hygiene Program
Admissions Process for the Dental Hygiene Program
Applications for Georgia State University Perimeter College are accepted for fall, spring and summer semesters. All the general education courses on the Dental Hygiene Program of Study are offered in all three semesters. The Dental Hygiene program accepts 32 students once a year (fall semester) and applying to this program requires an additional application.
Students applying to the program must be enrolled at Georgia State University Perimeter College and have active student status (definition of active student; a student who has no holds on his/her account and has met the requirements of the college to register for classes). Transfers students should not submit an application to the Dental Hygiene program until they have accepted student status and also have completed all the requirements.
Application Process
The Dental Hygiene program requires a separate application from the general admissions application. Transfer applicants FIRST must complete all of the steps below by the program application deadline. Current Georgia State students must complete steps 2 through 4.
Note: The ATI TEAS exam is no longer a requirement to submit an application to the Georgia State University Perimeter College Dental Hygiene Program. In addition, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, no shadowing hours will be required to submit an application to the Dental Hygiene program.
STEP 1. Complete the Perimeter College Admission Process:
If you are not a current student at Georgia State University and want to apply for the dental hygiene program, you must become a student at the University. Only current students of the University are permitted to apply for the dental hygiene program
- Apply for admission to Georgia State University Perimeter College.
- Students must apply, be accepted, and receive acceptance notification from Georgia State University/Perimeter College prior to applying to the Dental Hygiene Program. Students should indicate on the college application form that their major is “Health Science.”
Application Process
The Dental Hygiene program requires a separate application from the general admissions application. Transfer applicants FIRST must complete all of the steps below by the program application deadline. Current Georgia State students must complete steps 2 through 4.
STEP 2. Complete Three Science Courses Prior to Applying to the Dental Hygiene Program.
Three science prerequisites are required to be completed prior to applying to the program.
- College Chemistry 1151 prerequisite completion of CHEM 1151 and CHEM 1151L within the last seven (7) years with a grade of “C” or better.
- College Biology 2251 prerequisite completion of BIOL 2251(Human Anatomy and Physiology, Part 1) and BIOL 2251L (Lab) within the last seven (7) years with a grade of “C” or better.
- College Biology 2252 prerequisite completion of BIOL2252 (Human Anatomy and Physiology, Part 2) and BIOL 2252L (Lab) within the last seven (7) years with a grade of “C” or better.
STEP 3. Additional requirements.
- Entry into the dental hygiene program is highly competitive and the main criteria for selection to the program are the grades earned in general education courses listed on the Dental Hygiene Program of Study. Competitive applications include at least 12 additional credits from courses listed on the Dental Hygiene Program of Study, in addition to the required three sciences listed on Step 2.
- A cumulative minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher in the general education courses is required for the Dental Hygiene Program of Study (seen under the heading, FORMS). The cumulative GPA is computed from the final course grades earned in all general education courses on the program of study except for BIOL 2110, BIOL 2120, CHEM 1151, and BIOL 2260. Science course grades are computed separately to create a science GPA. Applicants who earn a grade lower than a “C” in English 1101 or in any of the required science courses in the Dental Hygiene Program of Study are not eligible for applying to the program. To be eligible to apply to the program, the course (s) must be retaken and a grade of C or better earned before submitting an application to the dental hygiene program. Additionally, all science courses and English 1101 taken after application to the dental hygiene program must be completed with a grade of “C” or better to meet graduation requirements. Please see the Perimeter College course catalog for “Graduation Requirements.”
- 20 Hours of Shadowing Experience: Due to the COVID19 global pandemic, shadowing of a hygienist has been removed from the admissions criteria.
STEP 4. Submit a Dental Hygiene program application
The Fall 2025 application cycle has ended.
Dental Hygiene Program Grade Course Evaluation Scale
Course Evaluation Scale
A = 90 -100
B = 80 – 89
C = 75 – 79
D = 60 – 74
F = 59 and below
This scale aligns with the National Board Examination and the Central Regional Dental Testing Service licensing examination grading scales, which require candidates to attain a minimum score of 75 for successful completion/passing. Due to this requirement, any student who earns a course grade of 74 or below will be dismissed from the Dental Hygiene program.
Forms, Policies and Procedures Information
DHYG
Dental Hygiene Program (Career)
COURSES REQ.
HRS
COURSES REQ.
HRS
|
General Education |
37 |
|
BIOL 2251 & BIOL 2251L (a, b) |
4 |
|
BIOL 2252 & BIOL 2252L (a, b) |
4 |
|
BIOL 2260 & BIOL 2260 (c) |
4 |
|
CHEM 1151 & CHEM 1151L (a) |
4 |
|
SCOM 1500* |
3 |
|
ENGL 1101* (C or better) |
3 |
|
HIST 2110* |
3 |
|
POLS 1101* |
3 |
|
PSYC 1101* |
3 |
|
SOCI 1101* |
3 |
|
PHIL 2030 |
3 |
Important Notes:
(a) These courses must be completed before application to the program.
(b) These biology courses cannot be used in Area D for any program of study.
(c) BIOL 2260 and BIOL 2260 can be used for Nursing, Dental Hygiene and other Health Science programs. These courses cannot be used in Area D or Area F for any other program of study.
|
Professional Curriculum (f) |
40 |
|
Fall |
|
|
DHYG 1901 |
3 |
|
DHYG 1911 |
2 |
|
DHYG 1921K |
4 |
|
DHYG 1923K |
2 |
|
Spring |
|
|
DHYG 1904 |
1 |
|
DHYG 1905 |
2 |
|
DHYG 1914 |
2 |
|
DHYG 1915 |
2 |
|
DHYG 1916 |
2 |
|
Summer |
|
|
DHYG 1906 |
1 |
|
DHYG 1917 |
1 |
|
DHYG 1928K |
2 |
|
Fall |
|
|
DHYG 2907 |
2 |
|
DHYG 2909 |
4 |
|
DHYG 1923 |
2 |
|
DHYG 1924 |
2 |
|
Spring |
|
|
DHYG 2908 |
1 |
|
DHYG 2912 |
4 |
|
DHYG 1925 |
1 |
Additional Notes:
- Students are advised that if they are accepted into Dental Hygiene, there are several semesters where the required curriculum does not contain enough hours to meet requirements for financial aid or health insurance. Plan accordingly.
- This program of study requires special admission testing, including Criminal Background checks and Technical Standards. Please see the Dental Hygiene website or contact the Dental Hygiene Department, Dunwoody Campus (770-274-5130), for additional information and an application. All professional courses are only offered during the day.
- The College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC) does apply to this career program. An applicant that is admitted to the college under this program will be subject to CPC requirements.
| Total Hours | 77 |
- The dental hygiene program will ensure graduates are able to provide appropriate planned education services through organized community efforts to promote health and disease.
- The dental hygiene program will produce professional oral healthcare providers who competently deliver preventive, therapeutic, and educational oral health services in accordance with the ADHA Code of Ethics.
- The dental hygiene program will provide graduates with the knowledge, values, and skills to use evidence-based decision-making to provide comprehensive oral healthcare that will promote and achieve oral health.
- The dental hygiene program will inspire graduates to enhance their practice of dental hygiene through professional activities and continuing education.
The Georgia State University Perimeter College Dental Hygiene program presents dental hygiene information sessions annually in the fall semester. Dental hygiene program admission requirements, the application process, and the costs associated with the dental hygiene program will be discussed. You will also receive important information about how to be successful in the dental hygiene program. Registration is required to attend a session. Dates for the 2025 information sessions will be posted during the fall semester of 2025. Sessions are late afternoon online using WebEx. Email the dental hygiene program at [email protected] to register. Indicate the date of the session you plan to attend. Approximately one week before your session, you will be emailed the WebEx link.
The Fall 2025 application cycle has ended.
The culture of the Internet is about much more than information transfer. It has become increasingly social and communal. Social media tools, which facilitate both one-to-many communications and presumably private communications, have grown to become a significant part of how people interact via Internet. Because social media are widely used as promotional tools, personal postings on public media sites can sometimes blur the line between the individual and the institutional voice. This policy provides guidance for members of Perimeter College Dental Hygiene Community to protect both their personal reputations and the public image of the institution, department and profession.
Furthermore, although not intended, never forget as faculty, staff, or student you may always be perceived as a representative of Perimeter College. It is therefore in the best interest of the College and all members of the Perimeter College Community to provide its employees and students with a roadmap for safe, smart use of social media.
- Be respectful.
- Assume anything you post is public, regardless of privacy settings.
- Assume anything you post is permanent.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) ensures the privacy of “Educational records” of students. At no time should information that is considered part of the student’s educational record be submitted, posted, or referenced through a social media network. DO NOT post anything about student or classmate grades.
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA; Pub.L. 104-191, 110 Stat. 1936, enacted August 21, 1996) that is intended to provide the portability of health records, must be adhered to at all times. This act contains a Privacy Rule which establishes a provision for the use and disclosure of Protected Health Information. Under no circumstances should patient privacy be violated through the use of social media. DO NOT post ANYTHING about patients in the Perimeter College Dental Hygiene Clinic or that can be linked to the patients or clinic.
The Perimeter College Social Media Policy can be found on the website, http://www.gpc.edu/sites/www.gpc.edu.mpr/files/files/Social_Media_Policy_and_Procedures_MPR.pdf
All faculty, staff, students, community partners, and student organizations are encouraged to participate in GPC social media pages
General Rules:
Be a valued member of the community.
When participating in an online community, content of postings should benefit the community as a whole. Consider the nature of the community and the expectations of its members when contributing. Do not use membership purely as a means of promoting yourself or your organization. Do not use the college name to endorse products, causes, political parties, or candidates.
Do no harm.
Postings, both in content and in substance, must not harm either GPC network or the social networks themselves. Do not overload these networks with content that is repetitive, promotional, or will otherwise devalue the service for the rest of the community.
Be respectful of others.
Keep a cool head when discussing and debating online. Be passionate on matters about which you are passionate, but always be constructive, exercise discretion, and be respectful of those with whom you disagree.
No stalking, flaming, or bullying.
Abusive language, behavior, and content is not appropriate in any context. Do not insult, attack, threaten, or otherwise harass others. Remember that how a message is intended is less important than how it is perceived. If another individual indicates they find behavior threatening, cease this behavior immediately.
Think before posting.
Nothing posted on the internet is truly private. Anything put online can easily be shared and re-shared, and archiving systems preserve even content that has been deleted. As a result, content posted privately now may appear in search results for many years to come. Post only content you are comfortable sharing with the general public, including current and future employers. Remember these three words: “Google Never Forgets.” Faculty should not talk about the details of their work at the college on social media networks and should choose a more secure form of communication. Students should not discuss any details about school administrators, faculty, staff, classmates, patients, the Dental Hygiene Program or Perimeter College that could be considered damaging or derogatory.
Maintain your social media pages. When a site or page provides space for the community to interact, usually through comments or other feedback systems, it is important to keep these spaces free of spam and abusive content. Postings in these spaces should be edited to ensure there are no liability issues (e.g., removing links to content that violates copyright or breaks confidentiality rules), but should not be edited because their content is disagreeable.
Unauthorized or inappropriate commentary or posts online can:
- Get Perimeter College, and you, in legal trouble with the U.S., state of Georgia and other government agencies, other companies, customers or the general public.
- Diminish the college’s name by creating negative publicity for the school, as well as yourself or your program of study.
- Cause damage to the college by releasing non-public information or proprietary information.
- Cost the college the ability to get future students or patients or undermine the image of the dental hygiene profession or Perimeter College.
- Cost you your position at the college or in the Dental Hygiene Program. Employers are looking at social media sites before hiring. Ask yourself before posting. “Would I want my future employer to see the posting or picture?”
Term: Social media includes web-based and mobile-based technologies that are used to turn communication into interactive dialogue among organizations, communities, and individuals.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_media
Sites may include but not limited to Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, email, blog, podcast, or website.
The dental hygiene program at Georgia State University Perimeter College is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
Complaints against the program related to the accreditation standards can be submitted to the following:
Commission on Dental Accreditation
211 E. Chicago Avenue
Chicago, Il 60611
Download: Technical Standards Form
Intellectual, Conceptual, Cognitive
A student must be able to use critical thinking skills to problem-solve, measure, calculate, reason, analyze, integrate, and synthesize. A student must be able to perform these problem-solving skills in a timely fashion for effective patient treatment and as required in emergency clinical situations.
Communication
The student must possess the ability to communicate effectively in English with patients, faculty and staff using reasonable grammar and syntax in both oral and written formats. In addition, the student must notice and appreciate both verbal and nonverbal communication when performing dental hygiene care.
- Convey or exchange information at a sufficient level that produces an accurate health history
- Provide patient directions during treatment and post-treatment
- Provide and understand effective and efficient instructions with all members of the health care team
Reading Comprehension
The student must have the ability to learn, retain and understand information from college-level textbooks and academic journals and understand written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Technology
The student must possess basic technological abilities sufficient to be able to use a computer, dental software, and digital scanning and radiographic equipment. The student must possess the ability to send and retrieve information from a variety of electronic forms and to be proficient using a digital learning management system.
Professional Behavior
The student must maintain the standards of conduct for ethics and professionalism as set forth in The American Dental Hygienists’ Association’s Codes of Ethics and The ADEA Statement on Professionalism in Dental Education. The Standards are as follows:
- Autonomy- respecting the confidentiality of patients, faculty, staff and classmate’s information and relationships as a demonstration of the value we place on individual autonomy. We acknowledge our obligation to justify any violation of confidence.
- Non-maleficence- accepting our fundamental obligation to provide service in a manner that protects all patients and minimizes harm to them, and others involved in their treatment. o Beneficence- recognizing the primary role is promoting the well-being of individuals and the public.
- Justice- value justice and support fairness by demonstrating consistency and evenhandedness in dealings with others.
- Veracity- accepting our obligation to tell the truth and expect that others will do the same. We value self-knowledge and seek truth and honesty in all relationships.
- Being accountable for one’s actions, recognizing and acting upon the special obligations to others that one assumes in joining a profession.
- Develop collaborative professional relationships and exchange knowledge to enhance our own lifelong professional development.
- Acquiring and maintaining the high level of special knowledge, technical ability, and professional behavior necessary for the provision of clinical care to patients and for functioning in the dental education environment.
- Being honest and demonstrating congruence between one’s values, words, and actions
Time Management
The student must be able to manage one’s own time and be respectful to the time of others.
Visual and Perceptual Skills
The student must be able to observe a patient accurately, both at a distance and close at hand and to see details at close range.
The student must be able to differentiate various shades of colors in a limited environment and space in the oral cavity and must be able to distinguish shades of grey for dental radiographic interpretation.
The student must also be able to comprehend and mentally visualize three-dimensional relationships and understand the spatial relationships of structures
Motor
The student must have sufficient motor function to execute movements essential to providing all necessary patient treatment. Such actions require coordination of both gross and fine muscular movements and equilibrium. This includes the use of motor skills for:
- Performing palpation, percussion, auscultation and other diagnostic exercises
- Performing hard and soft tissue surgical procedures (dental only) o Coordination of gross and fine muscular movements
- Maintaining self-equilibrium
- Functional uses of the senses during dental procedures such as touch and vision
- The ability to operate controls for the use of the slow-speed dental handpiece
- The ability to use hand instrumentation for such procedures as scaling and root planing.
Other Sensory Skills
The student must possess emotional stability and flexibility, which will enable him/her to develop the ability to function effectively in stressful situations. This includes the ability to adapt to changing environments, exercise sound judgment, complete assessment and intervention activities and develop sensitive interpersonal relationships with patients, families and others responsible for health care.
The student must be able to demonstrate cross-cultural competency, concern for others, integrity, ethical conduct, accountability, interest and motivation.
The student must have the functional use of the senses of vision, touch, hearing, and smell which are necessary in assessing patients and maintaining their safety.
Welcome from the Program Director
The faculty and staff of the Dental Hygiene Program welcome you to our information site on the web and hope you find it informative, helpful and easy to navigate.
The purpose of our website is to provide information about our program, requirements, admission processes, programs of study and faculty for you to review at your convenience and in your own setting. You will find the answers to many of your questions here, but please know that we are always happy to meet and talk with you and invite you to visit our department.
Our program challenges students to think critically by looking beyond the obvious, to communicate effectively, to take charge and to make complex decisions. We work closely with the dental community and various clinical agencies to provide the skills and knowledge you need to be successful at the next level.
Our goal is to equip students with the necessary skills to reach their potential; to provide an atmosphere of quality education through the teaching, case-based learning, and the application of service through clinical experience and community outreach. We strive to instill a desire to continue education necessary for lifelong learners and promote a spirit that will contribute and enrich the dental hygiene profession.
It is an exciting time to be in health care, and we look forward to helping you achieve your personal educational goals.
Again, welcome!
Joanna Harris-Worelds, EdD., MSDH, RDH
Dental Hygiene Interim Director
Assistant Professor
Office: NC1361
770-274-5138
[email protected]
Perimeter College Dental Hygiene Program
Dunwoody Campus
Department Office: NC1377
Department Telephone: 770-274-5130
Clinic Office: NC1200
Clinic Telephone: 770-274-5140
Joanna Harris-Worelds, EdD, MSDH, RDH
Assistant Professor
Office: NC1361
770-274-5138
[email protected]
ARIANA COOPER, BSDH, RDH
Office: NC 1365
[email protected]
770-274-5133
JESSICA CRUZ, MPH, BSDH, RDH
Clinical Services
Perimeter College Georgia State University – Dunwoody Campus
2101 Womack Road
Dunwoody, GA 30338
Located in NC Building
Clinic Telephone: 770-274-5140
The Perimeter College Dental Hygiene faculty, students and staff welcome you to learn more about our Dental Hygiene Clinic and the services it offers.
GENERAL APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
- All appointments are completed in the Dental Hygiene Clinic in the NC Building on the Dunwoody Campus of Georgia State University’s Perimeter College, at the corner of Womack Road and Tilly Mill Road in Dunwoody, Ga. The campus is served by the MARTA bus system. MARTA Bus Route #11 Tilly Mill Road comes to the campus.
- All treatment procedures are provided by dental hygiene students under the direct supervision of licensed dental hygiene faculty of Perimeter College’s Dental Hygiene program. The patient should see his/her family dentist for a dental examination yearly. Dental referrals are given to patients upon completion of their dental hygiene treatment in the clinic. One free duplicate copy of x-rays will be given to the patient or emailed to the patient’s family dentist upon request. The patient will need to sign a HIPAA release form designating to whom the x-rays may be sent.
- For an appointment or more information, contact the Dental Hygiene Clinic at 770-274-5140. The clinic telephone is only answered on days when clinic is in session. Otherwise, a voice mail system provides information, and the caller may leave a message. A returned call will be made to the caller as soon as possible.
- This is an educational institution, therefore, your appointment will last three and a half (3.5) hours. Depending on the condition of your teeth and gums, your treatment may require additional appointments, and three and a half hours will be allotted for each of these appointments.
- The charge for all services or procedures is payable by debit card and credit card. Dental insurance plans cannot be applied for services received. Cash or check cannot be accepted.
- State of Georgia accounting and auditing procedures will not allow fees to be refunded. Fees are not transferable to another member of your family
- Because the appointments for your treatment are part of our students’ training, the time put aside for your appointment is an important part of their education. If you are unable to come to your appointment, please call either the student or the clinic, giving 24 hours notice.
- If you cancel at the last minute, or do not show for two appointments, you will lose privileges of being treated in our clinic. We regret this, but the need for you to keep your appointments is imperative for our students to complete their education requirements.
- Radiographic exposure is based on the ADA recommendations for prescribing dental radiographs.
- No unaccompanied children are allowed in the waiting room. Only children with an appointment are allowed in the treatment area.
- Non-English speakers must provide an adult interpreter.
NEW PATIENT ASSESSMENT APPOINTMENTS
Patients with an appointment will have priority seating. Walk-ins are welcome but will only be seen if a dental hygiene student is available.
New patients (18 years of age and older) must complete a 30-45-minute New Patient Assessment appointment prior to the scheduling of an appointment for treatment. There is no charge for this appointment.
The New Patient Assessment appointment allows for the completion of certain paperwork, as well as an initial assessment of the patient’s medical history and oral conditions. When the appointment is completed, the patient’s name is entered into the Perimeter College Dental Hygiene Clinic’s computer system, and the patient is assigned to an available dental hygiene student.
Once the student receives the patient’s name the student is responsible for calling the patient for the first treatment appointment. This may take several weeks to complete before the patient is called for treatment appointments.
PATIENT RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES
The Georgia State University, Perimeter College Dental Hygiene Clinic recognizes the importance of basic rights of all patients. The Dental Hygiene Clinic also expects reasonable and responsible behavior on the part of patients, their relatives and friends. The following are the rights and responsibilities of patients at the Dental Hygiene Clinic.
Confidentiality
All healthcare records at the Dental Hygiene Clinic are strictly confidential. Healthcare records are not available to anyone except the patient or if the patient is a minor, to the patient’s parent or legal guardian. If the patient is a student of Georgia State University, information about a student’s care will be released only with the student’s written permission.
All Dental Hygiene Clinic staff and employees adhere to established ethical principles and codes of professional practice, including patient confidentiality. All information concerning a patient’s visits to the Dental Hygiene Clinic, including identity, reason for visit, diagnosis, treatments and billing information, is considered confidential information.
Rights of Patients:
- To be afforded impartial access to treatment regardless of race, creed, sex, national origin, handicap condition or age and to be treated with respect and dignity at all times.
- To refuse to talk with anyone not directly involved in the patient’s care or treatment.
- To wear appropriate personal clothing and religious symbols, as long they do not interfere with treatment or diagnostic procedures.
- To expect that his or her care and treatment be handled in confidence and that his or her medical record will be read only by authorized individuals.
- To expect that the clinic practices and environment are reasonably safe at all times.
- To know the identity of all persons providing service to him or her and the identity of the dentist or dental hygienist who is primarily in charge or his or her case.
- To expect complete and current information concerning his or her diagnosis (if known), treatment options and prognosis in understandable terms and advance knowledge of the cost of treatment.
- To expect that diagnostic procedures or treatments will be performed only with consent and consistent with the standard of care in the profession.
- To refuse treatment with the understanding that the clinic-patient relationship may be terminated with reasonable notice.
- To request and receive an itemized and detailed explanation of his or her bill.
- To initiate a complaint at any time during the course of treatment and to expect that it will be reviewed and resolved, if possible, in a reasonable period of time.
Responsibilities of Patients
- To provide accurate and complete information about current complaints, past illnesses, medications and financial status.
- To comply with all clinic rules and regulations, to follow the orders of providers and to be responsible for his or her own actions and outcomes if he or she refuses treatment or does not follow instructions.
- To assure that the financial obligations of healthcare are fulfilled promptly.
- To be considerate of the rights of others and assist the Dental Hygiene Clinic in controlling noise, the number of visitors allowed and any other distractions which may affect patient care.
- To accept responsibility for all personal property and valuables brought into the clinic.
- To ask his or her dentist or dental hygienist what to expect regarding pain and pain management, discuss pain relief options with his or her dentist or dental hygienist, ask for pain relief when pain first begins, help the dentist or dental hygienist measure his or her pain and tell the dentist or dental hygienist if his or her pain is not relieved.
- To report any risks in his or her care and any unexpected changes in his or her health condition.
- To help the clinic improve services by providing feedback about dental hygiene needs and
FEE SCHEDULE*
Oral debridement, x-rays & fluoride services provided for $25-$70 Fee
(price dependent on age and level of care required; additional charges apply for services listed below)
CODE/PROCEDURE
- D0120 Periodic oral evaluation: (No Charge)
- D0150 Comprehensive oral evaluation: (No Charge)
Radiographs (included in fee)
- D0124 Complete FMX series
- D0330 Orthopan film
- D0270 Single film
- D0272 Bitewings–two films
- D0274 Bitewings-four films
- D0277 Bitewings–vertical-seven to eight films
- D0240 Occlusal film
Preventive
- D1110 Prophylaxis-adult 13-18 yrs $30; 19+ yrs.: $40 GPC employees/students: $25
- D1120 Prophylaxis – child 12 years and younger: $25
- D1203 Fluoride Treatment – child (No Charge)
- D1204 Fluoride Treatment – adult (No Charge)
Therapeutic Treatment
- D4341 Scaling, root debridement by quadrant: $70 entire mouth GSU employees/students: $25
- D4342 Scaling, root debridement: $60 GSU employees/students: $25
- D4346 Scaling, generalized moderate or severe gingivitis $50 GSU employees/students: $25
- D4910 Periodontal Maintenance: $50 GSU employees/students: $25
Adjunctive Services
- D1351 Sealants: $2 per tooth
Educational Services
- D1330 Oral hygiene instruction, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and additional aids: (No Charge)
- D1310 Nutritional counseling: (No Charge)
- D1320 Tobacco cessation counseling: (No Charge)
*Fee Schedule Subject To Change
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I get a Dental Hygiene Application?
The application is available on the Dental Hygiene website during the enrollment period of January.
What are the academic requirements of the program?
Progression in the Dental Hygiene Program
Successful completion of the dental hygiene program depends on satisfactory academic and clinical performance each semester and adherence to all college/department policies. A final course grade of >75% is required to earn credit in each course in the professional dental hygiene curriculum.
Students must pass each course’s final exam with a minimum score of 75% to progress in the dental hygiene program.
Grading Policies and Requirements
All dental hygiene students must:
- Achieve a 75% or higher score to be awarded credit for all dental hygiene courses. Failure to complete all courses will result in dismissal from
the dental hygiene program. - Complete all clinical requirements.
- Fulfill all course requirements according to the timeline in the course syllabus
Academic Progression Policy
A minimum grade of C (75%) is required for a student to earn credit in all dental hygiene courses. No credit will be awarded toward the dental hygiene degree for a grade of D or F.
A student who earned a D or F in a course must retake the course and make a grade of C (75%) or better to continue in the Dental Hygiene program.
A student will have to wait until the next time the course is offered to retake the course and audit any course co-requisites and courses in the program of study offered during the semester. This may result in delayed graduation.
A student who earns a grade of D or F more than twice in the same course or different courses will be dismissed from the program.
Are there information sessions for applying to the Dental Hygiene pathway?
The Georgia State University Perimeter College Dental Hygiene program annually presents dental hygiene information sessions in the fall semester. Dental hygiene program admission requirements, the application process, and the costs associated with the dental hygiene program will be discussed. You will also receive important information about how to be successful in the dental hygiene program. Registration is required to attend a session. Dates for the 2024 information sessions are September 19, 2024 and October 24, 2024. Sessions are late afternoon online using WebEx meeting software.
Email the dental hygiene program at [email protected] to register. Indicate the date of the session you plan to attend. Approximately one week before your session, you will be emailed the WebEx link.
Where should I go to receive advisement about the Dental Hygiene pathway?
The University Advisement Center at Perimeter College has trained counselors available for student advisement. When you enroll at Perimeter College, you will meet with an advisor at your new student orientation. If you are transferring to the college and do online orientation to the college, you can call the University Advisement Center to make an appointment to speak with an advisor. At this meeting, you should discuss your plans of pursuing the Dental Hygiene pathway. Your college advisor will develop a course progression map for you to follow for the general education coursework necessary for applying to the dental hygiene program. Only general information about the program is offered at the Dental Hygiene office. At the department level, there are no trained counselors to review transcripts and plan a course progression map.
What classes are needed before I can apply to your program?
Perimeter College’s Dental Hygiene program requires COMPLETION of the following with a grade of C or better and a minimum 3.0 GPA:
- CHEM 1151 & CHEM 1151L
- BIOL 2110 & BIOL 2110L (Human Anatomy and Physiology, Part I)
- BIOL 2120 & BIOL 2120L (Human Anatomy and Physiology, Part II)
There are other core courses that are needed to earn an associate degree in Dental Hygiene but the above listed courses (1-3) are the ones required before you can APPLY.
Will I need to submit a letter of recommendation with my application to the program?
No, we do not take letters of recommendation into consideration.
Do I need to send transcripts to your department?
No. You must be a current student at Georgia State University Perimeter College to apply to the Dental Hygiene program. Even if you are a college graduate, you must apply to the college as a transfer student in order to have your transcript evaluated. Part of the application process to the college is to submit your transcripts to Admissions. When you are notified that your admittance to the college is complete, you should make an appointment with a counselor from the University Advisement Center at any campus of the Georgia State University Perimeter College to discuss your intent to apply to the dental hygiene program.
Is advanced placement allowed in the dental hygiene program?
There is no advanced placement permitted for the professional program. Regardless of their level of education prior to transferring to the college, all applicants accepted to the program are required to attend the five semesters of the professional Dental Hygiene program. There are no exceptions made for any applicant to the dental hygiene program.
I am a non-traditional student, but I have college credits from more than 7 years ago. Will those credits transfer to Perimeter College?
Perimeter College is part of Georgia State University, which is a member of the University System of Georgia with full accreditation, therefore college credits from other accredited institutions will transfer to Perimeter. However, the science courses (listed pre-requisites and BIOL 2300 with the corresponding lab) are only acceptable as meeting the Dental Hygiene program requirements within seven (7) years of application date. This is because Dental Hygiene is a highly science-based program, and the required science courses for this program are essential in your studies. To be up-to-date on the latest science education, we require a maximum maturity of seven years for those courses.
Do I have to take ALL of the courses listed on the Program of Study for Dental Hygiene before I can apply?
No, you are only required to complete the three (3) science courses listed to apply. It is encouraged to complete as many of the 37 credits in the core curriculum as possible before applying the Dental Hygiene program in order to make your application competitive. Competition for entry into the program is intense.
What are the benefits of starting college as a Georgia State University student (any campus) as opposed to being a transfer student to Georgia State University?
All the general education courses required for Georgia State University Perimeter College’s Dental Hygiene program are offered on all of the campuses of Georgia State University. The advantage of taking the required courses for Dental Hygiene at Georgia State University (any campus) is that you are certain that you are satisfying the requirements for the Dental Hygiene Program of Study. When a student transfers to Georgia State University, courses transferred from other institutions may be evaluated as general education credits and not as satisfying the requirements of the Dental Hygiene Program of Study. This may require the student who transferred to Georgia State University to take additional coursework to satisfy graduation requirements for the Dental Hygiene program.
I am a self-supporting single parent. How can I fit my hectic lifestyle within the guidelines of your program and keep my full-time job?
Realizing you are coming to this program with the intentions of either changing your profession or enhancing your skills, your ultimate goal is to become a dental hygienist. Unlike other disciplines within the college (ie: English, Math, Science), in Dental Hygiene you are working toward a career.
Any means of supporting your family that you may have depended on in the past may need to be adjusted to meet the needs of your new career goals.
Can I get points for work experience and/or certification in the dental field?
There will be a total of one additional admission point given for education and either certification as a dental assistant or an earned bachelor’s degree in health science. Work experience in the dental field does not qualify for additional admission points.
If I am accepted into the Dental Hygiene Program how many days/hours can I expect to be in class or on campus?
Dental Hygiene classes and clinic are scheduled Monday through Thursday and can be as early as 7 a.m. and end as late as 5 p.m. You may have off days and breaks in between classes as the schedule varies from semester to semester. There will be times when the schedule is as consuming as a full-time job, and it is strongly suggested that students in the program not work and complete all of their general education requirements prior to starting the program.
How many times can I reapply to the program?
There are no limits to the number of times an applicant can reapply.
What is the scope of practice of a dental hygienist in the state of Georgia?
The scope of practice of a dental hygienist in the state of Georgia is provided by the Georgia Board of Dentistry
What happens after I am informed that I have been admitted to the Dental Hygiene Program?
Admission decisions are communicated to all qualified applicants at the end of March or the beginning of April. If you are notified that you have been accepted into the Dental Hygiene Program, you will be required:
- Attend a mandatory online orientation in May.
- Complete the following tasks and make the following purchases by August 1.
- Attend a one-day face-to-face fall first-year orientation the week before the first day of fall semester courses.
| Tasks | Purchases |
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Specific information and instructions will be provided during the in-person May orientation sessions.
Additional Links
Academic Departmental Page – Department of Health Professions.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Information on Dental Hygiene as a career