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Step 1. Complete all prerequisites with at least a C grade and be in good academic standing with a minimum cumulative GPA in prerequisite coursework of 2.5.
Step 2: Collect official transcripts if all prerequisites were not taken at Great Falls College
Step 3. Be admitted to Great Falls College and have a complete admissions file before applying to the program.
Step 4. Submit the program application
Application open date: March 3 (delayed from Feb. 14)
Application deadline: June 13
Application packets are accepted on an ongoing basis but must be postmarked on or before June 13 to meet the priority deadline to get into the Dental Hygiene program for the upcoming semester. Only complete application packets will be processed, so do not send items separately.
| DENT 101 | Introduction to Dental Hygiene/Preclinic |
| DENT 105 | Professional Issues/Ethics in Dental I |
| DENT 223 | Clinical Dental Hygiene Theory II |
| DENT 240 | Local Anesthesia/Nitrous Oxide Theory and Lab |
Prior to enrollment, students should review the Great Falls College MSU State Authorization (NC-SARA) webpage Accreditation – Great Falls College to determine whether this program meets the licensing requirements in a specific state. All states accept the national written board exam dental hygiene students take at the end of this Program. It is important to note that all states determine their own requirements regarding clinical board tests accepted for licensure
Graduates of the dental hygiene program are qualified to work in various dental practice settings, including general dentistry, periodontal, pediatric, public health and orthodontics. With the required hours of experience and continued education, some graduates choose to apply for a Montana Limited Access Permit that allows dental hygienists to work in rural settings and meet the needs of underserved populations throughout our beautiful state.
It’s been hard. Definitely hard. But I know it’ll be worth it … The teachers are nice. They’re great … and they just all bring something different that they can kind of teach us, which is nice to get all those different backgrounds. (My classmates,) we’re like family. We all help each other out and … we always say none of us would pass if it wasn’t for the others.
Patient Care:
Provide challenging clinical experiences that encompass dental hygiene care for the child, adolescent, adult, geriatric and patients with special needs so students can demonstrate clinical care that is safe, effective and ethical.
Instruction:
Provide a comprehensive curriculum in dental hygiene that reflects current practice and incorporates a variety of health-care settings.
Research:
Incorporate evidence-based research into presentations for dental hygienists that require students to analyze and assess emerging technology and treatment modalities hygienists can integrate into their clinical practices.
Service:
Promote participation in professional organization and community service projects.
Dental Hygiene Program Assessment Plan: Program director will submit annual assessment of competencies in May.
American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) Complaint Statement
The Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association will review complaints that relate to a program’s compliance with the accreditation standards and competencies. The Commission is interested in the sustained quality and continued improvement of the dental and dental-related education programs. They do not, however, intervene on behalf of individuals or act as a court of appeal of individuals in matters of admission, appointment, promotion, or dismissal of faculty, staff, or students.
The Great Falls College Dental Hygiene Program has been granted “Accreditation without reporting” and the next site visit is in the year 2026.
A copy of the appropriate accreditation standards and/or ADA Commission’s policy and procedure for submission of complaints may be obtained by contacting:
Commission on Dental Accreditation 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60611
1-800-621-8099 ext.2719
If students or community members have a complaint with the program and carry out its standards, a complaint can be placed on the Great Falls College’s complaint log along with contacting the Commission. The log is at the Dental Clinic Reception desk with the Dental Clinic Manager.
Click to view the Dental Hygiene student handbook.
