Advise for Potential DH Student in GA

Carol in Kennesaw, Georgia said: Hi there. I applied to the dental hygiene program for MCG in late October, early November and have not heard back from them yet. However, the deadline for applications isn't even until April 1. Does anyone know when I should hear back from them?
I'm currently at Georgia State University, my math/science GPA is 3.56 and overall GPA is 3.45. What are my chances of getting in?

How did you do in your science courses? If you got an A or B in those subjects, I'm sure you got in.

Anatomy 1&2: B
Micro: A
Chem 1: A
Chem 2: taking it now

Thanks for the support :)

Hey Carol, I applied in mid January and I have been receiving just the usual follow up information (transcript evaluations and such). I'm not sure if they will wait until after April 1 to let us know anything or if they will make any decisions before then. I wish I knew our chances of getting in. I called on a couple of occasions and the lady I spoke with didn't know what the average gpa of admitted applicants were, but I sure wish I knew my chances! Best of luck to you and if you hear anything, please share!

Lauren_B in Climax, Georgia said: Hey Carol, I applied in mid January and I have been receiving just the usual follow up information (transcript evaluations and such). I'm not sure if they will wait until after April 1 to let us know anything or if they will make any decisions before then. I wish I knew our chances of getting in. I called on a couple of occasions and the lady I spoke with didn't know what the average gpa of admitted applicants were, but I sure wish I knew my chances! Best of luck to you and if you hear anything, please share!

Hey Lauren, I just got a phone call from MCG today so you should be hearing from them soon.

Just wanted to put this out there because a lot of people dont know. This month MCG found out that they were going to be getting a huge budget cut. Their proposal to solve this problem was to cut a bunch of programs, including dental hygiene. They proposed cutting these programs in the fiscal year of 2011, which would mean that all of the current students who were scheduled to graduate next year would not graduate. In a town hall meeting they said they would help us transfer "IF they could". Well after all this mess, they decided not to cut any academic programs in fiscal year 2011. They are very careful when they say that they are not going to cut any academic programs and always putting "in the fiscal year of 2011" at the end. The reason I am telling this is to warn anyone who is planning on attending MCG. They have shown that they do not care about their students and do not feel obligated to let them graduate once they are accepted. I am not saying not to apply to MCG, just keep a back-up plan in mind, apply to other schools also. Please dont get me wrong, the dental hygiene program at MCG is wonderful, but as far as the administration goes, they could care less about their students.

Krystal in Augusta, Georgia said: Just wanted to put this out there because a lot of people dont know. This month MCG found out that they were going to be getting a huge budget cut. Their proposal to solve this problem was to cut a bunch of programs, including dental hygiene. They proposed cutting these programs in the fiscal year of 2011, which would mean that all of the current students who were scheduled to graduate next year would not graduate. In a town hall meeting they said they would help us transfer "IF they could". Well after all this mess, they decided not to cut any academic programs in fiscal year 2011. They are very careful when they say that they are not going to cut any academic programs and always putting "in the fiscal year of 2011" at the end. The reason I am telling this is to warn anyone who is planning on attending MCG. They have shown that they do not care about their students and do not feel obligated to let them graduate once they are accepted. I am not saying not to apply to MCG, just keep a back-up plan in mind, apply to other schools also. Please dont get me wrong, the dental hygiene program at MCG is wonderful, but as far as the administration goes, they could care less about their students.

Hi Krystal,
I asked one of my friends that's in the hygiene program right now and she said the program should be safe for the next 4 years. Is there any reason I should doubt this?

Are there jobs available? Have you checked anywhere?

Have you read the other forums?

Why do you think a school would cut dental hygiene along with other programs? If it were a lucrative proposition, wouldn't they keep it in?

Are you finding it's getting easier to get into schools for dental hygiene these days?

Have you talked to recent grads?

Are you at all concerned about how you are going to pay your student loans off?

What is the pay rate for a hygiene job in your area? Did you find that out from reading it somewhere, or have you spoken to a recent grad?

Have any recent grads you talked to found a job?

Are they working fulltime, or part time? Are they working in one office, or two, or three, or any?

What kind of hours are they getting?

Are they working saturdays? Friday nights? Sundays?

All very important questions to be asking BEFORE you go into any dental hygiene program.

I am also in the hygiene program right now. I am not saying that they are for sure going to cut it in the near future, however, they are very particular in saying that they wont cut any programs in the fiscal year of 2011, which means that 2012 is fair game. Just a heads up, because it caused all of us a whole lot of stress that nobody deserves to go through. If you really would like to go to MCG, just keep a plan B.

Krystal in Augusta, Georgia said: I am also in the hygiene program right now. I am not saying that they are for sure going to cut it in the near future, however, they are very particular in saying that they wont cut any programs in the fiscal year of 2011, which means that 2012 is fair game. Just a heads up, because it caused all of us a whole lot of stress that nobody deserves to go through. If you really would like to go to MCG, just keep a plan B.

Thanks for all the help!

Krystal in Augusta, Georgia said: I am also in the hygiene program right now. I am not saying that they are for sure going to cut it in the near future, however, they are very particular in saying that they wont cut any programs in the fiscal year of 2011, which means that 2012 is fair game. Just a heads up, because it caused all of us a whole lot of stress that nobody deserves to go through. If you really would like to go to MCG, just keep a plan B.

Hey Krystal,
I was wondering how the patient pool works at MCG. Does the hygiene school appoint patients to their students or do you have to find your own patients?

they give you a list of recall patients. My list has filled up this semester. During the senior year they do screening appointments to try to find "dirty" teeth to clean, but you do have to find some patients of your own.

I am starting to worry about mcg, I called admissions about a question and was told that they usually let ppl know in april if they made it or not and when I spoke with someone at the dh office she told me that 16 ppl had already been accepted?? why 2 different stories....???

lucy in Valdosta, Georgia said: I am starting to worry about mcg, I called admissions about a question and was told that they usually let ppl know in april if they made it or not and when I spoke with someone at the dh office she told me that 16 ppl had already been accepted?? why 2 different stories....???

Hi Lucy, I would ask to speak with someone (again) in admissions, get that person's name, tell them your info and names of those you spoke with if from that school. Tell them you applied and would like to know your status. GL

Dont worry too much, although I know from experience that is much easier said than done. I got accepted and didnt hear until May. There may have been a delay this year due to all the mess earlier this month with the threats of closing the program. Also, the hygiene department should call you when you get accepted. And lastly, if you dont get accepted this year, try again next year. I didnt get in the first time I applied. If you dont get accepted, call or email admissions and they will tell you where your weakness is.

Krystal in Augusta, Georgia said: Dont worry too much, although I know from experience that is much easier said than done. I got accepted and didnt hear until May. There may have been a delay this year due to all the mess earlier this month with the threats of closing the program. Also, the hygiene department should call you when you get accepted. And lastly, if you dont get accepted this year, try again next year. I didnt get in the first time I applied. If you dont get accepted, call or email admissions and they will tell you where your weakness is.

It might also be a good idea to have a back-up choice of career, so that maybe, even if they take their time and you are on a waiting list or asked to apply again next year, you may be accepted into another field/career of interest! GL

thanks guys.....its just so nerve wracking!

trust me, Ive been there and totally understand!

Hey Lucy-I know exactly how you feel! I haven't heard anything either...and if you're anything like me, it is enough to make you crazy! I am constantly checking my phone for 706 numbers! Pathetic, I know. Hopefully we will know something soon. When did you apply?

Krystal in Augusta, Georgia said: they give you a list of recall patients. My list has filled up this semester. During the senior year they do screening appointments to try to find "dirty" teeth to clean, but you do have to find some patients of your own.

What if one of your patients bail at the last minute. Will you get punished for it?

if you do not have a patient in your chair in clinic, you get a 65 for the day. Every day in clinic you get a grade, at the end of the semester you can drop 5 of your lowest grades. Also, if your patient does not show up, you can walk around the building and find a patient and you will not get a 65. So, yes in a way you are punished, but in a way you aren't

Krystal in Augusta, Georgia said: if you do not have a patient in your chair in clinic, you get a 65 for the day. Every day in clinic you get a grade, at the end of the semester you can drop 5 of your lowest grades. Also, if your patient does not show up, you can walk around the building and find a patient and you will not get a 65. So, yes in a way you are punished, but in a way you aren't

Oh ok, I understand. Thanks for all the input!

Lauren_B in Climax, Georgia said: Hey Lucy-I know exactly how you feel! I haven't heard anything either...and if you're anything like me, it is enough to make you crazy! I am constantly checking my phone for 706 numbers! Pathetic, I know. Hopefully we will know something soon. When did you apply?

I applied in november......and last month sent in my final transcipt from the fall semester so that all my classes would show up...what about u?

does anyone know when they generally contact those people that have been accepted?

lucy in Valdosta, Georgia said: does anyone know when they generally contact those people that have been accepted?

I got a letter from them last week so you should be hearing from them soon

lucy in Valdosta, Georgia said: I applied in november......and last month sent in my final transcipt from the fall semester so that all my classes would show up...what about u?

I applied in early January...
I guess it is only a matter of time before we know something, but since you applied pretty early I would think you would hear something before I do.
Have you thought about applying next year if you don't get accepted, or are you going to plan B?

Lauren_B in Climax, Georgia said: I applied in early January...
I guess it is only a matter of time before we know something, but since you applied pretty early I would think you would hear something before I do.
Have you thought about applying next year if you don't get accepted, or are you going to plan B?

yes i had a plan b and c....and those have both sent letters of acceptance but I really wanted to go to MCG, I def think the fact that they are accepting just a small group makes me scared about my possibilities, so much competition.

Has anybody heard back from the DH program yet? I am going crazy, having obnoxious nightmares about not getting in and I can't seem to get it off my mind. Rumor is that the people who have been accepted have already heard back, but the ones who were denied have not. I really hope that is a lie. Anyways, just any type of reassurement would be greatly appreciated.

Kay in Dahlonega, Georgia said: Has anybody heard back from the DH program yet? I am going crazy, having obnoxious nightmares about not getting in and I can't seem to get it off my mind. Rumor is that the people who have been accepted have already heard back, but the ones who were denied have not. I really hope that is a lie. Anyways, just any type of reassurement would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Kay, You are new to this site? Have you been reading ALL the threads on here about the oversaturation, pay reduction, not enough work to go around, etc? Please read further before going into this field....we are going downward as a profession. I do not say what I do to keep work for myself, there are others with this same view...we don't like anyone being sold a bill of goods on this field...very expensive to train now and whether or not some who have found work think so...they, the schools , online reporters, BLS, and Govt. DON'T KNOW WHAT'S HAPPENING TO DENTAL HYGIENE...even some older DH's as well as recent grad's are saying , choose another field...or put DH on hold for 5 years to see if it shifts to positive for employment...MO...GL on your future...research :-)

I have looked into it, I actually plan on going on to dental school with my hygiene bachelors, so I am not planning on going on into the workforce with my bachelors. I just want to know if anyone knows if they got in yet. But thanks so much, and I will continue doing my research.

Kay in Atlanta, Georgia said: I have looked into it, I actually plan on going on to dental school with my hygiene bachelors, so I am not planning on going on into the workforce with my bachelors. I just want to know if anyone knows if they got in yet. But thanks so much, and I will continue doing my research.

Hi Kay, It sounds like you are an organized individual...I would strongly recommend skipping DH and go straignt into a Dental School program...talk with the schools you are interested in or are interested in YOU! Having a DH B.S., is O.K., but spending less and going for DA certification, will give you IMO, more knowledge of the Dr.'s procedures, etc. and/or Chem or Bio or Bio-Chem B.S. degree. DH is expensive, by going for another degree it might save you a few $$$$$. GL! P.S. SEE what the Schools like to have there candidates have as an undergrad degree...save $$$!

lucy in Valdosta, Georgia said: yes i had a plan b and c....and those have both sent letters of acceptance but I really wanted to go to MCG, I def think the fact that they are accepting just a small group makes me scared about my possibilities, so much competition.

Well that's good that you've got something to fall back on just in case. I had thought about applying to Darton, but I just really want my Bachelor's degree in DH. I know it doesn't make any difference really, I guess its just a personal matter. So unfortunately, MCG is the only program I applied to for this round. Congratulations on your acceptances though! You're one step closer than I am :)

Lauren_B in Climax, Georgia said: Well that's good that you've got something to fall back on just in case. I had thought about applying to Darton, but I just really want my Bachelor's degree in DH. I know it doesn't make any difference really, I guess its just a personal matter. So unfortunately, MCG is the only program I applied to for this round. Congratulations on your acceptances though! You're one step closer than I am :)

Hi, Have you been reading the many threads here? It's alot of money to spend and not recoup when you're done and have a license. Please , read threads of recent grad's and even students (who are NOW being told of the job market)...jobs? Where are they, can you live on a day to day, hours (possibly cut back) and alot lower salary than you are told by schools, the BLS, online articles...THEY ARE NOT IN TOUCH WITH THE DH SITUATION. Please, really research...it's alot of $$$. GL

Lisa in Hiram, Georgia said: Hey, I am just about to enter into the DHY program at West Central Tech in Douglasville, I am having a really tough time finding a student loan. Does any one have any advise on where I could find scholarships or what ever. I am not too concerned with paying for my tuition and books. (I have HOPE for that). But it is my living expenses that I will need help with. Once I start the DHY program, I will have to leave my full time job so that I may concentrate on my studies.

Hey Lisa! I have an interview for the DHY program at West Ga tech this Thursday. Could you tell me some of the questions they may ask me? I'm a little nervous and I want to be prepared!! -Danielle

exp in Seabrook, New Hampshire said: Hi, Have you been reading the many threads here? It's alot of money to spend and not recoup when you're done and have a license. Please , read threads of recent grad's and even students (who are NOW being told of the job market)...jobs? Where are they, can you live on a day to day, hours (possibly cut back) and alot lower salary than you are told by schools, the BLS, online articles...THEY ARE NOT IN TOUCH WITH THE DH SITUATION. Please, really research...it's alot of $$$. GL

I completely agree...graduated 3 years ago...took a year to find a job and that was part time then took another 6 months or so to find another part time job. Then my part time that provided the most hours cut my hours last fall from 3 days to 1. i have steadily been looking for a full time job. some of the girls that graduated the year after me haven't even found a job yet and some of the ones that graduated with me have gone into different career fields and i myself am thinking of going back to school for nursing due to the job market in all areas. please don't believe the hype. In school i was totally commited to doing dental hygiend and believed with all my heart that it was the best thing for me...but if i knew then what i know now i would have spent that time and money towards another degree. sorry, i know that alot of ya'll don't want to hear this. but it is the TRUTH.

Bri in Norman Park, Georgia said: I completely agree...graduated 3 years ago...took a year to find a job and that was part time then took another 6 months or so to find another part time job. Then my part time that provided the most hours cut my hours last fall from 3 days to 1. i have steadily been looking for a full time job. some of the girls that graduated the year after me haven't even found a job yet and some of the ones that graduated with me have gone into different career fields and i myself am thinking of going back to school for nursing due to the job market in all areas. please don't believe the hype. In school i was totally commited to doing dental hygiend and believed with all my heart that it was the best thing for me...but if i knew then what i know now i would have spent that time and money towards another degree. sorry, i know that alot of ya'll don't want to hear this. but it is the TRUTH.

Thank you for posting the truth on here as a young grad. Many of us are very concerned that all these excessive private DH schools out there are convincing potential students that DH is great to ge tin and that there are tons of jobs. That is NOT THE TRUTH....and it is sad to see so many with minimal hours to work.

Bri in Norman Park, Georgia said: I completely agree...graduated 3 years ago...took a year to find a job and that was part time then took another 6 months or so to find another part time job. Then my part time that provided the most hours cut my hours last fall from 3 days to 1. i have steadily been looking for a full time job. some of the girls that graduated the year after me haven't even found a job yet and some of the ones that graduated with me have gone into different career fields and i myself am thinking of going back to school for nursing due to the job market in all areas. please don't believe the hype. In school i was totally commited to doing dental hygiend and believed with all my heart that it was the best thing for me...but if i knew then what i know now i would have spent that time and money towards another degree. sorry, i know that alot of ya'll don't want to hear this. but it is the TRUTH.

Hi Bri, Sorry to hear of your sit. it is happening for many , myself included...There is a lady named Angela from Oklahoma that says that OK is doing fine with DH's, good pay, etc...I don't know where she is getting her information, but she seems to feel that OK is fine. I don't think she is a DH yet, but plans to go to school shortly. I posed ?'s to her on another thread...look for her answers...if OK is doing fine, you might want to look into that state...IMO I still feel that ALL states are having a tough time...it seems Ca and Ok people think it's not happening in their states....???

I have a FT dental hygiene job (as has been stated FT is rare) here in MN that I have had for years but I have been watching the market and listening to these poor new grads that now have a useless degree. Some of them just keep looking for a job but most seem to have gone back to school for training in a different field. It is just sad how they have flooded the market. If I lost my job I wouldn't even bother to look for another hygiene job I would go back to school for something else

Has anyone gone through the Georgia Perimeter DH program? What is it like?

dlj in Elk River, Minnesota said: I have a FT dental hygiene job (as has been stated FT is rare) here in MN that I have had for years but I have been watching the market and listening to these poor new grads that now have a useless degree. Some of them just keep looking for a job but most seem to have gone back to school for training in a different field. It is just sad how they have flooded the market. If I lost my job I wouldn't even bother to look for another hygiene job I would go back to school for something else

Wow...that is really well said...."if you lost your job, you wouldn't even bother to look for another hygiene job, you'd just go back to school for something else".... sadly, this is what it has come to. I am sad to see so many DHs with no or minimum work.

Krystal in Grovetown, Georgia said: I am in my second semester in the MCG dental hygiene program. It is pretty intense at times and very competitive (they only accept 20 students a year). Your GPA is pretty good, they also look at your math and sciences GPA. I would also recommend taking microbiology and be sure to be done with all your pre-reqs before you even attempt to apply. As for a typical day... well there arent any typical days really. Some days we go 8-5 some only from 8-12. If you have any more questions feel free to ask. Good luck and I hope you get accepted.

I'm applying to MCG for the fall 2012 denatl hygiene program. I know the program is hard but I guess I'm a little scared as to how hard it is. I don't want to get kicked out. How are the classes? I only have a 3.2 GPA so I am a little worried if my GPA is good enough. How much weight does the entrance essay hold?

The classes can be challenging, but they are do-able. I havent heard of anyone getting kicked out because they couldnt pass. I would not worry about that. I thought there were only a few that were really hard, and the rest were pretty easy, but not everyone felt that way (but we all passed). Depending on who applies and what their GPA is, will determine if you will be accepted. A 3.2 is not bad at all. I dont think the essay holds that much weight. Good luck!