Entry-Level Track

Application Process

Application period is from October 1 to February 1 of each year.

Step 1 – Apply for Admission to Foothill College 

Step 2 – Talk with a Counselor at Foothill College Counseling Department

Step 3 – Complete Prerequisites and a CSU or IGETC GE pattern 

Step 4 – Order Official E-Transcripts and send directly to Foothill College Admissions and Records at fhtranscripts@fhda.edu

Step 5 – Submit an Application to the Dental Hygiene Program

• Application Instructions (please read carefully prior to applying)
• Application Sample
• Work Experience Certification 

Selection Procedure

Admission policy

It is based on criteria approved by Foothill College and consistent with State and Federal law, regulations, and program accreditation guidelines. Primary admission criteria include completion of prerequisite courses with a grade “C”or better, a minimum GPA of 2.75 or higher in the required biological sciences (anatomy and physiology, microbiology, nutrition and pharmacology), a cumulative college GPA of 2.50 or higher for all colleges attended, and compliance with the technical standards stated in the application.

Placement into the Program

A point system is used to determine which students will be placed into the class. Points are awarded for grade point averages, grades in biological sciences courses (anatomy and physiology, microbiology, nutrition and pharmacology), and dental experience. The top 30 qualified applicants with the highest point totals will be offered provisional acceptance into the program.

All other qualified applicants are put on the Alternate List. Positions on the Alternate List are assigned in order from highest to lowest points total. If a student who has been placed in provisional acceptance decides not to accept placement into the program, the next alternate on the list will be offered a place in the program. 

Applicants who accept the provisional position will register for DH 50 (Orientation to Dental Hygiene) for summer quarter. Final acceptance into the program is based on their final grade percentage in DH 50 at the end of the 4 week summer quarter.  The 24 applicants with the highest points are given final acceptance into the program.  The remaining 6 students are placed on an alternate list for fall.  

Notification Timeline

Final provisional selection is made during March of each year, and all applicants will be notified by email of provisional acceptance or non-acceptance no later than April 1.

No Wait List

The Foothill College Dental Hygiene Program does not have a wait list.  Applicants who have previously applied, and wish to reapply, must submit the current application each year.