Parallel Plan

For my parallel plan, I will be looking into two other dental hygiene schools.

The first school that I would plan on applying to is Virginia Commonwealth University. The application Deadline for this school is February 1st. The contact information that is listed on their website is a phone number: 804-828-9096 and an email address: dhinfo@vcu.edu. In the application I have to list all prerequisite courses, my overall GPA of 2.5 or higher, and my math and sciences GPA of 2.7 or higher. The grades of my prerequisite courses should be a “C” or higher letter grade. I have to complete an online application through ADEA DHCAS. All my transcripts must be sent to ADEA DHCAS. Additionally, I will need to request two letters of evaluation. Then I can submit the application.

The second school that I would plan on applying to is the University of Louisville. The application deadline is January 15th. Their contact information listed is a phone number 502-862-5081. For this school, because I am not enrolled, I would have to apply for undergraduate admissions. I have to declare dental hygiene as my major when applying, submit transcripts, and submit my SAT scores. I also have to apply online via ADEA DHCAS. I have to submit my transcripts on this site. My cumulative GPA should be 2.8 or higher. Plus, I should have a letter grade of “C” or higher in science courses. On top of the application, I must complete 20 hours of shadowing a dental hygienist. Three letters of recommendation are required. One from a science instructor, one from any instructor, and one personal or supervisor reference. I would also be required to complete Altus Suite, which is a two-part online assessment of non-cognitive skills and interpersonal characteristics. Lastly, I would have to compose a personal statement and attach a resume. Interviews will be conducted. If offered enrollment, I will need to comply with a background check and complete all required coursework.

Additional classes that I would have to take for Virginia Commonwealth University include: Biology, Precalculus mathematics, and a speech course. For the University of Louisville, I would need to take Biology. In order to gain professional experience in this area of study, there are a few things that I could do. One of them being shadowing, not just a dental hygienist, but other job positions. Whether it be the dentist, dental assistant, or dental receptionist. I could also work over the summer as a dental assistant. This way I am not only gaining professional experience, but I will have hands-on experience, rather than just observing.