Lincoln Memorial University - College of Dental Medicine
- Tennessee
- Entry Level
- In-Person
- lmunet.edu
Program Contact
1705 Saint Mary Street.
Knoxville, TN 37917
Lincoln Memorial University College of Dental Medicine (LMU CDM) Dental Hygiene program is designed to prepare the student to practice as a licensed dental hygienist. A graduate of the program is eligible to take the National Dental Hygiene Board Examination (NBDHE), and a regional or state dental hygiene board examination. Upon successful completion of the NBDHE and regional or state clinical dental hygiene board examination may apply for state dental hygiene licensure.
The online application for the LMU CDM Dental Hygiene Program will be open from October 26, 2023, until March 15, 2024, for the academic school year beginning August 2024.
The program annually recruits a first-year class to begin in the Fall term. The program is comprised of general education courses, dental hygiene courses, and clinic practice as well as hands-on experience at many specialty clinics, offering students a wide variety of patient experiences, intraprofessional (dental and dental hygiene students) joint courses, and shared clinical care of patients further broadens the dental hygiene student learning experiences.
Dental hygiene students are taught by dental and dental hygiene faculty who are committed to quality comprehensive holistic patient care which prepares students to be competent healthcare providers. In addition, students are taught to work with other healthcare professionals through interprofessional educational classes and experiences.
Research also plays a role in the student’s educational experience at LMU CDM. Students are encouraged to explore topics in the areas of social, behavioral, and evidence-based science.
The student must purchase program-specific scrub uniforms, clinic-acceptable shoes, instrument kits, RDH handpieces, curing lights, and books. There are required fees for tuition graduation, student activity fees, clinical and national board exams, and licenses.
Students are required to obtain and maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA on a 4.0 grading scale in general education and required prerequisites. In addition, a 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 GPA grading scale for required science courses. Once admitted into the dental hygiene program each core course must be taken in sequence. Failure to maintain the required GPA will result in dismissal from the program. The general education coursework is acceptable from any regionally accredited college. The dental hygiene core courses and clinical practice are offered on the LMU CDM campus and at approved community-based clinical education sites. A minimum of 98.4 credit hours is required for graduation.
The LMU CDM Dental Hygiene program has limited enrollment due to clinical facilities and accreditation standards. Each applicant must meet specific criteria which are listed in the admission policies. T
The LMU CDM Dental Hygiene program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). The commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education.
Program Information
| Program Type | Entry Level |
|---|---|
| Teaching Method | In-Person |
| Degree Awarded | Associate |
| Program Size | 30 |
| Program Length | 21 Months |
| Application Deadline | March 15, 2024 |
| Program Start Date | August 12, 2024 |
| Credit Hours Required to Graduate | Minimum 98.4 |
| Supplemental Application | No |
| Supplemental Fee | No |
| Accepts International Students | No |
| Supports Student Visa | No |
| Program Website | lmunet.edu |
Application Requirements
Required Standardized Tests
- ACT
- SAT
Other Standardized Tests
Direct Freshman Entry students must take either the ACT or SAT for proper placement in prerequisite courses. Please see the LMU CDM Dental Hygiene website for further explanation.
Prerequisite Instructions
Students must have taken the seven prerequisite courses from an accredited institution to qualify for entry via this pathway. Prerequisites and recommended courses align with those of the previous path.
A a minimum, science GPAs of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale are required. Applicants must report both a science and a cumulative GPA over 3.00 (although >3.25 will be generally competitive) on a 4.00 scale.
Letters of Evaluation Instructions
Two letters of recommendation are required. It is preferred letters be written by a healthcare professional or a science professor. Letters written by immediate family members will not be accepted. Letters must be sent directly to the program.
Other Requirement Instructions
Complete 16 hours of documented observation/shadowing hours of a Registered Dental Hygienist.
A 300-word essay describing why the applicant chose the dental hygiene career path.
An interview with the dental hygiene admissions committee.
Applicants must pass the LMU-CDM criminal background check.
Applicants must be drug-free, as evidenced through LMU-CDM required drug testing (completed upon offer of admission).