Program Requirements
This is the minimum GPA required to apply to the Dental Hygiene Program, though a 3.0 or higher is preferred.
2.75
True or False: UMKC and transfer students must submit separate applications to the Dental Hygiene Program.
What is False? There is only one application for all students.
True or False: Dental Hygiene interviews are conducted in person.
False: Interviews are done via Zoom (online).
True or False: Prerequisite courses must be completed before submitting your application.
What is False? They need to be completed before starting the program if accepted.
True or False: Dental Assisting is a requirement of the application
A dental assisting experience is not required but can be helpful.
True or False:UMKC School of Dentistry requires the Official Admission Test for Dental Hygiene (ATDH) as part of the admissions process.
False-UMKC SOD does not require an admissions exam.
True or False: The Dental Hygiene Program has only one application deadline.
What is False? There are two deadlines: October 1 (priority) and December 1 (final).
True or False: We interview double the amount that we accept into the program.
True! We interview 60 applicants and only accept 30.
True or False: Applicants must already have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree to apply to the program.
What is False? Applicants need to be on track to complete one of these degrees to fulfill general education requirements.
True or False: A Biology course completed in 2017 will count toward the prerequisite requirements.
What is False? Prerequisite courses over 5 years old must be retaken.
True or False: Shadowing and community service hours require a signature for verification in the Dental Hygiene application.
False--The program relies on the honor code instead.
True or False: Letters of recommendation should be emailed directly, and the program requires 3 letters.
What is False? References must upload letters through the application portal, and 3 letters are required.
This is the total length of the current Dental Hygiene interview.
40 minutes total.
True or False: You can include shadowing or community service hours from more than three years ago, such as those from high school, on your application.
What is False? Experiences should generally be within the last three years.
True or False: You can use a family member as a letter of reference if their background is in dentistry.
What is False? Letters cannot be from family or friends, regardless of their background.
Applicants must complete 60 hours of shadowing, 60 hours of community service, and this range of leadership experiences.
3 to 5 leadership experiences.
How long is the personal statement?
500 words!
What non-verbal behavior can hurt your interview score?
Avoid negative body language like crossed arms, lack of eye contact, or fidgeting.
True or False: Reapplying to the Dental Hygiene Program after an initial rejection hurts your chances and looks bad to the admissions committee.
What is False? Reapplying shows resilience and dedication, and the program welcomes reapplicants.
True or False: Earning a C in a science prerequisite course is acceptable for the Dental Hygiene Program.
We typically expect grades of A’s and B’s in the five required prerequisite science courses. Since only a few courses are factored into your GPA, even one C can have a significant impact on lowering it.
Name all 9 required prerequisite courses for the dental hygiene program.
Anatomy
Physiology
Chemistry
Biology
Microbiology
Public Speaking
College Algebra
Sociology
Psychology
True or False: You can add shadowing experiences to your application after submitting it.
What is False? Once submitted, you cannot update your application with new experiences.
True or False: The interview now focuses more on ethical scenarios and problem-solving questions rather than personal experience stories.
What is True? The format is now scenario-based, emphasizing “what would you do” questions.
Acceptance letters may begin going out in late March or early April.
False! Acceptance notifications will go out in early February.
If you have technical issues submitting your application, who should you contact?
Contact UMKC admissions or help desk for technical problems. Don't contact Deja. She can't see your application until its submitted.