Dental Hygiene, BSDH

The following steps must be taken to complete the admissions process for the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BSDH):

1. Admissions Application

Complete and submit the official admissions application. Any fraudulent response in the application form will result in automatic disqualification, acceptance will be revoked, and dismissal from the Program.

      2. High School Diploma or GED                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Along with the application, present a copy of the applicant’s high school diploma/transcript, or have the applicant’s high school send a copy of their diploma or                 official transcript directly to Eastern International College.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Recipients of a State Equivalency Diploma (GED) must submit a copy of the transcript of their test results with the application. Applicants whose secondary                          education was in a country outside the United States must obtain a written official evaluation of transcripts showing equivalency from their native country, using an            approved evaluating company, such as World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE).  Official electronic transcripts (e-transcripts) are              accepted.

       3. HESI (A2) Test. HESI validity is one year and must be taken in EIC                                                                                                                                                                   Take the entire HESI test in a single session. The HESI Test is used to assess students’ competencies and readiness for entry into the Dental Hygiene program.                       The exam has been shown to help predict the likelihood of student success in the Dental Hygiene program. Specifically, the exam tests students across several                   academic domains and shows a personality profile used to help identify each applicant’s learning style. Below is an outline of the exam:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        ● Reading Comprehension – Presents reading scenarios to measure reading comprehension tests for skills such as identifying the main idea, finding the meaning of             words in context, demonstrating passage comprehension, and making logical inferences.

● Vocabulary and General Knowledge – Contains vocabulary that is commonly used in the English
language, as well as that of which is specific to the healthcare field.
● Basic Math Skills – Centers on math skills needed for the healthcare field, including: basic addition;
subtraction; multiplication; fractions; decimals; ratio and proportion; household measures; and
general math facts.
● Anatomy & Physiology – Includes general medical terminology and anatomical structures and
systems.
● Learning Style – Assesses the preferred learning style of the prospective applicant and offers test –
taking and studying tips suited to that learning style.
● Chemistry – Covers the basic concepts of composition, structure and properties of substances and the
transformations they undergo.                   

         A student is allowed to take the HESI no more than three times a year with at least two weeks in between each attempt. The HESI exam must be taken in             EIC. If a student retakes the HESI, the higher cumulative score will be considered.
         A $60.00 fee is charged per attempt for the HESI A2 Admissions Assessment. This is paid by the applicant prior to enrollment.

       4.  Essay
           Submit a personal statement in response to an essay question drafted by the Chair of the Dental Hygiene program. 

       5. Proof of Citizenship/Legal Status
           Submit documentation to show legal status if not a citizen of the United States. 

       6. Interview
           All applicants selected for admission based on their entire application package will have a personal interview with the Dental Hygiene Admissions Committee. 

         HESI-A2 Exemption for Foreign Educated Dentist and Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)/Licensed Dental Assistant (LDA)

1. Foreign Educated Dentist                                                                                                                                                                                                                Applicants who hold foreign dentistry degrees, such as Bachelor of Dentistry, Bachelor of Dental Science, Bachelor of Science in Dentistry, and Bachelor of Medicine in Dental Medicine, are exempt from taking the HESI-A2 test. A copy of the transcript indicating conferment of the degree must be submitted.                                                                                                                                            
2. Registered Dental Assistant/ Licensed Dental Assistant
   Registered Dental Assistants/Licensed Dental Assistants are exempt from the HESI-A2 entrance requirement. The applicant must submit an unexpired copy of the RDA or LDA license                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

       Policy on Conditional Admission to the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BSDH) Program Based on the HESI Scores             (Effective Fall 2025)

        Applicants to the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BSDH) program who achieve a HESI Admission Assessment (HESI-A2) score between 60% and 69.99% may            be considered for conditional admission. However, the following conditions must be complied with: 

        1. No transfer credit will be accepted for the basic science courses (BIO 101, BIO 102, BIO 111, CHE 101)                                                                                                                                                              
        2. The applicant must complete all required basic science courses (BIO 101, BIO 102, BIO 111, CHE 101) at Eastern International College while enrolled in the BSDH                  program.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
        3. Transfer credits for English, math and general education courses follow the standard transfer credit policy for the BSDH program following grade and HESI score                  requirements for English and math.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
        4. All standard course requirements and academic policies will apply to these students without exception. This policy ensures that all students admitted under                        conditional status receive consistent academic preparation aligned with the program’s standards.

         Transfer Credit for Foreign Educated Dentist and Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)/ Licensed Dental Assistant (LDA)                                                                          The HESI-A2 score requirement for transfer credits for English, math, Anatomy and Physiology, and chemistry is waived, but must comply with the other                               requirements (e.g., grade of “C” or better, five years for  A&P, etc)

          Health Requirements, Drug Screen, and Criminal Background Check. Students admitted to the program must have a physical examination and health clearance            done by their Healthcare Provider. Complete physical examinations, certified verification of a negative criminal background check through Castle Branch, and a                  drug screen that verifies negative results are required prior to registration for Introduction to Dental Hygiene (DH 100) and subsequent classes

        The student will be given a physical examination form to be completed. This form requires:

        ● Physical examination with the complete medical history
        ● Two-step tuberculosis test (An additional single-step tuberculosis test will need to be repeated prior to commencing second-year clinical activities.)
        ● Lab tests
        ● Current titers for:
        ● Rubella
        ● Rubeola
        ● Varicella
        ● Updated immunization for tetanus (within ten years)
        ● Hepatitis B immunization or written declination (signed waiver on file)
        ● Polio
        ● Flu Vaccine
        ● Tetanus and Diphtheria

To meet the mandatory requirements of our affiliate agencies, all dental hygiene students must annually document proof of medical/health insurance. Insurance may be obtained through the College. An updated Mantoux test will also be required yearly. Malpractice insurance is required to take your licensing boards and is available through the College. Appropriate fees are charged upon registration for dental hygiene courses. All Dental Hygiene students must hold a valid CPR healthcare provider card throughout the entire period of the program.

Applicants to the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program should be aware of the following:

Licensure Eligibility:  Completion of the dental hygiene program, including all board exam requirements, does not guarantee eligibility for licensure. The New Jersey Board of Dentistry has strict requirements regarding criminal background checks and drug screening results.                   

Background Checks & Drug Testing:
– Applicants with a positive drug test or a criminal record may be ineligible for licensure as a dental
hygienist in New Jersey.
– It is the applicant’s responsibility to verify their eligibility for licensure directly with the New Jersey Board of Dentistry.

Program Completion vs. Licensure:
– The dental hygiene program complies with all rules and regulations set forth by the NJ Board of Dentistry and the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
– Students may complete the academic and clinical requirements of the program, but the school cannot guarantee that graduates with prior offenses or drug-related issues will be granted a dental hygiene license.

Recommendation: Applicants with concerns about their background should consult the Board before enrolling to avoid investing time and resources into a program that may not lead to licensure.

*Applicants to this program must follow program-specific criteria listed below. Each applicant will be interviewed and given a tour of the College by his/her assigned admissions representative. Information gathered during this meeting will be presented to the Campus Director for review. If said review results in a positive recommendation, the applicant is encouraged to proceed with the appropriate application process.