Policies

Selection of applicants is made on a competitive basis and equal opportunity is offered to all applicants who meet the entrance requirements.

Preference is given to applicants who are legal residents of Mississippi. Out-of-state applicants will be considered only if there are positions available after all qualified Mississippi applicants are accepted.

General information

• Technical standards
  • The School of Dentistry has established essential functions and technical standards of students for enrollment in the Dental Hygiene educational program.
• Background checks
  • Mississippi law requires all health care workers, including students, to have completed criminal history background checks. All UMMC students who will participate in patient care activities will be required to successfully complete a criminal history background check, including fingerprinting, prior to beginning clinical activities. Students will receive information about the UMMC process for completing the criminal history background checks from their respective schools. Be advised that a felony conviction may affect a graduate's ability to sit for certification, registration, or licensure examinations. Affected applicants should contact the appropriate certification, registry or licensure agency or organization.
• Physical examination/TB skin test
  • All students must have a physical exam prior to admission which includes a tuberculin skin test. Annual tuberculin skin tests may be obtained from Student Employee Health at UMMC. If a tuberculin test is obtained from another health care provider, the student must provide evidence of valid test results to the Student Employee Health office annually.
• Immunizations
  • Dental hygiene students, while treating patients, have the potential to be exposed to blood, blood products, tissues, and body fluids. The department maintains compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Bloodborne Pathogens Standards; Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) infection control policies. Copies of the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29CFR, 1910-1030) are distributed to all entering students and discussed within the curriculum. As part of the compliance policies, proof of immunizations for MMS are required of all students, unless exempt. Check with the Office of Enrollment's Office for exemptions. In addition, students must provide proof of hepatitis B vaccination. Prior to summer admission, students must have had at least one of the three hepatitis B injections. Also, as noted above, annual TB tests are required.
• Flu Vaccination Requirement
  • The University of Mississippi Medical Center has established a mandatory flu vaccine program effective October 1, 2014. It is the responsibility of outside institutions to assure vaccination of their students and faculty participating in activities on UMMC campuses prior to beginning assignments during influenza season. Acknowledgement of vaccination or declination for religious or medical reasons will be ascertained through UMMC's Affiliated Student Process. Failure to comply with this policy will result in banning of the non-UMMC student(s) and faculty from all UMMC campuses during the influenza season.
• Health Insurance
  • All students attending the University of Mississippi Medical Center must show proof of health insurance coverage. Students may complete a waiver showing coverage already obtained or may enroll in the group plan offered by the Medical Center.
  • For more information on this requirement, refer to the UMMC Bulletin or Student Accounting.
  • Any questions should be directed to the Office of Student Accounting at 601-984-1060.

Test of English as a Foreign Language

Since verbal and written communication skills are vital to success in the academic programs in the School of Dentistry, applicants whose native language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination and to demonstrate competence in written and spoken English. Information on the TOEFL examination may be obtained from the Educational Testing Service, Princeton, NJ 08540.

Disclaimer

Prospective students should contact the Office of Enrollment or the School of Dentistry for current information regarding application information, prerequisites, program requirements, or tuition and fees.