Dental Hygiene ETDs

Publication Date

Summer 7-15-2024

Abstract

The study evaluates the admission criteria of entry-level dental hygiene programs in the United States and their relationship to National Dental Hygiene Board Examination (NDHBE) success rates. An online survey was distributed to 327 programs, gathering data on admission criteria and NDHBE outcomes through a 16-question Microsoft Forms survey. With a response rate of 16% (53 respondents), the survey found that GPA was the most common admission criterion used by 92% of programs. The results indicated a strong negative correlation between high school GPA and NDHBE success. The study also evaluated NDHBE pass rates with board review courses taken. The study also revealed that graduates from 2021 and 2022 had a negative correlation between board review courses and student's success rate on the NDBHE. Further research with a larger sample size is recommended to explore the impact of non-cognitive criteria on student success.

Degree Name

Dental Hygiene

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Dental Medicine

First Committee Member (Chair)

Robin Gatlin

Second Committee Member

Christine Nathe

Third Committee Member

Justine Ponce

Language

English

Keywords

Admission criteria, Dental hygiene, Program Admission, National Dental Hygiene Board Examination

Document Type

Thesis

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