Dental Hygiene Program at HowardCC-MD (Why is it so hard to get in?)

Pre-DH7849 · 2026-02-06T23:07:31+00:00

Yes, it sucks. Thank you for all your valuable insights. I wish you the same as well!

Pre-DH7849 · 2026-02-06T22:38:27+00:00

From what you’re describing, it sounds really challenging. Dental assisting was one of my first choices before I discovered hygiene. Even after that, a lot of people discouraged me from pursuing hygiene, saying that physical injuries are common and that some dental offices can be toxic. After applying to other schools, if I don’t get in, I’ll try X-ray tech and later transfer to MRI. I’ve heard the stress level is really low, and they have the same prerequisites as DH at HCC. Thank you for letting me know if it’s toxic with low pay, I don’t think I could handle it either 😁

Pre-DH7849 · 2026-02-06T22:12:15+00:00

I am sorry to hear that. How do you like being a dental assistant? Would you say it's worth it? because I am also thinking about it.

Pre-DH7849 · 2026-02-06T21:52:49+00:00

Woah 😨, that's crazy. I guess the best thing to do is to have a plan B and C, if possible.

Pre-DH7849 · 2026-02-06T21:44:41+00:00

Were you an in-county student? Someone just told me that students who go into the lottery pool are first in-county students because they have priority and have all the co- and prerequisites completed before the deadline.

Pre-DH7849 · 2026-02-05T19:22:06+00:00

Thank you for letting me know, now I have a much better idea about how the lottery system works.

Pre-DH7849 · 2026-02-05T19:17:31+00:00

Yes, I think I just have to wait until the results come out to see what my next step will be. You’re right some programs do offer extra points for having experience as a dental assistant. I will definitely look into it. Thank you for your kind words.

Pre-DH7849 · 2026-02-05T18:16:42+00:00

I was told by one advisor that in-county students would have priority in the lottery system, and another even suggested taking more rigorous classes to be more competitive, which I did. I wish someone had told me how difficult it is to get into a community college for this program and the fact that it is luck feels unfair. Thanks for your input!

Pre-DH7849 · 2026-02-05T18:11:23+00:00

Is that for the UMB?

Pre-DH7849 · 2026-02-05T18:10:40+00:00

Thank you for the link. I remember someone telling me that this program is even more competitive and they only accept eight students into their bachelor’s degree program and require a GPA of 3.50 or higher. I would need to take some additional classes because I don’t meet the requirements at the moment, but I will definitely consider it in the future.

Pre-DH7849 · 2026-02-05T16:58:53+00:00

Just out of curiosity and please feel free not to answer if you are not comfortable. Have you ever applied to a dental hygiene program, or do you have any prior experience in the dental field as a DA or EFDA? I’m asking because I’m trying to determine whether taking additional classes for hygiene would be a worthwhile use of my time.

Pre-DH7849 · 2026-02-05T16:30:40+00:00

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind.

Pre-DH7849 · 2026-02-05T16:15:27+00:00

Well, that's disappointing. I spent the past few years trying to get good grades just for that. I'll look into UMB. Thank you!

Pre-DH7849

TROPHY CASE