Application Packets must be submitted online.

The Admission Guidelines document outlines the admission requirements in detail. It has been designed to easily guide you through the application process.

Application Period

April 15, 2025 to June 15, 2025 @ 11:59 p.m. Applicants selected will begin classes in August 2025.

Conditional Acceptance Requirements

  • Accepted as a student at Tyler Junior College
  • Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
  • All of the following five sections of the HESI A2 Exam must be completed (only one retest allowed per application year):
    • Math
    • Reading
    • Vocabulary and General Knowledge
    • Anatomy and Physiology
    • Chemistry
  • Students are encouraged to take the following courses to gain extra points on their application:
    • BIOL 2404: Anatomy & Physiology-recommended
    • BIOL 2401: Anatomy & Physiology I or BIOL 2402: Anatomy & Physiology II may be substituted for BIOL 2404. (*Bonus points will be determined by one course with the highest grade)
    • HPRS 1201 and HPRS 1105-Introduction to the Health Professions.
    • ENGL 1301 – Composition I
    • HITT 1305 – Medical Terminology I
      • One bonus point will be awarded for a “B” or better for each course completed

Science courses must have been completed in or after 2020.

Submitting Your Application

Documents Necessary to Complete the Online Submission Form

Before clicking the “Online Submission Form”, make sure the necessary documents have been completed and saved in a PDF format for uploading. Submit the following forms:

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all necessary documents outlined in the Guidelines for Admission are completed and submitted, including any additional supporting documentation, through the Online Submission Form.

Online Submission Form

The Certified Dental Assisting Program is a selective admissions program. This means applicants need to submit all of the above-mentioned forms in order to be considered for admission into the program. All documentation must be submitted online. Application documentation will not be accepted via mail, fax, or in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Application Process

1. Use a current worksheet for each application year.

2. If signature issues occur, try a different browser.

3. Immunization records are only required after acceptance.

4. Criminal history: Request an evaluation from the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.

5. Reapply to TJC if not enrolled for more than 2 semesters.

6. Letters of recommendation are not accepted.

7. Licensed RDAs don’t receive extra points.

8. General education courses can be completed after acceptance, but prior completion is recommended.

9. Check with admissions for in-district residency status.

10. Resubmit transcripts only if new coursework was completed.

11. Submit a Verification of Good Standing form if previously in a health science program.

HESI Exam

1. Can use scores from the Dental Hygiene application.

2. Can be taken anytime

3. Submit all HESI scores with each application.

4. Study resources available online and in books.

5. Check the TJC testing center for current pricing.  Learn more about the testing services here.

6. Scores earned on each section convert to points on Admissions Worksheet.

7. Must be a TJC student with an “A” number to take HESI.

Selection Process

1. Top 24 applicants selected based on Admissions Worksheet points; alternates may be offered spots.

2. No prerequisites; need a 2.0 GPA and TJC student status.

Notification and Next Steps

1. Selected students notified by TJC email after the deadline.

2. Limited time to respond and complete required forms.

3. If selected, complete third-party compliance requirements.

4. Attend onboarding sessions in July and August.

5. BLS certification required; training provided.

Dental Hygiene Program Transition

Applying to the Dental Hygiene Program after CDA

1. For Current CDA Students:

  • If enrolled in the CDA program in the spring semester
    • Receive 2 admission points toward Dental Hygiene application

2. For CDA Program Graduates:

  • Must complete the CDA program, pass all DANB exam sections, and obtain a CDA license
    • Receive 4 admission points toward Dental Hygiene application
  • Eligible for course exemptions if accepted to the TJC AAS Dental Hygiene program

3. Course Exemptions:

  • Only applies to graduates within the last two years
  • Can replace two courses with Credit by Exam (DANB):
    • DHYG 1304 – Dental Radiology
    • DHYG 1219 – Dental Materials

4. Important Note:

  • CDA license holders who did not graduate from TJC’s CDA Program must take both DHYG courses mentioned above

Online Submission Form