Dental Assisting
Admission Procedure
Admission Application Period
View the Application Dates and Deadlines page for the Medical Assisting Program admission application period.
Criterion for Acceptance
Qualification is based on achieving the required Compass Reading score of 74 or higher on the placement test and scores received from a scheduled personal interview. Selection is based on total qualifying scores in rank order from the highest score until the quota is met.
Admission Procedures
Step #1 : Complete the Dental Assisting Program Readiness Check.
If you intend to apply for the Select Admission Dental Assisting Program, complete the Dental Assisting Program Readiness Check form to see if you qualify for admission.
Step #2 : Attend a mandatory information session before the application deadline.
See the KCC News & Events calendar for dates and times available. The schedule may also be obtained from the Health Sciences Department office.
At the information session you will learn more about the career pathway, program, curriculum, admissions, and application requirements. For academic advising and support, visit a counselor on walk-in WEDNESDAYS from 9:00-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m. in Kauila 122.
Step #3 : Submit the UH Systems Application Form before the application deadline.
The System Application Form (SAF) is available for download. See "UH System Admission Forms" under the "Forms" section.
Submit a “University of Hawai’i System Application Form” if you are: (a) new applicant to the UH system (b) graduating high school student (c) returning student (d) international student (e) transfer student not attending a UH system college or university (f) active duty U.S. Armed Forces
The College requires tuberculosis (TB) and Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) clearance for registration approval.
The Application form is also available in the Kekaulike Information and Service Center (KISC), Ilima 102.
Step #4 : Submit the compass reading test by the application deadline to determine your qualification.
Submit a copy of your COMPASS Reading score to the Program Director or Health Sciences Counselor in Kauila 122.
Qualifying COMPASS Reading score (74 or higher) must be obtained before submitting an application. The results of a placement test are valid for two years. You may retake a placement test after 120 days, but not more than twice in one semester.
Computerized COMPASS testing is available on a walk-in basis during most of the year. Test results are received immediately upon completion of the test. Testing sites are available at all UH community colleges. For more information, see COMPASS Placement Testing under the "Related Links" section.
Step #5 : Develop an academic action plan with a Health Sciences counselor
On Walk-in Wednesdays, you may seek advising to develop an academic action plan with a Health Sciences counselor using a “student issued copy” of your COMPASS Reading Score and/or transcript(s)/records. To register online, see "MyUH Registration" under the "Related Links" section.
Step #6 : Submit the DENT Application Packet to a Health Science counselor by the application deadline
Pick up and complete the DENT Application Packet in Kauila 122 by application deadline. The Application Packet is available in the “kiosk” during Health Sciences office hours from 8:00-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m. The packet is available Monday through Friday, except state holidays. The application packet is not available on-line. Neighbor island and U.S. mainland students may request the application packet be sent by mail from the Health Sciences department.
Submit the completed DENT Application Packet to a Health Sciences counselor on Walk-In Wednesdays from 9:00-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m. Your program application will be reviewed with you during the application period. The DENT Program application includes the (a) DENT Application Checklist (b) Application for Selective Admission Program (ASAP form)
NOTICE: Health care students are required to complete University prescribed academic requirements that involve clinical practice in a University affiliated health care facility setting with no substitution allowable for the completion of required clinical practice. Failure of a student to complete the prescribed clinical practice shall be deemed as not satisfying academic program requirements. It is the responsibility of the student to satisfactorily complete any background checks and drug testing that may be required by the affliated health care facility to which he/she is assigned for clinical practice in accordance with procedures and timelines as prescribed by that affiliated health card facility.
Step #7 : Letter of application status and interview notification.
Qualified applicant will receive a letter of application status and interview appointment. Qualified applicants must reconfirm their interview appointment with Health Sciences secretary at 734-9270 by deadline stated on letter. All students who are not selected are encouraged to seek support for future acceptance from the Program Director or a Health Sciences counselor.
Step #8 : Notification of acceptance to the program.
Following the interview, accepted students will receive an Acceptance Letter and Packet from the Program Director about the Orientation and Advising Sessions. The application packet includes information about an Orientation and Advising Session, health forms and technical standards information. You may apply for financial assistance at the Financial Aid Office (See the "Related Links" section for more information).
Step #9 : Accepted students attend a program orientation and advising session.
An orientation and advising date will be assigned by the Program Director for all new DENT majors. At Orientation, the Program Director will review the DENT Program Handbook. You will be advised about the courses to enroll in for the Fall semester.
Complete and return your health forms to the Program Director by the first week of the semester.
Pay for your liability insurance at the Business Office (Ilima 101). Books may be purchased at the KCC bookstore the same day.
Step #10 : Register online and pay your tuition.
You will register for your DENT courses on-line. To register online, go to http://myuhportal.hawaii.edu and follow the instructions to login. Payment may be made on-line or at the cashier’s office (Ilima 102).
Step #11 : Complete the keytrain pre-assessment and lessons.
The KeyTrain Program equips students with work skills to prepare for job entry. New DENT majors will participate in a session for KeyTrain program. Students will complete the KeyTrain pre-assessments by the designated deadline. Students can begin and complete the KeyTrain “lessons” to improve their “skill gaps” of the job profile.
