A recently signed agreement allows Grand Rapids Community College Dental Hygiene students to transfer more of their credits to the University of Detroit Mercy.
Under the transfer partnership agreement, GRCC students who have completed the Associate of Applied Arts and Sciences in Dental Hygiene may count up to 96 credits – instead of the standard 63 – toward Detroit Mercy’s Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene.
“This is an excellent opportunity for our Dental Hygiene graduates to be able to complete their bachelor’s degree and save an additional 33 credits – ultimately saving them valuable time,” said Jamie Klap, director of GRCC’s program.
Saving time on completing the bachelor’s degree will contribute to filling workforce demand. According to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, the need for dental hygienists is expected to grow a faster-than-average 7% through 2032, with about 16,400 openings annually.
Taylor McNeill, a clinical instructor and co-director of dental hygiene admissions for Detroit Mercy, noted that under the transfer agreement, GRCC students would need only 30 credits to meet the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.
“With this new agreement, we have the opportunity for GRCC AAAS Dental Hygiene alumni to continue their education to earn the bachelor’s degree as quickly as possible,” McNeill said. “Typically, students who are in this program are able to take online and asynchronous courses to complete their education.”
GRCC’s three-year Dental Hygiene program prepares students to take the Dental Hygiene National Board exam and Michigan’s regional licensing exam. To learn more, email dental@grcc.edu or call (616) 234-4349. More information about Detroit Mercy’s degree completion program can be found online or by emailing dentalhygiene@udmercy.edu.