Due to recent changes implemented by the BDEA at the February 13, 2026, Board meeting the following Hepatitis B vaccination series protocol is as follows and effective for the 2026-2027 Alabama Dental Hygiene Program applicants.
ADHP Clinical Participation
Before any clinical participation of a student enrolled in the ADHP is allowed, one of the following conditions (1), (2), or (3) must be satisfied:
- Documentation of a positive Hepatitis B (HBV) surface antibody titer;
- Proof of completion of any CDC-accepted Hepatitis B vaccination series (e.g., 2-dose or 3-dose schedules) and the results of a Hepatitis B surface antibody titer;
- Documentation of chronic HBV infection.
Titer results shall not affect an applicant’s enrollment eligibility, nor wiII it result in any restriction imposed by the BDEA or ADHP. If a student lacks a positive titer prior to the commencement of clinical activities, the student will be required to have a second CDC-accepted Hepatitis B vaccination series, followed by another titer. If the student still lacks a positive titer, the student will be documented as a non-responder. (It is recommended for this option, to take the two (2) dose Heplisav B vaccination series which must be completed 4 weeks between doses, followed by a titer 4 weeks AFTER the series is completed. It takes a minimum of 8 weeks total for both parts to be completed. The three (3) dose series takes a minimum of seven months to complete with the additional wait time of one month before a post series titer can be administered.)
Number 1, 2, or 3 must be complete before going to any ADHP clinical activities. It is highly recommended that you get a Hepatitis B titer immediately after submitting your application to allow time for completion of a new series and post titer (as defined above), if applicable, as there might be a loss of program tuition.
These Board changes were necessary to be compliant with state and national law.
