Dental hygienists work as a part of the dental team in private dental offices, clinics, and public health facilities to promote oral hygiene and prevent oral diseases. They provide a range of services that include teeth cleaning (prophylaxis), oral assessments to detect early signs of disease, interviewing patients to collect dental and medical history, patient education, community support and counseling, radiography, and application of sealants and fluoride.
The dental hygienist may be considered a principal oral care professional in the prevention of dental diseases. Their emphasis is on disease prevention and the promotion of oral health. The dental hygiene program will instill this key principle, so graduates will be prepared to encourage clients to implement healthy lifestyles as dental health is distinctly related to general health. Dental hygienists are vital members of the dental team in private practices, public health, mental health facilities, and schools.
Houston Community College
The Dental Hygiene program at Houston Community College prepares adults to become a registered dental hygienist (RDH). Students will acquire knowledge and skills that will enable them to work competently in dental offices, dental clinics, and other settings. They must complete the general education courses that will set the foundation for the core dental hygiene courses. The comprehensive curriculum includes theory and clinical practice activities conducted at Coleman College for Health Sciences. Courses include Dental Radiology, Preventative Dental Hygiene Care, Anatomy and Physiology, Orofacial Anatomy, Histology, & Embryology, Dental Hygiene Care, Dental Materials, Microbiology for Non-Science Majors, Periodontology, Introduction to Ethics, Community Dentistry, General Psychology, and Interpersonal Communication. Interested persons must complete the prerequisite courses before applying to the program.
Program overview:
Dental Hygiene Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 2 years
Credit hours: 68
Prerequisites:
- Must have an accredited high school diploma or High school Equivalency certificate
- Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade C or better – Introduction to Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology I (Lecture and Lab), Composition I, Introduction to Sociology
- Take and pass the HESI exam
- Schedule and attend a personal interview
- Submit a completed application for admission to HCC
- Must be able to read, write, and speak English
Program cost:
Tuition costs $1,020 per semester for in-district students who complete 12 credits per semester. The cost of books, fees, and supplies must be added. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
Website: https://www.hccs.edu/finder/programs/dental-hygiene—aas/
Address: 3100 Main Street, Houston TX 77002
Phone: 713-718-2000
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
The Dental Hygiene Program at UTHealth School of Dentistry (UTSD) at Houston leads to a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. The school also offers an RDH-to-BSDH that lets dental hygienists with an Associate of Science degree upgrade their credentials. Another pathway the Post-Degree Certificate in Dental Hygiene for candidates with a degree in another discipline. The dental hygiene training prepares students for entry-level employment in dental care. The school’s nationally recognized faculty and the state-of-the-art facility provide an ideal environment for learning. Students will practice the skills acquired in the classroom in the renowned Texas Medical Center where they will collaborate and learn from other members of the dental team. Coursework includes Oral Disease Prevention, Dental Anatomy, Head and Neck Anatomy, Oral Histology and Embryology, Dental Radiology, Dental Emergencies, Periodontology, Applied Nutrition, and Pharmacology. Classes meet Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Applicants must complete 62 credit hours of prerequisite courses before applying to the program.
Program overview:
Dental Hygiene Bachelor of Science
Duration: 4 semesters
Credit hours: 66 (not including the 62 credits of prerequisites)
Prerequisites:
- Must have an accredited high school diploma or High school Equivalency certificate
- Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade C and a GPA of 2.5 or better – English Composition I & II, Speech, College Math, Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II, Chemistry, Microbiology, General Psychology, Sociology, US History, Texas Government, Humanities, Nutrition, Visual Performing Arts, and Computer Science with Lab
- Submit a completed application at least one year prior to the program start date
- Submit transcripts and supporting documents to the school’s Registrar
- Must have a minimum of 20 hours of shadowing experience with a dental hygienist
- Take and pass the Health Science Reasoning Test (HSRT) as part of the application process
- Complete the Texas Success Initiative (TSI)
- Submit three letters of recommendations – two from professors and one from an employer
- Submit TOEFL scores if applicable
Program cost:
The program cost of $11,166 includes tuition, books and supplies, and required fees.
Website: https://dentistry.uth.edu/students/dental-hygiene/
Address: 7500 Cambridge St., Houston, TX 77054
Phone: 713-486-4000
Email: utsd@uth.tmc.edu
Lone Star College
The dental hygiene program offered by Lone Star College-Kingwood is among the first in Texas to offer dual enrollment with Texas Woman’s University. The program leads to an Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene through Texas Woman’s University. Students will take the BS courses consecutively with the Lone Star College dental hygiene and graduate with the AAS and BS degree at the end of two years. Courses include but are not limited to Principles of Sociology, Composition and Rhetoric I, Preclinical Dental Hygiene, Preventative Dental Hygiene Care, Dental Radiology, Medical Microbiology, General Psychology, Pharmacology for Dental Hygienist, Dental Materials, Interpersonal Communication, General and Dental Nutrition, and Introduction to Ethics. Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and regional clinical board examinations for licensure through the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.
Program overview:
Dental Hygiene Associate of Science
Duration: 2 years
Credit hours: 68
Prerequisites:
- Must have an accredited high school diploma or High school Equivalency certificate
- Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade C and a GPA of 2.5 or better – Introduction to Chemistry, Composition and Rhetoric I, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Principles of Sociology
- Must be at least 18 years old at the time of application
- Attend a mandatory information session
- Submit a completed application for admission to Lone Star College
- Submit transcripts and supporting documents to the school’s Registrar
- Must have a minimum of 20 hours of Dental Hygiene Observations
- Take and pass the Health Science Reasoning Test (HSRT)
- Complete an application to the Dental Hygiene program online
- Attend an interview with a designated representative
- Complete a background check
- Must maintain CPR certification throughout the program – CPR for Health Care Providers from the American Heart Association
- Provide proof of current immunizations including MMR, tetanus, hepatitis B, and negative TB skin test
Program cost:
Tuition and fees cost $2,805 for in-district students. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
Website: https://www.lonestar.edu/programs-of-study/dental-hygiene-aas.htm
Address: 20000 Kingwood Drive, Kingwood, TX 77339-3801
Phone: 281-312-1600
PIMA Medical Institute
PIMA dental hygiene program helps students develop professional skills to function as entry-level dental hygienists in the field. The curriculum includes theory, lab skills, and clinical experiences that emphasize the practice of ethical and comprehensive care through the application of established dental hygiene standards. Course modules include Communication and Composition, Microbiology & Immunology, Dental Anatomy, Introduction to Dental Hygiene, Head & Neck Anatomy, Medical Emergencies, Preclinical Dental Hygiene, Radiology, Biomaterials, Periodontics, Pharmacology, Restorative Lab, and Dental Health Promotions. Graduates will be eligible to take the state exam to become a licensed dental hygienist. They will be able to use their developed skills to analyze and apply research and promote the principles of dental health.
Program overview:
Dental Hygiene Associate of Science
Duration: 5 semesters
Credit hours: 68
Prerequisites:
- Must have a minimum 2.5 GPA on all prerequisite courses – Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Microbiology
- Must have a minimum composite score of 19 and a minimum reading score of 18 on the ACT
- The hepatitis B series must be completed before January 1st of the freshman spring semester
- Must be at least 18 years of age by the graduation date
- Complete the TSI status
- Must have completed 2 semesters of high school chemistry with a minimum grade C or 4 hours of college chemistry
- Complete the corequisite courses – English Composition, Introduction to Psychology, Fundamentals of Speech, Introduction to Sociology
- Complete a criminal background and drug screening
- Deposit $125 to secure a position
- Must maintain CPR certification throughout the program – CPR for Health Care Providers from the American Heart Association
- Attend a mandatory orientation
Program cost:
The cost of the program is $67,418. It includes tuition, textbooks, lab supplies, uniforms, and tax.
Website: https://pmi.edu/programs/associate/dental-hygiene
Address: 11125 Equity Drive, Suite 100, Houston, TX 77041
Phone: 800-477-PIMA
Wharton County Junior College
The nationally accredited dental hygiene program at Wharton County Junior College educates students to assume entry-level employment in the field. The program stands as the first accredited dental hygiene program offered by a community college in Texas. The curriculum combines general liberal arts courses with dental core courses that will give students a solid foundation and enable them to provide a range of dental hygiene services. Courses include Preventative Dental Hygiene, Dental Hygiene Practice, Pharmacology for the Dental Hygienist, Clinical Dental Hygiene, Applied Community Dentistry, Dental Radiology, Periodontology, and Community Dentistry. Graduates of the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board accredited program will be eligible to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, a Regional Board Examination, and the Texas Jurisprudence examination for licensure. Applicants must have a strong background in the sciences. The school recommends at least 4 hours of college chemistry with a minimum grade C.
Program overview:
Dental Hygiene Associate of Science
Duration: 23 months
Credit hours: 90
Prerequisites:
- Submit a completed application for admission
- Provide verification of completing high school with the application package
- Applicants under 18 years of age must obtain written approval from a parent or guardian
- Schedule and attend a meeting with a PIMA representative
- Take and pass the entrance exam
- Complete a background check
- Must maintain CPR certification throughout the program – CPR for Health Care Providers from the American Heart Association
- Provide proof of current immunizations including MMR, tetanus, hepatitis B, and negative TB skin test
Program cost:
The projected cost of the program is $12,500 in-district. It includes tuition, used books, supplies, uniforms, shoes, and fees.
Website: https://www.wcjc.edu/Programs/allied-health/dental-hygiene/index.aspx
Address: 911 Boling Highway, Wharton, Texas 77488
Phone: (979) 532-4560