Dental hygienists work with patients to clean teeth, examine for oral diseases, take x-rays, and provide additional dental care. Texas stands as one of the best states for dental hygienists in terms of salaries and opportunities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental hygienists earn a median salary of $77,8210 per year, and with a mean salary of $75,970 in Texas. Employment of dental hygienists is expected to grow 11% between 2020 and 2030, much faster than the average rate. This growth is expected to add 23,100 new dental hygienist positions across the nation.
Texas Woman’s University
Texas Woman’s University is one of the few universities in Texas to offer an accredited bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene. Students can complete the program in just two years (including summer terms) after completing the prerequisite courses. They will participate in the experiential learning activities at TWU’s Dental Hygiene Clinic. Course topics include community oral health, periodontology, risk assessment and preventative dentistry, oral radiology, preclinical dental hygiene therapy, pharmacology for the dental hygienist, dental materials, periodontal disease, applied evidence-based research, alternative dental hygiene practice, senior seminar, and oral health worldview. The school maintains small class sizes with accessible, knowledgeable and supportive faculty. Graduates will receive a BS in Dental Hygiene and be prepared to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and the Clinical State Board Exam to apply for a license to practice through the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.
Program overview:
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
Duration: 4 years
Semester credit hours: 121
Prerequisites:
- Complete the HESI A2 admission test within 12 months of applying – submit score report with application
- Apply for admission to TWU
- Must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
- Must be in good academic standing with the university last attended
- Complete the prerequisite coursework with a grade C or higher before applying to the program – Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Nutrition, Statistics, English Composition
- Must complete 57 credit hours of undergraduate coursework before entering the program in the summer semester
- Must have a knowledge of professional ethics and the dental hygienist’s role in healthcare
- Attend a personal interview – by invitation only
Program cost:
Tuition costs $234 per credit hour for resident (in-state) students and $642 for those out-of-state. The cost for fees, books, supplies, and uniforms are additional.
- Website: https://twu.edu/
- Address: 304 Administration Dr., Denton, TX 76204
- Phone: 940-898-2000
Austin Community College
Austin Community College’s Dental Hygiene Program prepares students to function as a dental hygienist to educate patients in the control and prevention of oral diseases. Students will train
in a state-of-the-art facility where they will learn to identify, treat, prevent, and educate patients on oral diseases to improve their health. Applicants must declare General Studies in Pre-Health Sciences Associate of Science degree as their major until official acceptance to the program. The courses are part of the structured curriculum and are offered only one time per year. Successful completion of one semester is required before progression to the next. Course topics include nutrition and diet therapy, anatomy and physiology, preventative dental hygiene, dental radiology, orofacial anatomy, histology and embryology, introductory chemistry, dental materials, dental hygiene care, periodontology, community dentistry, general and oral pathology, dental hygiene practice, and applied community dentistry. Graduates will receive an Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene degree and have job-ready skills and real-world experience to assume a position as a dental hygienist in a variety of settings.
Program overview:
Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene
Duration: 2 years
Semester credit hours: 68
Prerequisites:
- Apply for admission to ACC
- Must declare General Studies in Pre-Health Sciences Associate of Science degree as major until official acceptance to the program
- Attend an information session before applying to the program
- Complete the immunization requirements before application
- Provide proof of health insurance
- Complete a satisfactory criminal background check
- Complete a satisfactory drug screen
- Must have current CPR American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Provider
- Submit a completed health data form
- Provide verification of annual tuberculosis status
- Must have health insurance during specific semesters
Program cost:
Tuition costs $85 per credit hour for resident (in-state) students and $286 for those out-of-state. The cost for fees, books, supplies, and uniforms are additional.
- Website: http://www.austincc.edu/
- Address: 5930 Middle Fiskville Rd., Austin, Texas 78752
- Phone: 512-223-700
Blinn College
The Blinn College Dental Hygiene Program leads to an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Dental Hygiene. Students will learn in the classroom and will also have the opportunity to attend to patients in the school’s dental hygiene clinic. These practical learning opportunities will be directed by a general dentist and dental hygiene faculty. Course topics include community dentistry, orofacial anatomy, histology, and embryology, preclinical dental hygiene, dental radiology, preventative dental hygiene care, dental materials, general and oral pathology, pharmacology for the dental hygienist, general and dental nutrition, and applied community dentistry. Graduates are eligible to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and a regional/state clinical board examination. The competitive-entry program accepts only14 students each Fall semester.
Program overview:
Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene
Duration: 2 years
Semester credit hours: 68
Prerequisites:
- Apply for admission to Blinn College
- Must meet the requirements of the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Assessment or be exempt
- Submit a completed Dental Hygiene Program Application
- Submit a completed Community Service Log Form to the Dental Hygiene Office
- Submit all official transcripts with the dental hygiene application
- Complete the ATI-TEAS for Health Sciences
Program cost:
Tuition costs $85 per credit hour for resident (in-state) students and $286 for those out-of-state. The cost for fees, books, supplies, and uniforms are additional.
- Website: https://www.blinn.edu/#
- Address: 902 College Avenue, Brenham, TX 77833
- Phone: 979-830-4000