Mar 28, 2024  
2013-2014 Catalog 
    
2013-2014 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Dental Hygiene, AAS


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This program in Dental Hygiene is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation and by the United States Department of Education.

Admission into the program is based on a point system that takes into consideration several factors:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age upon graduation from this program
  • Minimum college GPA of 2.5 out of a 4.0 scale
  • Howard College admission application
  • Dental Hygiene admission application
  • College or university transcript(s) (OFFICIAL)
  • Work experience in dental office or 30 hours of observation (verified)
  • Completion (“C” or higher) of the following courses is required prior to acceptance:

Completion (“C” or higher) of the following courses is recommended prior to acceptance:

  • English Composition (ENGL 1301 )
  • General Psychology (PSYC 2301 )
  • Introductory Sociology
  • Computers
  • Humanities
  • A program application must be completed on-line (www.howardcollege.edu) by February 1 of the year applying. Address completed Howard College paper application to: Director of Dental Hygiene, Howard College, 1001 Birdwell Lane, Big Spring, TX 79720.

Promotion/Graduation Policy

The student MUST receive a MINIMUM grade of “C” and maintain a 2.5 overall GPA in EACH support (non-dental hygiene) course as well as EACH dental hygiene course. The student must attain and maintain minimum competencies in all laboratory and clinical skills.

Liability Insurance

Dental hygiene students are required to purchase liability insurance prior to the beginning of clinical laboratory experience. Arrangements to purchase insurance at a reduced group rate will be made through the Howard College Business Office in conjunction with the payment of other required fees.

Additional Cost

Dental hygiene students must also purchase an instrument kit and uniforms through the department. For information on current estimated costs for these items, contact the Director of the Dental Hygiene program.

First Summer Session


(Prerequisite Courses)

Second Summer Session


(Prerequisite Courses)

First Year


First Semester


Total: 12


Second Semester


Total: 12


Summer Session


Total: 6


Second Year


Total Hours in AAS Degree (including Prerequisites): 67


*Co-requisite courses
Courses marked with * are considered co-requisite courses. Please see Dental Hygiene Student Policies regarding co-requisite course guidelines.
1 Course may be articulated through an approved high school Tech Prep agreement.

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