The education of the dental hygienist emphasizes the basic sciences including microbiology, chemistry, pathology, anatomy, and physiology. Other components of the curriculum develop the clinical skills of the dental hygienist ultimately preparing dental hygienist to provide preventive dental health services to the public. A dental hygienist is eligible for licensure after graduating from an educational program accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation and upon successful completion of both a written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and a clinical examination. The licensed dental hygienist practices in accordance with the requirements of individual state dental practice acts.
This program is based in Big Spring
The Dental Hygiene Program at Howard College is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, and has been granted the accreditation status of approval without reporting requirements”. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation and by the United States Department of Education.
Admission Criteria
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
- Official transcript from each college or university attended
- Verified work experience in a dental office or 30 hours of observation
- 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 or PSYC 2314 )
- Introductory Sociology (SOCI 1301 )
- Public Speaking (SPCH 1315 )
- Language, Philosophy, and Culture OR Creative Arts Elective
- A program application must be completed on-line (www.howardcollege.edu) by February 1 of the year applying. Address completed Howard College Dental Hygiene paper application to: Howard College Dental Hygiene, 1001 Birdwell Lane, Big Spring, TX 79720.
Promotion/Graduation Policy
The student MUST receive a MINIMUM grade of “C” in EACH support (non-dental hygiene) course as well as EACH dental hygiene course. The student must maintain a 2.5 overall GPA. 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, click on the Dental Hygiene Program costs link.
