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 the 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.
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 the United States Department of Education.
Criminal Background Investigation
Applicants to the Dental Hygiene Program must successfully clear a criminal background investigation if selected to the program. Applicants unable to clear may be required to submit for a criminal history evaluation conducted by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners to determine eligibility for licensure. This evaluation will take a minimum of 90 days. Additional information is available at https://tsbde.texas.gov/licensing/criminal-history-evaluation/.
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 transcripts from each college /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:
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 purchase an instrument kit and uniforms through the department. Students will also be required to purchase additional supplies throughout the program. For information on current estimated costs for these items, click on the Dental Hygiene Program costs link.
