The Dental Hygiene Program emphasizes foundational sciences—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.. Graduates are eligible for licensure after completing an ADA-accredited program and passing both the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and a clinical exam, in compliance with state dental practice acts. 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.
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.
Note: 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, selection, and pre-testing criteria is available at:
https://howardcollege.edu/academics/health-professions-programs/dental-hygiene/
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.
Prerequisites
Prior to admission into the Dental Hygiene Program, applicants must have successfully completed 16 hours of required prerequisite courses with a final grade of “C” or above.
Prior to admission 30 hours of observation is required. Verified work experience in a dental office does not count as observation hours
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. Progression in the Dental Hygiene Nursing program is contingent upon successful completion of dental hygiene courses with a minimum grade of 75 (considered a “C” in the dental hygiene program). The student MUST maintain a 2.5 overall GPA. The student MUST attain and maintain minimum competencies in all laboratory and clinical skills.
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