Best 15 Dental Hygienist Schools In Texas – USA
Students interested in health care have several exciting options, including dental hygiene. Therefore, enrolling in one of the best dental hygienist programs in Texas – USA is a fantastic decision. Many overseas students come to the United States so that they can attend one of the many excellent dental hygiene schools in Texas.
Dental hygienists play a crucial role within the dental team, as they actively engage with patients through tasks such as teeth cleaning, oral disease examination, x-ray procedures, and supplementary dental care. The role of a dental hygienist in the public health sector, especially, oral health is enormous and hence, becoming a dental hygienist in Texas can be a great career choice.
In the subsequent sections of this post, a comprehensive list of the best dental hygiene schools in Texas – USA will be discussed. Also, important information regarding the career outlook, dental hygienist programs, dental hygiene training, dental hygiene courses, dental hygiene curriculum, dental hygiene school requirements, dental hygiene licensure, dental hygiene certification and other Frequently asked questions about Dental hygiene, will be discussed.
This will aid prospective students in making well-informed decisions regarding their future education and subsequent career path in general oral health.
How To Become A Dental Hygienist In Texas
Dental hygienists collaborate closely with dentists to provide patients with comprehensive oral health care and preventative services. To work as a dental hygienist in Texas, you are going to need to get the appropriate level of schooling and pass the relevant certification exams. The following are the Four Major Steps to becoming a dental hygienist in Texas.
1. Complete A Degree Program
Getting a bachelor’s degree in related programs is the fundamental step to becoming a dental hygienist in the United States. Among the dental hygiene courses taught are – radiography, physiology, anatomy, pathology, medical ethics etc.
These dental hygiene courses and other ones are covered in the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) designed curriculum. The CODA curriculum was designed to cut across four major areas – general Studies, Biomedical Sciences, Dental Sciences and Dental Hygiene. Getting a degree from any of the over 200 CODA-accredited institutions for Dental Hygiene is the first step to becoming a dental hygienist.
2. Obtain A Practicing License From The State
To practice as a hygienist in Texas or any other state in the United States, you must get a licence from the state before entering the workforce. Get in touch with the Texas Board of Dental Examiners for further information about the prerequisites. Although the dental hygienist prerequisite requirements may differ from state to state, many states mandate that you:
- Obtain a diploma from any of the CODA-accredited institutions
- Pass grade on the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations’ (JCNDE) National Board Dental Hygiene Exam.
- Successfully pass a clinical boards test at the state or regional level
With these steps completed, you are going to get a practising license to practice as a dental hygienist.
3. Go For Further Training
Similarly to dentists, dental hygienists must do continuing education to keep their certifications current. The courses ensure that they are always aware of the most recent developments in the field of oral health. A master’s in dental hygiene might be helpful if you’re interested in doing research, teaching, or working in administration.
4. Update Your Resume and Apply For Job Openings
Upon obtaining licensure as a dental hygienist, it is advisable to revise and enhance one’s resume by incorporating the recently acquired proficiencies, practical expertise, and educational background. Once you have done this, start sending out your applications for jobs.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Dental Hygienist/Dental Assisting School In Texas
The selection of an educational institution to obtain the necessary qualifications to pursue a career as a dental hygienist is a decision of utmost significance. While Texas offers numerous programmes, selecting an educational institution that provides comprehensive resources conducive to achieving academic success is of paramount importance.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Dental Hygienist/Dental Assisting School In Texas may encompass
- Flexible course scheduling options
- Availability of online learning opportunities
- Convenient clinical placements
- School’s academic strength
- Duration of the dental hygiene program
- Kind of Dental Hygiene Degree Are You Interested In
- Cost of Tuition of the Dental Schools
It is advisable to exercise discernment when selecting a dental hygiene programme in the state of Texas, as doing so is likely to yield favourable outcomes.
How Long Does It Take To Complete A Dental Hygiene Program In Texas?
Below is the estimated dental hygienist school duration for completing a dental hygiene program in Texas.
- Associate 20 – 30 Months (11/2 years – 3 years)
- Bachelor’s 48 months (4 years or more)
- Mater’s 12 – 24 months (1 – 2 years)
Cost Of Dental Hygiene School In Texas
Dental hygiene programmes in Texas vary greatly depending on whether you are attending an institution in Houston, Dallas, or anywhere else in the state.
Dental school tuition in Texas ranges from about $3450 per year to almost $150,000 per student.
Asking the question How Much Will I Spend Attending Dental Hygiene Schools in Texas? Here is a breakdown of the approximate cost of obtaining a degree in dental hygiene in Texas.
- Bachelor’s Degree ($15,000 – $72,000)
- Master’s Degree ($20,000 – $66,000) and
- Associate Degree ($3,000 – $40,000)
What Is The Dental Hygienists’ Job Outlook?
According to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS), it is projected that the employment rate for dental hygienists will experience a growth of 9% by the year 2031, surpassing the average growth rate observed across all occupations. On average, there is an estimated annual projection of approximately 16,300 job vacancies to accommodate the replacement of workers who either transition to alternative occupations or exit the labour force.
What Is The Average Salary For A Dental Hygienist In Texas?
The average salary of a dental hygienist is subject to fluctuations contingent upon factors such as proficiency level, geographical location, and employment classification. According to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary of a dental hygienist in the United States as of May 2021 is $77,810, equivalent to an hourly wage of $37.41.
Where Can I Work As A Dental Hygienist?
The majority of dental hygienists are employed by general dentists or dental specialists. Based on data provided by the United States Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS), it can be observed that a significant majority, specifically 94%, of individuals are employed within dental offices. Additionally, individuals may secure employment opportunities within public health agencies, hospitals, community health clinics, public schools, dental schools, and dental hygiene education programmes. Certain individuals opt for careers in doing research, teaching, or working in administration with a master’s degree. Others opt in for sales within dental instruments and product firms.
Dental Hygienist Schools Accreditation in Texas
The body responsible for the accreditation of Dental Hygiene Programs in the United States is the Commission on Dental Accreditation CODA. It is the only body approved by the United States Department of Education for accreditation of Dental Hygiene schools.
Related: 15 Best Dental Hygienist Schools in Florida, USA
What Are The Best Dental Hygienist Schools In Texas
The following information provides a comprehensive overview of the best dental hygienist schools in Texas. Additionally, the dental hygienist programs prerequisites in Texas, and admission requirements for these institutions are outlined, equipping prospective students with the necessary knowledge to initiate their search for suitable dental hygiene programs in Texas.
Although, in alphabetical, the following are the best 15 dental hygienist schools in Texas. You can choose to study in any of them.
1. Amarillo College
Amarillo College provides a high standard of dental hygiene education. The dental clinic located on campus offers dental services to individuals residing in the nearby community for ten months annually. The experiential learning opportunity provided to students enables them to refine their professional skills through hands-on practice with actual patients, resulting in significant benefits. This makes it one of the top dental hygienist schools in Texas.
2. Austin Community College
The Dental Hygiene Programme at Austin Community College provides cutting-edge instruction in the diagnosis, management, and prevention of oral health problems, as well as patient education and health promotion. This programme leads to an Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene, which will provide you with marketable skills and practical experience for a career as a dental hygienist.
3. Blinn College
The Dental Hygiene Programme at Blinn College is among the very best dental hygienist programme in the whole of Texas. Blinn College’s oral hygiene program follows a competitive-entry process, wherein 14 students are accepted for enrollment during the Fall semester.
Upon successful fulfilment of the requirements of this two-year curriculum, students will be awarded an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Dental Hygiene. This credential will grant them eligibility to undertake the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination as well as a regional or state clinical board examination.
4. Coastal Bend College
The objective of the Dental Hygiene Programme at Coastal Bend College is to promote optimal oral health for all persons and to provide them with the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve and maintain that health. The programme is based on the American Dental Association Accreditation Standards for Dental Hygiene Education, which ensures that students learn the skills they need to provide quality oral health care to the public in an ethical manner.
5. Concord Career College – Dallas, Grand Prairie & San Antonio
The Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene programme, accredited by CODA, provides students with a comprehensive education in the scientific principles, professional expertise, and practical abilities necessary to assist individuals in maintaining optimal oral and general health.
With three campuses, the Corcord Career College is one of the best dental hygienist schools near you. You can locate it from every point in Texas or the United States. It has consistently ranked among the best dental hygiene programs in Texas as well as the whole of the United States
6. Del Mar College
The Dental Hygiene Programme at Del Mar College is a 24-month long course that begins every August and ends every May. Students in their first semester of dental hygiene school learn not just from classroom lectures but also by practising instrument manipulation on each other and x-ray skills on dental mannequins.
In the second semester of their first year in the Dental Hygiene Programme, first-year students begin providing care to actual patients. Throughout the rest of the curriculum, students will continue providing care to patients.
7. El Paso Community College
The Dental Hygiene programme at the El Paso Community College takes two years to complete and has a highly selective admissions process. Students in the Dental Hygiene programme take general education courses, electives, and clinical rotations in the dental and biological sciences. Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Board, State, and/or Regional Board Examinations for Registered Dental Hygienist licensure after completing this programme.
8. Howard College
The primary objective of the dental hygiene faculty at Howard College is to assist every student in attaining their academic and professional aspirations. The curriculum has been intentionally designed to prioritise the development of critical thinking skills in students, with the ultimate goal of equipping them with the necessary confidence to successfully transition into the workforce. The dental hygiene training programme provided by the college is a two-year associate degree programme.
9. Lone Star College-Kingwood Dental Hygiene
The primary objective of the Lone Star College-Kingwood Dental Hygiene programme is to cultivate proficient graduates who possess a high level of technical expertise, astuteness, and effective interpersonal communication abilities, thereby enhancing their value as employees and contributors to the community.
10. Midwestern State University
At the Midwestern State University, the dental hygiene programme provides the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene (BSDH. The American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation (ADA CODA) has granted the MSU Dental Hygiene Programme accreditation. The objectives of the Dental Hygiene Department align closely with Midwestern State University’s mission of education and community engagement, aiming to make positive contributions to society both professionally and personally.
11. Temple College
Students in the Dental Hygiene programme learn the skills they’ll need to become frontline oral health care providers. This enables them to advocate for better dental health via preventative, curative, and educational measures. Through the cultivation of academic and clinical abilities, critical thinking skills, communication competence, and civic duty, the programme aids students in realising their full potential. Within a framework of classroom instruction and clinical practice, our curriculum covers the basics of the biological sciences, dentistry, and dental hygiene.
12. Texas A&M University
Ranked by many as number one on the list of the best dental hygienist schools in Texas, the primary objective of the Caruth School of Dental Hygiene at Texas A&M University is to train individuals in the field of preventive oral health. These professionals are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to deliver educational, clinical, and therapeutic services that contribute to overall well-being by promoting optimal oral health.
13. Texas State Technical College
Students in the Texas State Technical College Dental Hygiene programme learn to evaluate patients’ mouths and teeth. Taking X-rays and doing simple dental health exams are additional skills you’ll acquire. Students will counsel patients on how to improve their dental and general health through better cleanliness, nicotine replacement therapy, and diet. The accreditation status of “approval without reporting requirements” has been conferred by the Commission on Dental Accreditation to the dental hygiene programme.
14. Texas Woman’s University (TWU)
Texas Woman’s University (TWU) provides comprehensive training to dental hygiene graduates, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue diverse career opportunities. These options include but are not limited to patient care, public health initiatives, research endeavours, educational roles, and entrepreneurial ventures.
15. Tyler Junior College
Tyler Junior College provides three distinct programmes in the field of Dental Studies, namely Dental Assisting, Dental Hygiene Associates Degree, and Dental Hygiene Bachelor’s Completion Programme. Although assistants and hygienists may appear to have similar job titles, their roles and responsibilities differ significantly.
Other schools in the list of the Best Dental Hygienist Schools in Texas Include
- Baylor College of Dentistry Component of Texas A&M Health Science Center
- Coleman College for Health Sciences – Houston Community College System
- Collin County Community College
- Dallas College
- Lamar Institute of Technology
- Pima Medical Institute
- Tarrant County College
- The University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston – School of Dental Hygiene
- University of Texas Health Science Center-San Antonio School of Health Professions
- Wharton County Junior College
Conclusion
You can visit the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners to see a full list of accredited programs to learn more about accreditation, licensing and practice of dental hygiene in Texas.
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