Best Dental Hygiene Schools In Austin Texas: One of the most important decisions you can make is choosing a school where you can get the education you need to become a dental hygienist. While there are dozens of Dental Hygiene Schools in Austin Texas, not all of them provide you with the quality education that will best prepare you for your career.
It’s important that you choose Dental Hygiene Schools in Austin Texas that offers you everything you need to succeed, whether that includes flexibility in your course schedule, access to online courses, clinics in locations that don’t require long commutes, and more.
Be very discerning when choosing a dental hygiene program in Texas and you are sure to see great results.
Are There Dental Hygiene Schools In Austin Texas?
Austin Texas students who wish to pursue a dental hygienist education can do so at a variety of schools in the state.
Most programs offer an associate’s degree, but at least one school offers a four-year bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene. Admission requirements may include a background check, drug screening and/or CPR certification.
All programs include clinical or practical elements. The bachelor’s program is available in an online track for those with a two-year degree in dental hygiene.
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How Much Do Dental Hygiene Schools Cost In Austin Texas?
Tuition will vary depending on the course, academic needs and place of residence. There will be differences between in-state, out-of-state, or fully online students.
Most dental hygienist programs in Texas offer an associate degree, but there is at least one four-year program. Admission requirements may include a background check, drug screening and/or CPR certification.
Tuition and fees for 2018-2019 2-year programs:
- Amarillo College: $2,136 in-district, $3,168 in-state, $4,704 out-of-state
- Austin Community College District: $2,550 in-district, $10,830 in-state, $13,020 out-of-state
- Blinn College: $2,832 in-district, $4,200 in-state, $8,040 out-of-state
- Collin County Community College: $1,504 in-county, $2,884 in-state, $4,864 out-of-state
- Del Mar College: $2,729 in-district, $4,029 in-state, $5,334 out-of-state
- El Paso Community College: $3,010 in-state, $4,858 out-of-state
- Houston Community College System: $1,632 in-district, $3,360 in-state, $3,756 out-of-state
- Lone Star College: $1,600 in-district, $3,880 in-state, $5,200 out-of-state
- Tarrant County College: $1,661 in-county, $3,132 in-state, $7,560 out-of-state
4-year programs:
- Texas Woman’s University: $7,796 in-state, $17,756 out-of-state
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What Are The Requirements For Dental Hygiene Schools In Austin Texas?
Dental hygiene programs in Texas typically last two years. Because training involves many hours of clinical experience, there are no online programs.
According to the US Department of Education, there are 26 programs in the state of Texas. Of these, 23 are public (including five 4-year universities), and the rest are private institutions.
Almost all of them are accredited by the American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation. However, you must confirm this with the college before submitting any application.
When it comes to reviews of these schools, CollegeTimes.co and SchoolsReview.com provide the most independent opinions.
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What Are The Best Dental Hygiene Schools In Austin Texas?
Cost and time are two things you should consider before choosing a school. You can work as a dental hygienist with an associate’s, bachelors, or master’s degree, and each has its pros and cons.
You will spend at least 20 months studying, and depending on the degree, you may spend more than six years in school. The total cost varies from $3,450 to almost $150,000 depending on the educational path you choose.
#1. Austin Community College
Austin Community College’s dental hygiene program prepares students to work as dental hygienists to teach patients about oral disease control and prevention. Students will train
in a state-of-the-art facility where they will learn to identify, treat, prevent and educate patients about oral disease to improve their health. Applicants must declare General Studies in Premedical Sciences Associate of Science as their major prior to formal program acceptance.
The courses are part of a structured curriculum and are only offered once a year. Successful completion of one semester is required before moving on to the next.
Course topics include nutrition and dietetics, anatomy and physiology, preventive dental hygiene, dental radiology, orofacial anatomy, histology and embryology, dental materials, general dentistry, general and oral pathology, dental hygiene practice, and applied public dentistry.
Graduates will earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in Dental Hygiene and will have the work-ready skills and real-world experience to pursue a dental hygienist position in a variety of settings.
#2. Texas Woman’s University
Texas Woman’s University is one of the few universities in Texas that offers an accredited bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene.
Students can complete the program in as little as two years (including summer semesters) after completing the previous courses. They will participate in experiential learning activities at the TWU Dental Hygiene Clinic.
Course topics include Oral Public Health, Periodontics, Risk Assessment and Preventive Dentistry, Oral Radiology, Preclinical Dental Hygiene Therapy, Pharmacology for the Dental Hygienist, Dental Materials, Periodontal Disease, Applied Evidence-Based Research, and outlook on oral health.
The school supports small class sizes with accessible, knowledgeable and supportive faculty.
Graduates will receive a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene and be prepared to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam and the Clinical State Board Exam to apply for a license to practice through the Texas Board of Dental Examiners.
#3. Blinn College
Blinn College’s Dental Hygiene program leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree in Dental Hygiene.
Students will learn in the classroom and will also have the opportunity to visit patients in the school’s dental clinic. These hands-on learning opportunities will be led by a general dentist and dental hygiene faculty.
Course topics include general dentistry, orofacial anatomy, histology and embryology, preclinical dental hygiene, dental radiology, preventive dental hygiene, dental materials, general and oral pathology, pharmacology for the dental hygienist, general and dental nutrition, and applied general dentistry.
Graduates are eligible to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and the Regional/State Clinical Board Examination. The competitive admissions program accepts only 14 students each fall semester.
#4. Collin County Community College
The dental hygiene program at Collin College requires classroom training and clinical practice. Admission is selective, and students must meet academic standards, submit recommendations and essays, and pass physicals and background checks.
It takes four semesters and 68 credit hours to complete the AAS in Dental Hygiene program at Collin College. Students must complete a course in chemistry and two courses in anatomy and physiology prior to entering the program.
They learn about orofacial anatomy, nutrition, dental materials, and preventive dental care. Other courses include periodontology, oral pathology and dental radiology. Supervised clinical practice begins in the second semester of study and is mandatory each semester thereafter.
#5. TAMHSC College of Dentistry
The bachelor’s program offered by the Caruth School of Dental Hygiene prepares graduates for clinical practice in a variety of settings
After completing general education courses, students enter the dental hygiene program in their junior year and learn through classroom work, labs, and clinical experience.
During the two years of dental hygiene, courses include dental anatomy, microbiology, oral radiology, and periodontics. Under supervision, students will work with patients to develop their skills.
#6. Del Mar College
Del Mar College in Corpus Christi is a commuter college with 2 main campuses in the Texas Coastal Bend region.
The school’s dental hygiene program teaches students periodontal therapy, the use of dental sealants, and providing patients with normal oral hygiene.
The training program combines classes on the theory of dental hygiene with practical classes on mannequins and fellow students.
Starting at the end of the first semester, students have the opportunity to start treating real patients in the clinic.
They can expect to purchase consumables such as uniforms, tool kits, dental supplies and textbooks, as well as paying additional student association fees.
#7 El Paso Community College
Students must complete prerequisite courses in biology and medical terminology before beginning the dental hygiene program at this El Paso community college.
Students then begin to study core courses such as dental radiology, pharmacology, and oral pathology.
This 2-year graduate program has a curriculum that prepares aspiring dental hygienists to provide preventive oral care, take and read oral X-rays, counsel patients, and perform oral cancer screening.
Before students can begin clinical practice, they must provide proof of current immunizations and pass a criminal background check.
#8. Lone Star College System
The Lone Star College System offers a 2-year dental hygiene program at its Kingwood campus. Students study oral cavity pathology, orofacial anatomy, dental nutrition, dental radiology and other subjects.
To be eligible for the program, students must pass prerequisite entrance requirements such as courses in sociology, anatomy and physiology, English composition and chemistry, and the Health Literacy Test (HSRT).
In addition, students must pass a background check and receive all required immunizations, including hepatitis B. In addition to campus-based classes, students also complete external clinical rotations.
#9. Tarrant County College
Aspiring dental hygienists can earn an associate’s degree in the Department of Health Sciences located at the Tarrant County College District in Hurst in Fort Worth.
The curriculum combines clinical rotations with classes in community dentistry, dental materials, dental hygiene practice, and pharmacology, among others.
Students learn how to teach patients about proper oral health nutrition and oral hygiene techniques. They also learn how to take X-rays.
To be eligible for the program, students must pass a criminal background check and drug test, be CPR certified, have health insurance and meet all college-mandated immunization requirements.
#10. Amarillo College
This college offers a graduate degree in dental hygiene that prepares students to sit for the licensure exams from the Joint Commission of the American Dental Association and the State Dental Examining Board. Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses to graduate.
In addition to general education courses, students study core courses in pharmacology, medical terminology, orofacial anatomy, and dental hygiene practice.
How Much Do Dental Hygienists In Austin Texas?
Dental hygienists in Texas earn an average annual salary of $77,590 per year, which equates to approximately $37.30 per hour or $6,470 per month. Several factors can affect this salary, with education and experience playing the biggest role.
The more experience you have as a dental hygienist in the state of Texas, the more you can earn. Your dental hygienist salary in Texas will be higher if you have a bachelor’s or master’s degree rather than an associate’s degree, so keep that in mind.
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How Do I Become Dental Hygienists In Austin Texas?
All dental hygienists in Texas must graduate from a school approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) of the American Dental Association (ADA).
These programs lead to either an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene, both of which meet the requirements for licensure in Texas.
It will also be necessary to undergo a clinical examination by a dental hygienist. The Texas Board of Dental Examiners recognizes the following agencies as valid clinical exam sponsors:
- Western Regional Examination Commission
- Central regional dental service
- Commission for assessment of dental competence
- Southern Regional Testing Agency
- Council of Interstate Testing Agencies
Before you are eligible to apply for a license with the Texas Board of Dental Examiners, you must meet three additional requirements:
Once you meet these requirements, you will be able to apply for a dental hygienist license with the Texas Board of Dental Examiners.
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Best Paying Dental Hygienists Jobs In Austin Texas 2024
A dental hygienist’s responsibilities include performing initial patient examinations, cleaning teeth (eg, removing plaque), and counseling patients about oral health and preventive care.
You will also help dentists decide on the treatment of dental and gum diseases and solve urgent dental problems.
- DENTAL ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR/CLINIAL COORDINATATOR – Online
- Workplace Safety Training Specialist (00024467)
- Sales – Professional Oral Health – Territory Account Executive – San Antonio Northeast – Open to Sales Professionals and/or Dental Hygienists
- Dental Hygienist – Harris Health, Community Clinics, UT Dentists, School of Dentistry
- Dental Clinic Manager – School of Dentistry – General Practice & Dental Public Health Department – AEGD/GPR Resident Clinic
- Dental Hygienist I
- Accident Prevention Services Safety Inspector (00025644)
- Department Chair- Dental Hygiene, Dental Assisting, and Surgical Technology
Dental Hygiene Schools In Austin Texas FAQs
To obtain a dental hygienist license in Texas, you must complete an ADA-accredited dental hygiene program, pass the National Board Exam, a clinical exam from one of the regional examining agencies (Western Regional Examination Board, Central Regional Dental Testing Service, Northeast Regional Board, South regional testing agency or Council of Interstate Testing Agencies), have a current CPR card and pass the Council’s jurisprudence evaluation.
The population of Texas continues to grow rapidly, and because of this, more and more healthcare professionals will be required to provide exceptional patient care. What’s more, Texans now have access to better and more affordable dental insurance than ever before, which is also driving demand for dental care. As a result, in the period from 2018 to 2028, the number of dental hygienists in the state should increase by 34.98%. About 4,960 new positions will be available during this period.
Dental hygiene programs in Texas typically last two years. Because training involves many hours of clinical experience, there are no online programs. According to the US Department of Education, there are 26 programs in the state of Texas. Of these, 23 are public (including five 4-year universities), and the rest are private institutions.
The Dental Care Clinical Coordinator will be responsible for the supervision and training of clinical instructors. He is the primary point of contact between the clinical centers and the program. The Clinical Coordinator of Dental Care is responsible for planning and coordinating students in clinical assignments. He ensures alignment with curriculum sequence and an equitable and educational experience.
The Texas Board of Dental Examiners authorizes dental hygienists to perform duties that include taking radiographs and applying sealants for pits and fissures.
Conclusion
There are several important factors to consider when looking for the best dental hygiene school to attend. First of all, you should make sure that the school has an excellent program with rigorous coursework and experienced instructors.
You should also compare tuition fees at different schools to find one that fits your budget. Finally, it’s important to review student satisfaction ratings to see if former students were satisfied with their experience.
REFERENCES
- tradeschoolsnearyou.com – Dental Hygienist Schools Austin TX
- bestaccreditedcolleges.org – Dental Hygienist Schools in Texas with Program Overviews
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