Bachelor's in Dental Hygiene

The Dental Hygiene Program is an integral part of Texas A&M College of Dentistry. The dental hygiene school was equipped in 1954 through a generous gift from the Caruth Foundation of Dallas and Mr. W. W. Caruth, Jr., in honor of Mr. W. W. Caruth, Sr., a pioneer Texas philanthropist.

Profiles of recent entering dental and dental hygiene classes

The first dental hygiene students were accepted in the Fall of 1955. At that time there was no requirement for previous college experience. In 1964 the Dental Hygiene Program established prerequisite courses prior to professional study. During the same year the Bachelor of Science degree was offered in addition to the traditional certificate program. All graduates since 1973 have received the degree of Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene.

The mission of the Dental Hygiene Program is to educate preventive oral health professionals, eligible for licensure as dental hygienists, who are capable of providing educational, clinical and therapeutic services that support total health through the promotion of optimal oral health.

The goals of the Dental Hygiene Program are:

Goal 1: The curricular program will support student competency and prepare them for dental hygiene practice.
Goal 2: The Dental Hygiene program facilitates student learning.
Goal 3: The Dental Hygiene faculty will demonstrate participation in teaching, service and scholarly activity.
Goal 4: The Dental Hygiene students will provide quality care to patients.

The services of a dental hygienist are offered in private dental practices and clinics, public health agencies, school systems, hospitals, nursing homes and corporate health facilities. Dental hygienists also teach in dental and dental hygiene programs and participate in health research. The baccalaureate degree offered through the Dental Hygiene Program by Texas A&M University College of Dentistry satisfies the educational requirement for eligibility for state licensure. Graduates are provided with diverse experiences to prepare for a variety of employment settings and to pursue graduate education.

Processing of applications begins the year prior to entrance into the professional program and continues until the class is filled. The applications are evaluated and an invitation for an interview may be extended. The purpose of the interview is to determine the applicant's knowledge of the dental hygiene profession. It also provides an opportunity for the applicant to see the facility, meet with the Admissions Committee and to ask questions about the Dental Hygiene Program.

All prospective students are encouraged to contact the College of Dentistry with questions regarding prerequisite courses or the program.

All applicants will be considered using the following criteria. In addition, the applicant must be able to perform the essential functions required in the curriculum.

The quality of the applicant's academic achievement is a prime consideration. A grade point average (GPA) is computed based on all courses taken in college.

Preference for admission is given to students with:

1. A cumulative GPA and Science GPA indicating ability to succeed in the program.
2. Attention given to detail when completing the application.
3. A comprehensive biographical sketch that includes information that will help the Admissions Committee know the applicant better. Details about the dental hygiene procedures that have been observed, a description of the community service projects in which you have participated and information concerning your interests, abilities and attitudes that have motivated you to make the commitment required for a career in dental hygiene are examples of information that might be included.

All students are required to register on the dates specified in the official school calendar. A matriculation fee is required of every student upon first admittance to any program of the School. New students who fail to report for registration at the specified time may lose their place in the class, unless they have previously received permission for late registration.

Veterans who have obtained a certificate of eligibility should report to the Director of Student Aid for handling of veteran's benefits.

Detailed information about student aid and veteran affairs is available from the Student Aid Office.

Before enrollment, the accepted applicant must return a completed physical examination form furnished by the College. Required immunizations are listed on the physical examination form.

Texas A&M University College of Dentistry adheres to established standards of infection control related to the transmission of bloodborne pathogens. Full policy available upon request.

This program in dental hygiene is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of "approved without reporting requirements." The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611-2678. The Commission's web address is http://www.ada.org/en/coda.