Dental Hygiene

The Associate of Applied Science degree in Dental Hygiene prepares the graduate to be a clinically competent, entry – level Registered Dental Hygienist.  Dental hygienists are the preventative specialists of the dental field. 

The COM Dental Hygiene program is academically rigorous in didactic coursework and in the development of clinical skills on live patients performed on campus in our Dental Hygiene Clinic. 

Graduates from the program will be eligible to sit for the Dental Hygiene National Board Exam, the ADEX Clinical Board Exam, and may also apply for a Dental Hygiene license from the state of Texas. 

The program is 2 years (5 semesters) in length and begins in August.  A limited number of students is selected once a year through the application process.   

Admission to the college does not guarantee admission to the program. Students must apply for admission to the program once all prerequisite courses and admission criteria are met. For admission and program information, contact Student Services Enrollment Management (new students) or Advising (returning/continuing students).

Graduation Requirements:

To be eligible for an Associate of Applied Science degree in Dental Hygiene, the student must:

• Complete all course and program requirements for the degree being conferred with a minimum grade of “C” in all courses.   
• Be clear of all holds and financial obligations to COM. 

Accreditation Note: The Dental Hygiene Program is currently undergoing initial accreditation review from the ADA's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). The program will have a site visit in 04/2024 and CODA will determine accreditation status in summer 2024. All dental hygiene programs in the United States must be accredited prior to enrolling students. Students accepted into the program to begin the fall 2024 cohort will be offered a position in the program contingent on COM receiving CODA accreditation in summer 2024.

Effective September 1, 2017, HB 1508 amends the Texas Occupations Code Section 53 that requires education providers to notify potential or enrolled students that a criminal history may make them ineligible for an occupational license upon program completion.  Program specific information will be provided in course syllabi.

Full-Time Schedules

Associate of Applied Science - Dental Hygiene

Associate of Applied Science - Dental Hygiene

Full-Time Student Schedule