Career Colleges » Texas » Health, Medical, and Nursing » Dental Hygienist
Looking for accredited career colleges, technical schools, and universities in Texas offering Dental Hygienist degrees. Ready to enter the dental hygiene profession? Academic programs provided by community colleges, technical colleges, dental schools or universities
Students at Texas colleges and universities enjoy being on one of the most distinctive American states. Everything really is big in Texas: big prairie, big sky, big herds of cattle, and yes, big cities. Whether you seek the sophistication of intellectual and artsy Austin, the cowboy culture of Forth Worth, the glitz of oil-rich Houston, or the seaside delights of Galveston, you are sure to find Texas a great place to live and study. The Lone Star State was once its own republic, and once you visit, you'll agree that there is not a lot that this state has in common with the rest of the country. Texas is a place where people are very sincere and their values can be old-fashioned. But they are generous and hospitable, and will make you feel at home.Dental hygienists are oral health professionals who work under the supervision of licensed dentists. Along with teaching patients proper oral hygiene, they may conduct patient assessments, oral inspections and teeth cleanings. Hygienists often work in general and specialty dental clinics but may also find employment in hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities.
Dental hygienists receive their education through academic programs at community colleges, technical colleges, dental schools or universities. The majority of community college programs take at least two years to complete, with graduates receiving associate degrees. Upon completion of this degree, a hygienist will have to take the license examinations (national and state or regional), become licensed and to work in a dental office.
University-based dental hygiene programs may offer baccalaureate and master's degrees, which generally require at least two years of further schooling. These additional degrees may be required for a career in teaching and/or research, as well as for clinical practice in school or public health programs.
Dental hygiene program admission requirements vary depending upon the specific school. Additionally, these programs include courses in liberal arts (eg, English, speech, sociology and psychology); basic sciences (eg, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, immunology, chemistry, microbiology and pathology); and clinical sciences (eg, dental hygiene, radiology and dental materials). After completion of a dental hygiene program, dental hygienists can choose to pursue additional training in such areas as education, business administration, basic sciences, marketing and public health.