Print version: Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)

What is dental hygiene all about?

Dental Hygiene is an exciting career choice for anyone interested in promoting health. A dental hygienist is a licensed preventive oral health professional who provides educational, clinical and therapeutic services supporting total health through the promotion of optimal oral health.
Dental Hygiene offers an excellent opportunity to serve the community in private dental practices; dental clinics; public health agencies; schools; hospitals; government agencies; industry, including sales, education and research.

What does dental hygiene education include?

The education of the dental hygienist emphasizes the basic sciences, which include microbiology, chemistry, pathology, anatomy and physiology. Other components of the curriculum develop the clinical and educational skills of the dental hygienist. A dental hygienist is eligible for licensure after graduation from an accredited dental hygiene program and upon successful completion of both a written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and a clinical examination.

What are the advantages of a baccalaureate degree over a two-year certificate or associate degree program?

Positions in teaching, administration and public health generally require a baccalaureate degree or an advanced degree. Many “two year” programs, in practice, become more than two years because of prerequisite courses required for admission. In many of these programs, students are enrolled for three or even four years of college, but do not receive a Bachelor’s degree.

Will a baccalaureate degree prepare me for an advanced degree?

Yes, the dental hygiene curriculum at Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry provides excellent preparation for admission to Master’s degree programs in Dental Hygiene, Public Health, Education and Health Administration. Master’s degree programs in dental hygiene and the basic sciences at Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry are open to dental hygienists with the Bachelor of Science degree.

Why should I choose Caruth School of Dental Hygiene, Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry?

The baccalaureate degree program in dental hygiene is the only one in North Texas that exists within a dental college. In addition to dental hygiene students, approximately 400 dental students and 50 graduate students are enrolled. The distinct advantage of being associated with a dental school is a team practice approach with dental and dental hygiene students. 

Caruth School of Dental Hygiene is associated with many community and institutionally based health care programs and facilities. The extramural curriculum provides the students with superior training. The basic science faculty are an integral part of Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry, and are continually active in research.

The Dallas-Fort Worth area offers many educational, cultural and entertainment opportunities in the metroplex.

What college should a prospective dental hygiene student attend?

No preference is given in terms of which predental hygiene college to attend. Any accredited institution is acceptable, but an institution with strong science departments is suggested.

Is there an alternative to the full-time program?

There is currently a modified program available to students who are unable to initially attend the program full-time. Students may have family responsibilities or need to work part-time. The Junior year of the curriculum is divided over a two year period. The Senior year is completed as a full-time student.

What type of academic calendar is followed?

The College of Dentistry operates on a semester system with new classes beginning only once a year. The dental hygiene curriculum includes a summer session between the first and second years of the program.

Does Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry have campus housing?

Off-campus apartments and other housing facilities are available, but are not provided by the College of Dentistry.  The college does not inspect or approve listings; however, the Office of Student Services will offer assistance in locating accommodations.

What are the prerequisite courses?

Common Course Numbers* are provided for comparison purposes. Your college counselor will be able to advise you in equivalencies to common course numbers.

Courses must be completed by the end of Summer I of entry year.

The core curriculum consists of 42 semester credit hours in specific component areas.  Many of the required dental hygiene prerequisite courses also satisfy the core requirements.  The prerequisite courses including the core curriculum must be successfully completed before enrolling in the program.

A grade of “C” or better is required for all prerequisite courses.

It is beneficial to have the majority of the science courses completed by December 31 of the year before anticipated entrance into the program. *Texas Common Course Number information is available on the Internet: http://www.tccns.org/matrix.aspx.

Applicants from out of state colleges or private colleges who have never been required to the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) must take this test with passing scores before accepted for admission or meet exemption requirements.

Is observing a Dental Hygienist required?

Applicants should observe a dental hygienist for 16 hours, document that observation (see form with application) and reflect on that observation in their biographical sketch.

What is the procedure for making application?

You may download the application information and forms from our website:  http://www.bcd.tamhsc.edu/education/admissions/hygiene/index.html  Go to Caruth School of Dental Hygiene site - Application Procedures. The catalog can be accessed from http://www.tamhsc.edu/education/catalog/.

If you have questions about the application process you may contact the Office of Recruitment and Admissions at 214-828-8231. Application materials should be submitted to:

Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry
Office of Recruitment and Admissions
3302 Gaston Avenue, Room 525
Dallas, TX 75246-2013

When should I submit an application?

The application deadline is January 5th.  The Office of Recruitment and Admissions encourages applicants to complete all of the online application forms by December 1.  All materials related to the application must be received by February 1.

Is an interview required?

Applicants who appear to be the best qualified are invited to interview with the Admissions Committee. The college is located at:  3302 Gaston Ave., Dallas, Texas 75246.

How much does it cost to attend Caruth School of Dental Hygiene?

The tuition and fees for students are mandated by the State of Texas and may be adjusted as economic conditions warrant. Estimated expenses for the incoming class of 2011 follow.

 
An admission deposit of $200 is required upon notification of acceptance of the student. The deposit will be applied to the first semester tuition.
* Tuition is based on $50.00 per semester hour for in state and $363.00 per semester hour for out of state residents.
**Designated tuition is $64.00 per semester hour.
***Books, both recommended and required in this estimate.

What other expenses are there?

The written National Board examination, required by states for licensure, is approximately $380.00. This exam is taken in the Senior year. The clinical examination fee for state licensure will vary depending on the state in which you decide to practice. Texas participates in the Western Regional Examining Board and the fees are approximately $1,150.00.

Is financial aid available?

Financial aid is available to students who can establish a need for assistance. Dental Hygiene students are also eligible for several grants and scholarships available only to undergraduate students.

For more information, see the HSC Financial Aid page ...