Dental Hygiene and Assisting
Offerings for Dental Hygiene and Assisting:
| AAS Degree | Continuing Education Certificate |
| The dental hygiene curriculum is a structured intense program with didactic and clinical practice. External rotations are integrated into the second year curriculum for experiences outside of the school setting. This program is designed for those interested in becoming a registered dental hygienist. Graduates are prepared to function in a variety of settings including private dental offices, dental clinics or public dental health care clinics. More Offerings Available At:
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Our Continuing Education certificate in dental assisting is a non-credit option for those looking to acquire skills in this field. Coursework includes preparation for the dental assistant exam. Dental Assisting I prepares and focuses students on communication skills, basic dental anatomy and instrumentation, basic equipment operation and maintenance, and safety with an emphasis on four-handed denstistry. Dental Assisting II emphasizes four-handed dentistry techniques, chair-side assisting procedures, infection and hazard control -- all necessary skills for a student to function as a competent dental assistant. |
The Dental Hygiene Program Has Additional entrance Requirements, Please Read Further.
Who is a Dental Hygienist?
Dental hygienists are licensed oral health professionals who focus on preventing and treating oral diseases - both to protect teeth and gums, and also to protect patients' total health. They are graduates of accredited dental hygiene education programs in college and universities, and must take written and clinical exams before they are allowed to practice. In addition to treating patients directly, dental hygienists also work as educators, researchers, and administrators.
What do Dental Hygienists do?
Each state has its own specific regulations and the range of services performed by dental hygienists varies from one state to another. In Texas, dental hygienists may perform the following services:
- Perform oral health care assessments that include reviewing patients' health history, dental charting, oral cancer screening, and taking and recording blood pressure;
- Expose, process and interpret dental x-rays when diagnosed by a dentist;
- Remove plaque and calculus (tarter) - soft and hard deposits from above and below the gumline;
- Apply cavity-preventive agents such as fluorides and sealants to the teeth when diagnosed by a dentist;
- Teach patients proper oral hygiene techniques to maintain healthy teeth and gums;
- Counsel patients about plaque control and developing individualized at-home oral hygiene programs;
- Counsel patients on the importance of good nutrition for maintaining optimal oral health.
Where do Dental Hygienists work?
Dental hygienists can work in a variety of settings, dental offices, schools, public health clinics, hospitals and institutions are traditional settings. Dental hygienists may also work in sales & marketing or as consultants.
How much can I expect to make as a dental hygienist?
Recent graduates working in the Houston area report salaries $200.00-$300.00/day depending on the area of town and benefits package.
How can I get more information?
The following links will provide you with more information concerning dental hygiene as a career, general educational preparation, expected salary as a dental hygienist and a link to the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.
American Dental Hygienists' Association
http://www.adha.org
http://www.adha.org/careerinfo/index.html
American Dental Association
http://www.ada.org
US Dept. of Labor, BLS, Occupational Handbook
http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos097.htm
Texas State Board of Dental Examiners
http://www.tsbde.state.tx.us
For more information please visit our Dental Hygiene Department.
future students Ready to apply to Lone Star College? Our Enrollment Guide will prepare you for the application process.
Current Students Ready to register for credit courses? Register now
Continuing Education Students Apply and register anytime for most courses. Register now
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