20 Best Dental Hygienist Schools in Texas

We have conducted extensive research on the best dental hygienist schools in Texas, encompassing colleges and universities throughout the state.

If you have been searching for dental hygienist schools in Texas and want to know the requirements or admission process of a particular institution, then read this article to the end, as it guides you to uncover more.

In the healthcare profession, the importance of a dental hygienist cannot be overstated, as it primarily involves preventive care. Building a career in dental hygiene requires getting the best in education and training in prestigious colleges or universities. 

Texas is a state known to house some of the best Tertiary institutions, not just in the U.S., but in the world entirely. The best schools in dental hygiene are the subject of this article. Let us get to it.

What is A Dental Hygienist?

When we refer to a dental hygienist, we are talking about a licensed and registered healthcare professional with expertise in oral health. In other words, a dental hygienist is a healthcare professional trained specifically in the medical field of dental hygiene.

They function within the healthcare system by addressing medical challenges, abnormalities, or diseases related to oral health. 

A dental hygienist not only takes care of patients by treating dental cavities, gum diseases, herpes, or gingivitis, but they also offer therapeutic services. The importance of dental hygienists in the healthcare profession cannot be overstated, as it primarily involves preventive care.

A licensed dental hygienist can operate independently if they choose to, or collaborate with a dentist. The healthcare system is considered incomplete without dental hygienists, underscoring their importance within the healthcare system.

What is the Job of a Dental Hygienist?

The job of a dental hygienist is not specifically to take care of the teeth or mouth entirely. Their job includes educating patients, providing therapeutic services, managing pain, and many other responsibilities.

License Requirements for Dental Hygienists in Texas

To become a licensed dental hygienist in Texas, there are specific requirements that must be met. To obtain a license in the Lone Star State, you need to;

• Graduated from an ADA-accredited dental hygiene program
• Sit and pass the National Board Exam
• Clinical examination with any of the regional exam agencies, which are Western Regional Examination Board, North East Regional Board, Central Regional Dental Testing Service, South Regional Testing Agency, or Council of Interstate Testing Agencies
• You must have a current CPR card
• You must pass the Board Jurisprudence Assessment 

There are also offers from the Texas State Board of Dental Examiner,s where you can obtain a license through your credentials. The requirements demand that you prove you have completed 12 hours of Continuing Education (CE) taken within the last 12 months before your application.

Dental Hygienist Salaries in Texas

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2020, the average annual salary of a dental hygienist in Texas was $78,080, or $37.54 per hour.

Area	Total Employed	Mean Hourly Wage	Mean Annual Salary
Killeen-Temple, TX	70	$35.17	$73,150
Laredo, TX	**	$37.52	$78,050
Longview, TX	170	$34.11	$70,940
Lubbock, TX	120	$34.23	$71,200
McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX	380	$31.32	$65,140
Midland, TX	140	$35.69	$74,240
San Angelo, TX	**	$30.20	$62,810
San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX	1,020	$35.72	$74,290
Sherman-Denison, TX	70	$39.93	$83,060
Tyler, TX	180	$31.98	$66,520

20 Best Dental Hygienist Schools in Texas

Texas has some of the best tertiary institutions, not just in the U.S but the world entirely. As a result of housing various prestigious colleges and universities, Texas has become a preferred destination for many international students seeking to achieve academic excellence.

If you are interested in or eager to learn about dental hygienist schools in Texas and the programs they offer, take a look at the schools listed below.

We have highlighted the best dental hygienist schools, including colleges and universities in Texas. 

1. Texas A&M University, College Station

Texas A&M University is a public research institution founded in 1876 and located in College Station, Texas. The University offers undergraduates a 2-year bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene.

The program requires completion of 60 credits in prerequisite courses, including English, biology, chemistry, nutrition, psychology, sociology, and communication, with a minimum grade of “C”. 

The program is only available as a full-time option. However, for individuals involved in other responsibilities who cannot enroll as full-time students, the school offers a part-time schedule in the first year, which extends the program by a year.

Texas A&M University is one of the best dental hygienist schools in Texas and the entire U.S.

• Acceptance Rate: 63%
• Required SAT Score: 1160-1380
• ACT Score: 26-32
• Undergraduate Enrollment (fall 2020): 55,568
• Application Fee: $75
• In-State Tuition and Fees: $13,178
• Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $40,087

As one of the best dental hygiene universities in Texas, if you want to know more about the school’s programs in dental hygiene.

2. Midwestern State University, Wichita Falls

Midwestern State University is a public institution that sits on 255 acres of campus in Wichita Falls, Texas, and was established in 1922. The university offers a wide range of programs for students interested in majoring in dental hygiene through its Gaines Clinic.

Midwestern State University is among the prestigious universities offering a 2-year bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene to undergraduates in Texas. The completion of the required prerequisites and introductory core courses before the 2-year dental hygiene coursework begins can be achieved at Midwestern State University or in an accredited college.

The program enrolls 18 students annually, and their coursework begins in the fall, lasting up to 2 years. To successfully graduate from this program, you will need to complete a total of 120 credits, 55 in pre-requisite and introductory core courses, and 65 in dental hygiene courses.

Midwestern State University is less competitive due to its relatively high acceptance rate.

• Acceptance Rate: 90%
• Undergraduate Enrollment: 5,141
• Required SAT: 910-1100
• ACT Score: 16-22
• Application Fee: $40

If you intend to build a career in oral health and your preference is Midwestern State University, you can visit the school’s official website for more details.

3. Concorde Career College, Dallas

Concorde Career College is one of the dental hygienist schools in Texas. A small private for-profit college located in Dallas, and the college offers majors in Dental Assisting, Nursing Assistant, and Medical Assistant.

Students at Concorde Career College receive a quality education in dental hygiene, with most courses offered to students, including dental anatomy, dental radiography, oral histology, periodontology, dental laws, dental pharmacology, and more. 

The acceptance rate at Concorde Career College is 95% making it less competitive. 

For more details on dental hygiene, visit the school’s website.

Also Read: Requirements for Dental School

4. Tarrant County College, Fort Worth

Tarrant County College is a public institution located in Fort Worth, Texas. As one of the dental hygienist colleges in Texas, the school offers a 2-year bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene to undergraduates.

The admission process at Tarrant County College requires a GPA of 3.5, and applicants are to complete the 68-credit curriculum before they will be eligible to sit for the national and state licensing exams.

The acceptance rate at Tarrant County College is less selective.

• Acceptance Rate: 100%
• Number of Students Enrolled: 51,100
• No Application Fee
• In-State Tuition and Fees: (2018-2019) $3,132
• Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: (2018-2019) $7,560

Get more information about Tarrant County College.

5. Texas Woman’s University, Denton

Texas Woman’s University is a mid-sized public institution located in Denton, Texas, and was established in 1901. 

As one of the top dental hygiene universities in Texas, the institution offers various programs in dental hygiene for both graduate and undergraduate students. 

 The different levels of programs are;

• Pre-Dental Hygiene: A program for a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene.
• RDH-to-BSDH: A program designed for registered and licensed dental hygienists who want to further their education.
• MS in Health Studies: A program for those with a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene, aiming for a higher position.

Texas Woman’s University has a less competitive acceptance rate.

• Acceptance Rate: 94%
• Undergraduate Enrollment: 10,656
• Required SAT Score: 930-1140
• ACT Score: 16-22
• Application Fee: $50

If you are interested in attending Texas Woman’s University to learn more about majors in dental hygiene.

6. Pima Medical Institute, Houston

Pima Medical Institute is a small private for-profit college located in Houston, Texas. As one of the dental hygienist schools in Texas, Pima offers a 2-year associate degree program that prepares undergraduates with the skills and knowledge needed to build a career in oral health.

Pima Medical Institute is less selective in its admission process.

• Acceptance Rate: 100%
• Number of Students Enrolled: 784
• Students Faculty Ratio: 25-to-1

Find out more about dental hygiene at Pima Medical Institute.

7. El Paso Community College, El Paso

El Paso Community College is a public community college located in El Paso, Texas. El Paso Community College is one of the best dental hygienist schools in Texas, offering a learning environment that fosters students who aspire to build a reputable career in oral health.

The college offers an associate degree program in dental hygiene that can be completed in 24 months. If you are enrolled at El Paso Community College, you will learn to offer preventive oral services to patients that aid in nurturing your career as a health professional.

Some of the medical services include educating patients on oral hygiene and nutrition, removing plaque and cleaning teeth, and applying fluoride to prevent tooth decay.

El Paso Community College is less selective, with a higher acceptance rate.

• Acceptance Rate: 100%
• Undergraduate Enrollment: 7,623
• No Application Fee

Please visit El Paso Community College’s official website for more information.

8. Amarillo College, Amarillo

Amarillo College is a public institution located in Amarillo, Texas, offering above-average educational opportunities. The 5th Best Community College in the Lone Star State and one of the finest dental hygienist colleges in Texas.

Amarillo College offers a two-year associate degree program for undergraduates interested in becoming dental hygienists. The requirements for this program include completing prerequisite courses in English, psychology, microbiology, physiology, and anatomy. For all of these courses, you must have a minimum grade of “C”.

Amarillo College is less competitive, with an acceptance rate of three digits.

• Acceptance Rate: 100%
• Undergraduate Enrollment: 3,213
• No Application Fee

If you want to nurture and build a career in dental hygiene, you can find out more details on the official website of Amarillo College.

9. Del Mar College, Corpus Christi

Del Mar College is a public institution located in Corpus Christi, Texas. Dental hygiene courses at Del Mar can be completed in as few as 4 semesters. For you to graduate from the college, you must complete the 68-credit curriculum comprising courses in biology, behavioral, and dental services.

Del Mar College is among the dental hygienist schools in Texas with a less selective acceptance rate.

• Acceptance Rate: 100%
• Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,585
• No Application Fee

Get more details about dental hygiene programs at Del Mar College.

Also Read: 21 Top Dental schools for international students

10. Texas State Technical College, Harlingen

Texas State Technical College is a mid-size public college located in Waco, Texas. The institution offers a two-year dental hygiene program, which leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree.

For you to be eligible for this program, you must complete the pre-requisite courses in English, sociology, psychology, microbiology, physiology, and anatomy. Texas State Technical College is one of the least competitive dental hygienist schools in Texas. 

• Acceptance Rate: 100%
• Undergraduate Enrollment: 6,282
• No Application Fee

To know more about dental hygiene programs at Texas State Technical College.

11. Lone Star College, Kingwood

Lone Star College is a community college located in Kingwood, Texas, and was established in 1983. Lone Star College offers an associate degree in dental hygiene, and to graduate, you must complete the 68-credit curriculum.

 You can only be eligible for this program when you complete 14 credits of coursework in human anatomy, physiology, composition, chemistry, and principles of sociology. 

Find out more about dental hygiene at Lone Star College when you;

12. Lamar Institute of Technology, Beaumont 

Lamar Institute of Technology is a public institution located in Beaumont, Texas. The institution is one of the dental hygienist schools in Texas, offering an associate’s degree in dental hygiene.

To graduate from the program, you are required to complete 68 credits in coursework with a “C” as a minimum grade.

Lamar Institute of Technology is less competitive, with an acceptance rate in the three digits.

• Acceptance Rate: 100%
• Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,468
• No Application Fee

Get more on dental hygiene programs at Lamar Institute of Technology.

13. Howard College, Big Spring 

Howard College is a public institution located in Big Spring, Texas. The school offers an associate degree in dental hygiene program that lasts up to 2 years.

To graduate from this program, you must complete coursework in science courses and general education.

The courses you are mandated to complete are dental radiology, dental nutrition, preventive dental hygiene, periodontology, community dentistry, and many more. 

Howard College is one of the dental hygienist colleges in Texas with a less competitive acceptance rate.

• Acceptance Rate: 100% 
• Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,001
• No Application Fee

To know more about dental hygiene programs at Howard College.

14. Coastal Bend College, Beeville

Coastal Bend College is a small public institution located in Beeville, Texas. The College offers an associate’s degree in dental hygiene, and you are required to complete 68 credits of coursework. 

To be eligible for this program, you must have completed the prerequisite courses, which include a minimum grade of “C” in physiology, chemistry, and anatomy.

Coastal Bend College is one of the dental hygienist colleges in Texas with a less competitive acceptance rate.

• Acceptance Rate: 100%
• Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,091
• No Application Fee

If you are interested in building a career in oral health, find out more about the dental hygiene program at Coastal Bend College.

Also, you can check out the 20 Best Dental Hygienist Schools in New Jersey via this link

15. The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston

The University of Texas Health Science Center is a public academic science center located in Houston, Texas.

The University of Texas Health Science Center is among the prestigious dental hygienist universities in Texas and they offer different options for those eager to nurture and build a career in dental hygiene. 

The programs offered at different levels are

• BSDH Program
• Post Degree Certificate in Dental Hygiene
• RDH-to-BSDH Program 

To get the full details on these programs at the University of Texas Health Science Center. 

16. University of Mary Hardin -Baylor, Belton

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor is a private university established in 1845 and located in Belton, Texas.

As one of the dental hygienist universities in Texas, Mary Hardin-Baylor offers a wide range of programs for both undergraduates and graduates.

• Acceptance Rate: 90%
• Required SAT: 1000-1190
• ACT Score: 19-25
• Student Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1

If you want to know about dental hygiene programs at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.

17. Schreiner University, Kerrville

Schreiner University is a private institution located in Kerrville, Texas. As one of the dental hygienist universities in Texas, Schreiner offers a wide range of majors, pre-professional studies, graduate programs, and special programs. 

Under pre-professional studies, you will find pre-dentistry on the school’s official website.

• Acceptance Rate: 96%
• Required SAT Score 920-1160
• ACT Score: 17-23

18. Wharton County Junior College, Wharton

Wharton County Junior College is a public institution located in Wharton, Texas. There are various programs available for selection on the school’s official website, and if you wish to major in dental hygiene, it is offered as part of the healthcare programs.

Wharton County College is one of the least competitive dental hygienist colleges in Texas.

• Acceptance Rate: 100%
• Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,456
• No Application Fee

19. Temple College, Temple

Temple College is a public institution located in Temple, Texas. The College offers a variety of programs, including dental hygiene. 

If you are interested in oral health, you can visit Temple College’s official website for more.

• Acceptance Rate: 100%
• Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,877
• No Application Fee

Also Read: 15 Best Schools for Business in Texas 2025

20. Collin College, McKinney

The last institute on the list of best dental hygienist schools in Texas is Collin College. Collin is a public institution located in McKinney, Texas.

The College offers numerous programs in various areas of specialization, including a dental hygiene program. 

Find out more about the dental hygiene program when you visit the Collin College website. 

• Acceptance Rate: 100%
• Undergraduate Enrollment: 10,758
• No Application 

Conclusion

Based on the information provided to you so far, we believe that there is a level of satisfaction regarding which dental hygienist school in Texas is more competitive and the programs they offer.

If you want to major in oral health, you must complete the 68 credits in coursework. Additionally, a grade of “C” or higher is required in the prerequisite and core courses.

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References

• https://www.niche.com/colleges/collin-college/
• https://dentalassistantedu.org/dh/tx/
• https://www.nursingprocess.org/dental-hygiene-programs/texas/