Dental Hygiene

Application for the 2024 cohort will open 04/15/2024.

The program courses will begin in fall 2024.

All students interested in the COM Dental Hygiene Program are encouraged to attend an information session. Applicants must attend an information session in order to complete a program application (completion code will be provided).

Topics include program format, costs, deadlines and you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions.

All sessions will run approximately 1 hour.

• 07/17/2024, 5pm (Virtual)
• 09/18/2024, 5pm (Virtual)
• 11/12/2024, 5pm (Virtual)

Program Outcomes

At the conclusions of the Dental Hygiene Program, the competent hygienist will:

• Be prepared to take the National Board of Dental Hygiene Examiners
  written examination, the ADEX (CDCA-WREB-CITA) OR Central
  Regional Dental Testing Service clinical examination and the Texas
  Jurisprudence Assessment for Registered Dental Hygienists.
• Assimilate academically acquired knowledge into identification of specific
  needs for a diverse population of patients.
• Analyze, summarize, and provide competent frameworks for the dental
  hygiene process of care to patients of diverse needs, ages, and periodontal
  classifications.
• Educate others utilizing the model of assessing, planning, implementation,
  and evaluation of oral health promotion through individual patient care
  and professional sensitivity to the ethical practice principles of autonomy,
  beneficence and nonmaleficence.
• Exemplify the professionalism, integrity, and ethics worthy of the
  profession of dental hygiene.
• Appraise the ever-changing industry of dentistry and apply the principles
  of life-long learning to be an integral member of the allied healthcare
  team.

Curricular Content & Transferability of Courses

The Associates of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene requires completion of 9 general education courses (includes 5 pre-requisite courses) and 18 dental hygiene specific courses. The details on the degree plan, course content and transferability are included in the DH Program Application Packet 2024.

Infectious Disease Policy

Individuals who are involved in the provision of dental hygiene services may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens that may result in human disease. COM strictly follows the protocols for prevention and management of exposure to infectious diseases as provided by the CDC and OSHA. Students and faculty members who experience exposure to potentially infectious materials (needle stick, mucous membrane, or non-intact skin) or airborne inhalation require specific follow-up. For more information on the policies on bloodborne and infectious diseases, refer to the current COM Dental Hygiene Student Handbook.

The program uses a selective application process. The application requirements are detailed in the DH Program Application Packet 2024.

In order to apply for the Dental Hygiene program at COM, you must first establish yourself as a student at COM. Here are the steps for admission into the college:

• Apply to COM: Student can apply for free online either at www.com.edu/apply or through ApplyTexas at www.applytexas.org.
• Transcripts: All official transcripts must be sent to COM admissions department.
• Vaccinations: Students are required to complete a series of vaccinations and provide proof when applying to the program. For students under the age of 22, they will need to be vaccinated against meningococcal meningitis.
• Advising: Students are recommended to meet with a health sciences advisor to review the program requirements and ensure eligibility.
• Dental hygiene application: Students will need to apply specifically to the program through the application.

The program in dental hygiene is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of “initial accreditation”.

The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611.

The Commission’s web address is: coda.ada.org.