Dental Hygiene
COM's Dental Hygiene Program was designed to educate future dental hygienists to address the oral health needs of our diverse community.
Dental hygienists are the preventative specialists of the dental field. They examine patients for signs of oral diseases, such as gingivitis, and provide patient care, including taking x-rays, scaling and oral hygiene instruction.
Qualities of individuals who seek to enter the field of dental hygiene typically include having a caring nature, wanting to help others, and working collaboratively to improve the oral and overall health of the patients they serve. Skills utilized daily by dental hygienists include manual dexterity, detailed assessment, interpersonal communication and critical thinking.
Program Details
Next Start Date
Fall 2024
Learning Format
Face to Face
Program Length
5 semesters
Degree Plan
View in brochure
Let’s Connect!
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409-938-1211
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welcome@com.edu
Career Insights
Occupational summary for Dental Hygiene
220 Annual Job Openings in
Gulf Coast Region
(2026)
9% Projected Growth
(2021-2031)
$79,690 yr Median Salary / $37.12 hr
Additional Program Info
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.
Click the RSVP button to register for a session.
All sessions will run approximately 1 hour.
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[BROKEN LINK] 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.