A dental hygienist is a licensed health care professional. Dental Hygiene is the science and practice of the recognition, treatment, and prevention of oral diseases. Dental hygienists provide dental health services that include cleaning (prophylaxis), oral cancer screenings, x-rays, pit & fissure sealants, patient education, and nutritional counseling. The traditional workplace setting for dental hygienists is a private dental office; however, hygienists also provide dental hygiene care in other settings such as prisons, public health facilities, schools, and long-term care facilities. The role of the Dental Hygiene Program is to prepare highly competent dental hygienists to meet the oral health care needs of the public.

The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, American Dental Association. (211 East Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60611-2678; 1.800.232.6108; coda.ada.org)

GENERAL INFORMATION

Curriculum: The Dental Hygiene Program is 24 months in length. All dental hygiene courses must be taken in the sequence presented in the degree plan.

Cost: Dental hygiene students pay tuition and fees at the rates published on the Lamar Institute of Technology website. Students should be aware of additional expenses for instruments and supplies used throughout the dental hygiene program. During the first year of the program, dental hygiene students are required to purchase instrument kits (approximately $950), uniforms and labcoats (approximately $350), dental Modupro typodont (approximately $390), and radiology and clinic supplies (approximately $1000). During the second year of the program, students are required to purchase additional instrumentation systems and supplies (approximately $1600). There is also additional cost for required licensure exams, taken near the completion of the program. All costs are estimations and subject to change based on market fluctuations.

Dental Hygiene Services: Dental hygiene students utilize knowledge and skills they learn in the Dental Hygiene Clinic. All students provide dental hygiene services (patient education, oral exam, dental exam, scaling, root debridement, radiographs, topical chemotherapeutic agents, and preventive agents) to selected patients in the Dental Hygiene Clinic located in the Multipurpose Center.

Employment Opportunities: Graduates of the Dental Hygiene Program should expect employment in their field of study. Employment opportunities in the area include private practice, prison system, and educational systems. Employment rates are favorable, however, not as favorable as areas where significant need have been identified.

Health Status: An individual’s health status will be considered only as it relates to the individual’s ability to safely carry out the normal assignments associated with the program of study and the individual’s long term health. An individual’s health status will not determine the individual’s opportunity for association with the program.

Transferability: Some courses may transfer to other institutions. Students should contact the transferring institution for details.