Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Dallas

I'm really interested in becoming a dental hygienist and thinking about attending school in Dallas. Can someone share information on good programs in the area, as well as personal experiences? I’m eager to start planning my future in this field.

Dallas, Texas, offers several great options for pursuing Dental Hygiene.

1. Texas Woman's University(TWU): TWU in Denton, about an hour's drive from Dallas, offers a Bachelor of Science program in Dental Hygiene. This is a 4-year program that includes prerequisites and dental hygiene courses. The first 60 hours are designated for prerequisite coursework like Chemistry and Biology, and remaining hours consists of core dental hygiene courses. Students get to learn through state-of-art technology and simulated environments.

2. Collin College: A bit farther away in McKinney, Collin College offers a flexible and affordable Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene. The program is designed to be completed in 2 years after the general education prerequisites.

For personal experiences, many students report grappling with the intensity of the program considering it is a comprehensive mix of theoretical and clinical practice. Juggling between studying dental sciences, mastering manual dexterity for clinical practice, and patient interactions, the curriculum is intensive but fulfilling. Student experiences reveal that seeing results in patients is often one of the most rewarding aspects of this career.

Additionally, once they complete their programs, hygiene students have to pass a clinical board exam to secure licensure for practice. So, it's essential to ensure the program you choose prepares you well for this.

Lastly, keep in mind, these programs are competitive, with limited seats. Excelling in prerequisite courses, especially biology and chemistry, would increase your chances of getting accepted into these programs.

Start reaching out to these colleges to gather more information and understand the specific details better. Your interest in dental hygiene is commendable, and it's a great field with good job prospects. Good luck with your endeavors!