Colleges that offer dental hygiene programs in Houston, Texas?

I've been leaning on going to UT MD for their Dental Hygiene program, but I need to know if there are other colleges or universities that offer the same. But it has to be in the Houston area. I'm just a bit scared that I'm not going to be accepted :-\ UT offers a Bachelor's Degree and I think that it's the only university that does.

Is it difficult to get into UT MD dental hygiene??? I just need 3 more courses until I can apply :-) I'm just nervous!!

Dee in Houston, Texas said: I've been leaning on going to UT MD for their Dental Hygiene program, but I need to know if there are other colleges or universities that offer the same. But it has to be in the Houston area. I'm just a bit scared that I'm not going to be accepted :-\ UT offers a Bachelor's Degree and I think that it's the only university that does.

Is it difficult to get into UT MD dental hygiene??? I just need 3 more courses until I can apply :-) I'm just nervous!!

hey! I am a dental hygiene student in Ohio and just from experience, its NOT hard to get into the program IF you have very high science scores and good grades overall. Dont be nervous!!! If it meant to be, it WILL happen!!!!
Kayla

did you find any dental hygiene schools in the galveston houston (bay) area? im just wondering because i am interested in the program! thank you in advanced!

Dee in Houston, Texas said: I've been leaning on going to UT MD for their Dental Hygiene program, but I need to know if there are other colleges or universities that offer the same. But it has to be in the Houston area. I'm just a bit scared that I'm not going to be accepted :-\ UT offers a Bachelor's Degree and I think that it's the only university that does.

Is it difficult to get into UT MD dental hygiene??? I just need 3 more courses until I can apply :-) I'm just nervous!!

david in Deer Park, Texas said: did you find any dental hygiene schools in the galveston houston (bay) area? im just wondering because i am interested in the program! thank you in advanced!

The only dental hygiene school that I know in Galveston is the UT branch there. I'm also looking for other schools. GOOD LUCK!

Dee in Houston, Texas said: I've been leaning on going to UT MD for their Dental Hygiene program, but I need to know if there are other colleges or universities that offer the same. But it has to be in the Houston area. I'm just a bit scared that I'm not going to be accepted :-\ UT offers a Bachelor's Degree and I think that it's the only university that does.

Is it difficult to get into UT MD dental hygiene??? I just need 3 more courses until I can apply :-) I'm just nervous!!

There is Hygiene Program @ Wharton it is a 2 yr program. There are a number of hygiene schools in Texas. google search dental hygiene schools in Texas will find most of them. I went to Bee County now known as Ft Bend College in Beeville excellent program. Ck into their pass/fail ratios at the state and national board levels not all schools are created equal.

Is there any significant difference between getting an Associates Degree or a Bachelors Degree?

Hi, I just need to know a college in Texas that offer Dentistry. I really would like to be a dentist someday. If someone would give me that information I really would appreciate it. Thankyou!!!

I am a sophomore in a community college and I am really struggling. My first semester I withdrew from more than half of my classes and I only completed one. My second semester I only completed three classes, I got an IP, F, and a B. I took the IP class over in summer school and got an A. Now I am in fall 2007 and I am regularly attending classes and I will end up with a C, and 2 A's and one F. I have really screwed up and I am getting myself back on track and I just wanted to know do I stand a chance to ever get accepted into a dental hygiene program? I really want to do this profession but I feel that I have messed up all of my chances and I am to late. Someone give me some feedback please. Thanks

dee in Katy, Texas said: Is there any significant difference between getting an Associates Degree or a Bachelors Degree?

Yeah. AA degrees have fewer classes than BS degrees, although some schools offer 2 year BS degrees only if you have completed the prerecs for them. Check out www.adha.org and they will give you the complete list of accredited dental hygiene schools.. I am applying next year

Jennifer in Houston, Texas said: I am a sophomore in a community college and I am really struggling. My first semester I withdrew from more than half of my classes and I only completed one. My second semester I only completed three classes, I got an IP, F, and a B. I took the IP class over in summer school and got an A. Now I am in fall 2007 and I am regularly attending classes and I will end up with a C, and 2 A's and one F. I have really screwed up and I am getting myself back on track and I just wanted to know do I stand a chance to ever get accepted into a dental hygiene program? I really want to do this profession but I feel that I have messed up all of my chances and I am to late. Someone give me some feedback please. Thanks

I think that in order to show that you are really serious about getting into a dental hygiene program is to take the classes that you failed over again. At least this will show that you do care about your education. I know in undergrad, we had TA's that would tutor us for the exams and material and it helped. Also try to take some upper division classes like human anatomy and microbioloy and try to do well in these classes. Also visit the webisite www.adha.org. It has tons of material about applying to dental hygiene schools. Because I am applying for next years class, I have started to research the schools and compare my grades to the expected grades for admission. The site also list all the schools that are accredited so you know that you are attending a school that is worth your time and money! Do not be discouraged and do not give up though, but if you really want to go through with applying to a dental hygiene program, then you will make an extra effort to do better in your classes. It may take some time to figure out, but once you realize what you want to do, then you will do it! good luck Jen

david in Deer Park, Texas said: did you find any dental hygiene schools in the galveston houston (bay) area? im just wondering because i am interested in the program! thank you in advanced!

Look at the website www.adha.org for accredited dental hygiene schools

Dental Hygiene is a tough program. Only 40 students are admitted every year and the average GPA is 3.7 and 3.8. Competition is very high and everybody try hard to pass for every single class. Scores are C (75), B (85) and A (93). First semester is the most difficult or stressfull one because instructors will give you lots of informations, exams, quizzes and assignments. Usually, there are 3 exams/quizzes in a week. Radiology is the most difficult class and many DH and dental students are struggling for both lecture and lab. I would suggest to take Physics and Photography. Clinical is the most important class because you cannot pass the program if you fail in this area. Lots of information in the lecture and technique in the clinic. Highly recommend to get some experience in the dental clinic. If you are struggling in more than 2 classes, you better leave the program before the final and be prepare to lose $10,000 tuition fee. Don't expect to get appeal from the Board because it's only 50% chance or maybe less to have you repeat in the program. If you wait and don't get appeal, your GPA will drop to 2.0 and it will print in the transcript and snake you around in your whole life. You are in so trouble if you want to go to other university because they can see your transcript. Better get serious and commit with this program if you are admitted. Don't expect to have a normal life because you won't ... remember this is UTHSC and not community college. In college, you can get all the helps from professors or tutors to make you success but not in DH-UTHSC. They expect you to deal with your own problem. So be prepare to cry for the first 2 months because you'll see lots of frustration. Later, you may feel doubt whether DH is going to be your career or not, well it happens to many of us in the first semester ... lots of shock because it's different than we imagine. Good luck !!!

Hello,

I am not sure of what Im going to do with my life at this point. I have always wanted to become a dental hygienist. But there are only two schools that are closer to my area. One is Wharton and the other one is UT Medical Branch at Houston. I have about one more semester to go to be finished with my pre-requisites, and then I am applying... but I am scared that I wont be able to get in the school. There is a lot of people applying for this program. I feel that if I apply and I dont get in, a whole year waiting for acceptance will be wasted. I want your opinion. Many people are pressuring me that I should forget it and just do x-ray tech. The advanges of this career is that you can continue your education specializing in MRI etc. Will the pay be higher or lower? For once it sounded interested, but I really wanna know what should I do.

please reply

Jennifer in Houston, Texas said: I am a sophomore in a community college and I am really struggling. My first semester I withdrew from more than half of my classes and I only completed one. My second semester I only completed three classes, I got an IP, F, and a B. I took the IP class over in summer school and got an A. Now I am in fall 2007 and I am regularly attending classes and I will end up with a C, and 2 A's and one F. I have really screwed up and I am getting myself back on track and I just wanted to know do I stand a chance to ever get accepted into a dental hygiene program? I really want to do this profession but I feel that I have messed up all of my chances and I am to late. Someone give me some feedback please. Thanks

No offense, but if you're struggling in a community college I see McD's or BK in your future......

Just because you say "NO OFFENSE" doesn't excuse you for saying something mean or OFFENSIVE. People have reasons and excuses and schools ask you to write personal statements which gives you the chance to explain why you've messed up. Its not a guarantee that you'll get in but at least you'll have the opportunity to improve your grades. GOOD LUCK!

To Jennifer in Houston,

If you want it you will find a way. Hard work does pay off. There are other programs across the country that allow you to be put on a waiting list. There are some schools that do encourage struggling students, because they recognize that many of these students make wonderful, caring hygienist. So if you are not up to competing with the 4.0 GPAs for acceptance, try Phoenix, Arizona and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

To Linh in Spring,
Try a little positive feedback.....you may one day have a child of your own that struggles!

Linh in Spring, Texas said: No offense, but if you're struggling in a community college I see McD's or BK in your future......

Linh, you are one to speak. Maybe your child will be struggling one day, would it be nice for someone to say such a rude thing.

This forum is for exchanging ideas, no need to be harash to others.

I am a sophmore/junior studying pre-dental at texas southern. They dont really offer anything for my major so i kinda feel like i'm on my own. I dont know when to start studying for my DAT or what classes to take to prepare me for it. I also wanted to know if anybody knew any classes that can prepare me, and advice as to when i should start to take it. Also if anybody know any groups or organizations that i can join or volunteer so i can gain experience because its kinda hard to find jobs in the dental field if you dont have a licence to be a dental assistant. Thanks for the help

Hey!! Im a R.D.H and I may have some good advice...maybe not. Do you have all your prerequisites out of the way?? If not, I would suggest you study very hard in the anatomy's, chemistries and biologies. There's ususally 1 yr dental assisiting programs also....that may help you start understanding more of how dentistry works and involved in. I know a lot of practices where you dont have to have a license to be an assistant. The DDS just trains you him/herself. From my experience, seeing an assistant compared to a hygienist..the assistant knkows more about thow the office is ran. I would suggest calling different dds and looking at the options for assisting even though you have no license. Hope that helps!!
KAyla

my daughter is in community college for dental hygiene in ontario and is in her first semester. It is a tough program. She is having problems with Microbiology. If she happens to fail this class, can she continue on to second semester?

lynn in Sudbury, Ontario said: my daughter is in community college for dental hygiene in ontario and is in her first semester. It is a tough program. She is having problems with Microbiology. If she happens to fail this class, can she continue on to second semester?

I'm in the same situation, but tell your daughter not to give up. I do think, but I'm not sure but if she doesnt pass the class, then she cant continue on, thats if shes actually in dental school, but at a community college I'm not sure. Just tell her to try as hard as she can its a little frustrating but she can do it. Every student in the pre-med/pre-dental field is always second guessing themselves.

Sheena Roberts in Houston, Texas said: I'm in the same situation, but tell your daughter not to give up. I do think, but I'm not sure but if she doesnt pass the class, then she cant continue on, thats if shes actually in dental school, but at a community college I'm not sure. Just tell her to try as hard as she can its a little frustrating but she can do it. Every student in the pre-med/pre-dental field is always second guessing themselves.

Thanks Sheena, A lot of people are on her side and helping to keep her positive.

hiya,
im wanting to study dental hygeine in sep 2009, i havent applied to any uni yet, im a bit scared that i wouldnt get in, im a bit lost with what to put in my personal statment, iv started it but itz way too short. college is ok, got lots of assignments to do but i can cope. i just need help and advice with my personal statment, what extra things should i put. also if go to interveiws, what question will they ask?

thnks
kavell

kavell in Keighley, United Kingdom said: hiya,
im wanting to study dental hygeine in sep 2009, i havent applied to any uni yet, im a bit scared that i wouldnt get in, im a bit lost with what to put in my personal statment, iv started it but itz way too short. college is ok, got lots of assignments to do but i can cope. i just need help and advice with my personal statment, what extra things should i put. also if go to interveiws, what question will they ask?

thnks
kavell

Hey Kavell, I'm working on my personal statement right now, at my school we have a Biology siminar class that prepares you for this type of stuff. Remember in your personal statement not to use any I's. You should really have no more than four, because if you I went...or I was then the reader will most likey through it in a pile with the rest of the personal statements. You can substitute the I's for Progressing, or Maintaing. Also it should be interesting. Why you want to be a dentist, What do you want to do, what motivates you, and what you went through in your life. Make it personal but stay away from negative things that happened. Just make one once a week. Remember the more you write them the better it is.

So, did you have a two year or a four year degree? Is it hard to find a job after graduate?

kayla, soon to be RDH in Sarasota, Florida said: hey! I am a dental hygiene student in Ohio and just from experience, its NOT hard to get into the program IF you have very high science scores and good grades overall. Dont be nervous!!! If it meant to be, it WILL happen!!!!
Kayla

Linh in Spring, Texas said: No offense, but if you're struggling in a community college I see McD's or BK in your future......

That was immature and insensitive I see u being unemployable due to your lack of a personality!

Hazel05 in Houston, Texas said: Hello,

I am not sure of what Im going to do with my life at this point. I have always wanted to become a dental hygienist. But there are only two schools that are closer to my area. One is Wharton and the other one is UT Medical Branch at Houston. I have about one more semester to go to be finished with my pre-requisites, and then I am applying... but I am scared that I wont be able to get in the school. There is a lot of people applying for this program. I feel that if I apply and I dont get in, a whole year waiting for acceptance will be wasted. I want your opinion. Many people are pressuring me that I should forget it and just do x-ray tech. The advanges of this career is that you can continue your education specializing in MRI etc. Will the pay be higher or lower? For once it sounded interested, but I really wanna know what should I do.

please reply

Don't worry keep trying and do your hardest. Maybe look into other degrees where you don't have so much struggle. Life is not easy and sometimes it takes a couple of turns to find your path! Good luck in whatever you do! I am cheering for you!

Jennifer in Houston, Texas said: I am a sophomore in a community college and I am really struggling. My first semester I withdrew from more than half of my classes and I only completed one. My second semester I only completed three classes, I got an IP, F, and a B. I took the IP class over in summer school and got an A. Now I am in fall 2007 and I am regularly attending classes and I will end up with a C, and 2 A's and one F. I have really screwed up and I am getting myself back on track and I just wanted to know do I stand a chance to ever get accepted into a dental hygiene program? I really want to do this profession but I feel that I have messed up all of my chances and I am to late. Someone give me some feedback please. Thanks

Hi Jennifer. School is not an easy thing. Most community colleges had to step up their programs because many of them offer degree programs now. This makes them as difficult as many universities so don't feel bad. This is what i've been told by many teachers at Community colleges. Perhaps you should consider another field such as radiography (X-ray tech) or ultrasound tech. I have considered dental hygeine as a career choice but i have found several people who have gone through Hospital based programs and said they are less expensive than college, and pay just as well when all is said and done. I would expect they are not easy but probably more hands on. These are some Memorial Hermann Healthcare, 921 Gessner, School of Medical Radiography , Harris Co. Hosp Dis/B Taub c/o LbJ Hosp 5656 Kelley St. 77030 and Diagnostic Imaging Prog Univ. of Texas -MDAnderson 1515 Holcome Blvd. Unit 0190 Houston, Tx 77030. And since you are still in community college, School of Radiography Houston Comm. College System 1900 Pressler St. Houston, Tx 77030. P.S. - I'm pretty sure those prof's who have Masters, and Ph'D's and teach at Community Colleges would not take to kindly to her statement.

Dee in Houston, Texas said: I've been leaning on going to UT MD for their Dental Hygiene program, but I need to know if there are other colleges or universities that offer the same. But it has to be in the Houston area. I'm just a bit scared that I'm not going to be accepted :-\ UT offers a Bachelor's Degree and I think that it's the only university that does.

Is it difficult to get into UT MD dental hygiene??? I just need 3 more courses until I can apply :-) I'm just nervous!!

We are currently hiring a bilingual dental assistant in Houston Texas. Please send your resumes to ljohn.hchc@tachc.org

Hazel05 in Houston, Texas said: Hello,

I am not sure of what Im going to do with my life at this point. I have always wanted to become a dental hygienist. But there are only two schools that are closer to my area. One is Wharton and the other one is UT Medical Branch at Houston. I have about one more semester to go to be finished with my pre-requisites, and then I am applying... but I am scared that I wont be able to get in the school. There is a lot of people applying for this program. I feel that if I apply and I dont get in, a whole year waiting for acceptance will be wasted. I want your opinion. Many people are pressuring me that I should forget it and just do x-ray tech. The advanges of this career is that you can continue your education specializing in MRI etc. Will the pay be higher or lower? For once it sounded interested, but I really wanna know what should I do.

please reply

I think Hcc Coleman has a dental hygienist program.

Linh in Spring, Texas said: No offense, but if you're struggling in a community college I see McD's or BK in your future......

THEY ARE THE SAME NO MATTER WHERE YOU GO. JUST BECAUSE YOU TAKE A CLASS AT A COMMUNITY COLLEGE DOES NOT MEAN THAT ITS ANY EASIER AND A UNIVERSITY

I've recently change my major from optometry to dental hygiene. I took many upper level classes that are not required for the dental hygiene's prerequisites and did not do well in those classes. As for the required classes for dental hygiene, I need at least 5 more classes to take in order to apply. Would the upper level classes that I took and did bad in affect my acceptance? Plus, what is the average GPA for UT Houston? I went to their website and saw at least 2.5 but I'm pretty sure there are competitions. In addition, I wanted to be a general dentist after becoming a dental hygienist but many of my friends said I should just apply for dental school instead of taking the additional steps. I'm afraid that I won't get into dental school and that's why I'm planning to take the extra step to be sure. If I went to dental hygiene and apply for dental school, don't I need to take the DAT, which requires Physics 1 & 2, Organic 1 & 2? What do I do if I haven't taken Physics 1, 2 , and Organic 2? Please reply if you know the answer to my questions.

Thank you!
Jenny

I am a bio major also who wants to pursue becoming a Dentist, and you will need to take the classes you have taken that are required in order to get into the UTH branch. They do have waiting list for people who qualify called the Post Back Program. Its made for people who dont get in at their first try. Its a good program the only thing is you have to do a additional year of college work and if you do good in that then they will automatically hold you a spot for the Dental school. But your friends are right dont waist your time or money on Dental Hygiene school or Dental Assisting school. Try to get into the program first before you take other routes, because you just might get in. GOOD LUCK!!!!

Thank you Shanna for informing me about the Post Back Program! I know that I need to challenge myself and dental hygiene sounds like an easy route to get out. Therefore, I need to strive for dental school but I don't know if I can improve my GPA of 2.9 now that I'm a sophomore.

Its never too late to improve your GPA...I went from a 1.34 to a 3.2 in two semesters..You might want to retake some of those classes that you did horrible in, and mainly classes that are a 4 credit class..If you take organic 1 and 2 physics 1 and 2 and the other 4 credit classes that will boost your GPA up to a 3.0 atleast but you have to score a A or B on these classes because a 4 credit class can bring your GPA down bad if you fail. And your still fresh in college so you have plenty of time..Trust me take your time. Dental school isnt going any where. I know its hard because you want a income but it will all be worth it in the end. This way that they can see that you have that drive not to give up, and while your on your interview with whatever college you decide to run with you can tell them your challenges you faced. Its not about how bad your grades were, its about what you did to fix them.

I am a junior in college and i am going to graduate in the fall. Is it possible to attend college in the spring to major in Dental Hygienist?

Tari,
I'm not sure how things work in Kansas, but as far as I know, UT Houston Dental Hygiene only accept students in the Fall semester and requires you to apply one year prior to your entry date.

Shanna,
Thank you for your encouragements!

Dee in Houston, Texas said: I've been leaning on going to UT MD for their Dental Hygiene program, but I need to know if there are other colleges or universities that offer the same. But it has to be in the Houston area. I'm just a bit scared that I'm not going to be accepted :-\ UT offers a Bachelor's Degree and I think that it's the only university that does.

Is it difficult to get into UT MD dental hygiene??? I just need 3 more courses until I can apply :-) I'm just nervous!!

i go to high school and i have a 2.5 GPA and it may go up more before im dont but can i go straight to dental school after high school ?

can i go straight to dental school after high school?

Does anyone know how much RDH's make in the Houston area?

Hcc has a DH program for Fall 2010

momogal22 in Birmingham, Alabama said: can i go straight to dental school after high school?

No. Your grades show that you are not doing well in high school and may be an indicator of lack of success in college. You will have to get to college, which most likely in your case will by a community college, then you will need to take prerequisites. Prerequisites are classes that are needed before you can apply for a program or course. These are very heavy in Biology, Math, Physics, and Chemistry. You will also need to take an admissions test in order to see how well you retained this information. Then, you may apply for an interview. It's a long way and a long shot. Good luck!

DDS2B in San Antonio, Texas said: No. Your grades show that you are not doing well in high school and may be an indicator of lack of success in college. You will have to get to college, which most likely in your case will by a community college, then you will need to take prerequisites. Prerequisites are classes that are needed before you can apply for a program or course. These are very heavy in Biology, Math, Physics, and Chemistry. You will also need to take an admissions test in order to see how well you retained this information. Then, you may apply for an interview. It's a long way and a long shot. Good luck!

Excellent advice!
The hygiene program I graduated from also had a tougher grading policy. What would have been a B in other classes was a C, ie 100-96=A, 95-90=B, 89-80=C, 79-70=D. Anything below 69 was failing and if you got a C in any class for your semester grade you were on academic probation. They weren't kidding either. You either brought it up to B or better or you were out of the program. This would be good to know if you are normally a C or "average" student. Ask before you get into it and find out exactly what's expected. Good Luck!

Vanny in Houston, Texas said: Hcc has a DH program for Fall 2010

Is the HCC dental hygiene program accredited for the class of fall 2010?

Oh, i dont know , cuz last year i went to the orientation of the DH at Hccs , but they cancled, then they told me it'll be reopened on 2010, so i really dont know much about it!

Tough career to train for NOW! Please read other forums of the overcrowding of this field. Do you have the $ or able to take out the loan needed for this field, it's around 30-40,000 now for 2 yr program and the employment is ????able. In 2 yrs. when you've completed this program, what will the market have as far as jobs available...I just hate seeing anyone, especially in their 20-30's thinking that I will get a great position, NO problem. Many will be applying for that same position, and the Dr.'s have MANY,....MANY resumes to choose from....next...? Please think about your decision of career choice...don't go by what the schools say, or those fortunate few who have employment of 3+ days at this point in time....if you do choose this be ready with, every certification...and a shining personality...as I said MANY in field now....? in 2-3 yrs. when your done.....what will be the employment situation?

KINGWOOD COLLEGE!!!!
lone star they have dental hygiene. im going to the same myslef =]

Unknown in Channelview, Texas said: KINGWOOD COLLEGE!!!!
lone star they have dental hygiene. im going to the same myslef =]

Was it hard for you to get into the program?
I was thinkibg about Kingwood too!!!

I've been a hygienist for almost 30 years. It is a difficult program to get in to, but a great career. Competition is stiff. Keep your grades up and try to get some experience in a dental office. All of that will be taken into consideration. I started out with an Associates Degree, but went back to school to get a bachelors degree. The bachelors degree will give you more options down the road like teaching. It's a lot to think about, but generally the employment situation is good. True, there are a lot of graduates out there but there are also a lot of dentist.

pjrdh in Missouri City, Texas said: I've been a hygienist for almost 30 years. It is a difficult program to get in to, but a great career. Competition is stiff. Keep your grades up and try to get some experience in a dental office. All of that will be taken into consideration. I started out with an Associates Degree, but went back to school to get a bachelors degree. The bachelors degree will give you more options down the road like teaching. It's a lot to think about, but generally the employment situation is good. True, there are a lot of graduates out there but there are also a lot of dentist.

Maybe in Texas there are a lot if Dentists....but I think in the N.E. it's probably now a 20-1 ratio (R.D.H.'s to Dr.'s).