Dental hygienists provide dental health services that include clearning (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. The Dental Hygiene Program has a limited capacity and selects students based upon defined criteria. Students who are interested in applying to the Dental Hygiene Program must complete an application to 1) Lamar Institute of Technology and 2) the Dental Hygiene Program. Individuals interested in applying must also complete and pass all Texas Success Initiative Requirements. Applications and selection criteria are available from the Dental Hygiene Program office in the Multi-Purpose Center, Room 223. Applications to the Dental Hygiene Program are due on December 20 of each year.

Students are encouraged to complete supporting courses prior to applying to the program. Supporting courses include courese in the recommended program of study that do not have a DHYG designation. Students who complete Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Human Anatomy and Physiology II (BIOL 2302 AND 2102) will be given priority in the selection process.

The curriculum is two years in length. The program begins in July and ends in May, two years after beginning the program. During enrollment, students attend lecture, laboratory, and clinical courses. Some courses may be offered online so students should have Internet access. Clinical practice occurs in the Dental Hygiene Clinic on the LIT campus.

Once accepted into the Dental Hygiene Program, dental hygiene students must 1) maintain a minimum of a “C” in all courses; 2) maintain a 2.3 GPA; 3) complete a portfolio; 4) complete the Recommended Program of Study; 5) complete community service requirements; and 6) satisfy LIT graduation requirements. Dental hygiene courses listed in the Recommended Program of Study have prerequisites. Prerequisites include admission into the program and completion of courses as sequenced in the Recommended Program of Study.

Each of the requirements must be satisfied for a student to graduate with an Associate of Applied Science degree. Graduates must successfully pass the Dental Hygiene National Board Examination and a regional or state clinical exam in order to apply for a license to practice.