Feb 18, 2026  
Dallas College Catalog 2026-2027 
  
Dallas College Catalog 2026-2027

Dental Hygiene A.A.S.

Location(s): El Centro


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Note: This program may lead to an occupational license for which a prior criminal history may make a student ineligible. For more information, please visit: https://www.dallascollege.edu/hb1508.

This program is THECB Approved Program of Study (POS).

(Associate of Applied Science Degree)

El Centro campus only

  • Students pursuing this award program are required to meet Texas Success Initiative (TSI)  standards and course prerequisites.
  • Complete at least 25% of the credit hours required for graduation through instruction by Dallas College.
  • Students who are accepted into this program must meet the required minimum passing score of “75” for specified courses within the degree plan.

Degree Plan Code: AAS.DENTAL.HYG.21

The Dental Hygiene Program is a two-year 68 credit hour program leading to the Associate of Applied Science Degree. The program prepares graduates to be eligible to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a regional clinical board in order to apply for licensure by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners to become a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH).

The program is accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA): 211 East Chicago Ave.; Chicago, IL 60611; Telephone: 800-621-8099 or 312-440-4653; website: www.ada.org/en/coda. The program applies classroom and laboratory skills to clinic experience in the on-site dental clinic. Contact the Assessment Center at El Centro campus for the pre-entrance assessment, and Health Occupations Admissions to receive an information packet.

Prerequisite Semester Total: 16 Credit Hours


Semester Total: 11 Credit Hours


Semester Total: 14 Credit Hours


Summer Total: 3 Credit Hours


Semester Total: 10 Credit Hours


Semester Total: 14 Credit Hours


Minimum Hours Required: 68 Credit Hours


Electives


Humanities/Fine Arts Elective


 + Must be selected from the AAS Core Options for Humanities/Fine Arts 

Note(s)


  • Grading policies for some programs in the School of Health Sciences (SOHS) may differ from the college standard, employing an alternative grading system that reflects industry competency standards. This system ensures graduates meet the rigorous, competency-based requirements of the healthcare industry. A minimum grade requirement of “C” or better for the courses in the SOHS is required. For more information, see Grades and GPA  

  • Students enrolling in this program who plan to transfer to a four year institution should consult an advisor or counselor regarding transfer requirements and the transferability of these courses to the four year institution of their choice.

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