Dental Hygiene
The Dental Hygiene Program is a two-year Associate of Applied Science Degree program, including classroom instruction and clinical rotations.
The program provides quality entry-level dental hygiene education in an advanced technological, humanistic, cost-effective atmosphere.
Please review the Dental Hygiene Program Mission Statement and Goals (PDF will open in a new window).
Dental Hygienist Responsibilities
Dental hygienists are licensed oral health professionals who focus on preventing and treating oral diseases to protect teeth and gums and on protecting patients' total health. Duties are physically demanding.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Assessing and monitoring medical histories
- Performing head and neck cancer screenings
- Obtaining and assessing dental radiographs (x-rays)
- Treating oral diseases
- Removing plaque and calculus (tartar) from above and below gumlines using dental instruments
- Applying cavity-preventive agents, such as fluorides and sealants, to the teeth
- Educating patients on proper oral hygiene techniques to maintain healthy teeth and gums
- Counseling patients about smoking cessation and the importance of good nutrition for maintaining optimal oral health.
Accreditation
The Tarrant County College Dental Hygiene Program is accredited by the
American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation
211 East Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611-2678
312-440-2695
Note About Program Policies
Each applicant may view The Dental Hygiene Program Policies on Blood-borne and Infectious Diseases upon request. These policies are available in the Program Coordinator's office and in the Tarrant County College Dental Hygiene Clinic Manual. Dental Hygiene faculty will discuss or answer any questions an applicant may have concerning these policies.
Contact
Debra Krebs, Dental Hygiene and Emergency Medical Services Advisement
Northeast Campus
Building NFAC, Room 1109
828 W. Harwood Road
Hurst, TX 76054
817-515-6245
Health Sciences Department
Northeast Campus
Building NHSC, Room 1131
828 W. Harwood Road
Hurst, TX 76054
817-515-6435
817-515-6054
health.sciences@tccd.edu
Reviewed October 15, 2012