(CIP Code: 51.0602)

Program Description:

The purpose of the Program is to prepare competent dental hygienists to meet the oral health care needs of the public. The Blinn College Dental Hygiene Program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of approval without reporting requirements. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. Graduates are eligible for licensure per guidelines of each individual state’s board of dentistry.

Program Notes:

This is a competitive entry, cohort Applied Sciences Program at Blinn College. To be eligible for admissions into the Dental Hygiene Program, the following minimum criteria must be met.

1. Complete all admissions requirements to Blinn College. Acceptance into Blinn College does not guarantee acceptance into the Dental Hygiene Program. Admissions requirements for Blinn College should be seen as separate requirements from those within the Dental Hygiene Program application packet.
2. Be TSI College Ready in all subjects by Blinn College standards.
3. Completion of the Dental Hygiene Program application packet and all requirements therein by the stated deadline.
4. Grades of “C” or better in all prerequisite and corequisite courses, with a minimum overall GPA of a 2.5 or greater. All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to the start of the Dental Hygiene Program. However, it is encouraged to complete as many of the prerequisites and corequisites (academic courses) prior to the start of the Program to be a more competitive applicant.
   • BIOL 2401 & BIOL 2402 must be completed within 5 years of the application deadline.
   • BIOL 2420 must be completed within 3 years of the application deadline.
5. Take the ATI TEAS test.
6. Additional requirements include observation hours of a dental hygienist for at least 16 hours within one year of the application deadline, and three recommendations.
7. Optional items considered, but not required, include community service hours, two years of employment or military service, and any professional health care certifications.

Admitted students will be required to show proof of required immunizations and submit to a criminal background check and drug screening process to be eligible to continue into the Dental Hygiene Program.

For the most accurate admissions requirements, please see the Program’s website at www.blinn.edu/twe/dental/. Advising for current Blinn students regarding this Program can be scheduled by emailing kynsie.benefield@blinn.edu.