Course overview
The BSDH curriculum consists of (1) the dental hygiene prerequisite courses and the University core curriculum taken during the freshman and sophomore years (54 hours) and (2) the dental hygiene courses (66 hours) taken during the junior and senior years, after acceptance into the Dental Hygiene Program. Acceptance into the University does not constitute acceptance for admission into the Dental Hygiene Program. Entrance into the Dental Hygiene Program is competitive and limited to the number of clinical positions available in the M.S.U. Gaines Dental Hygiene Clinic (18 clinical position). A new class is accepted each April for entry into the program the following fall semester. The Dental Hygiene Program is accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation. Completion of degree requirements enables the graduate to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and the State Board Clinical/Jurisprudence Examinations for licensure. The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners has set guidelines and criteria regulating the eligibility of persons with criminal convictions, mental illness, and/or chemical dependency to obtain a license to practice dental hygiene in the state of Texas. All applicants applying for licensure must complete a Fingerprint Criminal Background Check before submitting an application for initial licensure. A student who has concerns in this area is encouraged to contact the Dental State Board in the state in which they wish to practice early in their academic career. Dental hygiene is classified as a Category I level (high-risk) profession for blood-borne pathogens, according to OSHA standards. A person with certain musculoskeletal conditions may have difficulty performing the daily activities required in the profession of dental hygiene. These include, but are not limited to, degenerative conditions or injuries to the neck, back, shoulder, elbow, wrist, and/or hands. Examples: herniated or bulging disks, chronic rotator cuff symptoms, and carpal tunnel syndrome. It is strongly recommended that individuals with any of these conditions be evaluated by their physician prior to pursuing the dental hygiene degree.
