Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Dental Hygiene Program?
The Dental Hygiene Program is 2 years in length, a summer session is included and all traditional college holidays are observed.
What is the degree granted at the end of the curriculum?
Upon successful completion of the Dental Hygiene Program students are granted an Associate of Applied Science degree.
What is the schedule like?
Students are in class full time on a daytime schedule, five days a week. Each semester is slightly different, but no classes after 5:00 pm. Class preparation begins at 8:00 am. Clinic preparation begins at 7:30 am.
How much does the program cost?
Including tuition, books, instruments and clinic supplies, immunizations, uniforms and board exam fees, the cost is approximately $10,000.00. Students are required to purchase scrubs to wear in any lab or clinic setting.
How do I apply ?
Find more information
here.
Will I automatically be accepted?
Typically, more students apply to the program than there is space available. Lone Star College -Kingwood will accept 12 students for the Fall Semester and each fall semester thereafter. Admission is based on a point system using grade point average in the dental hygiene prerequisite coursework, grades in other general education coursework, scores on the HOBET (Health Occupations Basic Entrance Test), currently held degrees, Associates, Bachelors, Masters, and if you are a Certified Dental Assistant having taken the Dental Assisting National Board Exam and have proof thereof or a Texas Registered Dental Assistant points will be awarded accordingly. The top 30 applicants receiving the most points will be invited for an interview.
What is HOBET?
The HOBET is the Health Occupations Basic Entrance Test. The HOBET Study Guide is available through the Educational Resources Incorporated website at
www.eriworld.com. The HOBET is available to be taken throughout the year. To register for HOBET open the following link.
http://wwwappskc.lonestar.edu/cgi/hobet/index.cfmWhen will I be notified?
Letters of acceptance will be sent out no later than May 31 of the year that you apply for the program.
Is there a waiting list?
Lone Star College-Kingwood will not keep a waiting list. However, there will be an Alternate List for applicants who will be offered a place in the class if an accepted student does not enter the program.
What else is required?
Once accepted, students will need:
- All immunizations must be current including MMR, Tetnus/Diptheria (Td Adult type), Varicella, Hepatitis B series (This is a series of 3 injections that must be complete by first day of class. The series takes 6 months to complete), Negative TB skin test in the past 12 months.
- Current CPR for Healthcare providers.
How do I get a license to practice as a Registered Dental Hygienist?
You must graduate from an Accredited School of Dental Hygiene, You must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam and you must pass the Western Region Examining Board Clinical Examination. Once you have satisfied these requirements, you may make application to the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners for licensure.
The National Board Dental Hygiene Exam is given in the Spring semester of your final year in the Dental Hygiene Program. The Western Region Examining Board Clinical Exam is given upon completion of your final year of the dental hygiene curriculum.
Do I have to take the ACT or SAT examination to be considered for admission?
The ACT or SAT examinations are not specifically required by the program or the college. You will need to meet the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements for admission to the college. College Advisors will be happy to help you with this.
How many times a year will Lone Star College-Kingwood admit a new dental hygiene class?
Our program, like many of the others in the state, accepts and admits one class per year in the Fall semester.
Do I have to have prior work experience in a dental office to be considered for admission?
No, but it is helpful to do some research about the dental hygiene profession to see if the roles and responsibilities of the dental hygienist are in line with your personal goals. If you have no dental office experience it is advisable to speak to your own dentist/dental hygienist about observing in the office.
If I don't have my pre-requisite courses completed by December 31, can I still apply?
No, all prerequisite coursework must be complete in order to apply to the program.
I took Anatomy and Physiology ten years ago. Will I need to retake the course?
BIOL 2401 Anatomy & Physiology 1, BIOL 2402 Anatomy & Physiology 2 and BIOL 2420 Medical Microbiology MUST be no more than 5 years old when applying to the Dental Hygiene Program.
If I fail a course and retake it, which grade do you consider in the application process?
The higher of the two.
Where can I get an application?
Applications are available on this website beginning October 15 of each year.