• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Individuals must be at least 18 years of age
• Completion of Required Pre-requisite courses
• Completion of Health Science ONLINE Application
• Completing the TEAS Exam
• A minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA
• Earn sufficient points to be placed on the class roster.
• Applicants to the dental hygiene program must be able to meet performance standards. Technical Standards and Essential Functions
• An incomplete application will NOT be reviewed for admission into the Dental Hygiene Program.
• After acceptance into the Program, the student must pass a criminal background check and drug testing via the AC Complio Website. The student will also be required to complete all required immunizations before entering the Program and immunizations needed while in the Program.

Required for Application

*All Associate (AA, AS) degrees and Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degrees have a 1 credit hour institutional requirement of EDUC 1100: First-Year Seminar.

Prerequisite and Course Requirements

• Each prerequisite course may be retaken one time only.
• If a course is repeated, the highest grade earned will be used for admission scoring.

Required Courses

• BIOL 2401 Anatomy and Physiology I
• BIOL 2402 Anatomy and Physiology II
• BIOL 2420 Microbiology for Non-Science Majors
• CHEM 1405 Introductory Chemistry I
• HITT 1205 Medical Terminology I

Medical Terminology Requirement (New):

• Medical Terminology is required, but no admission points are awarded for this course.
• Applicants may apply without having completed Medical Terminology.
• Medical Terminology must be completed no later than August 24, 2026.

Chemistry Course Substitutions

The following courses may be used in place of CHEM 1405 (Introductory Chemistry I):

• CHEM 1406 General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry
• CHEM 1411 General Chemistry I
• CHEM 1412 General Chemistry II
• CHEM 2423 Organic Chemistry I
• CHEM 2425 Organic Chemistry II

How Applications Are Reviewed

Applications are scored in stages. Prerequisite coursework, additional admission points, and TEAS scores are reviewed first. Only the highest-ranking applicants advance to the CASPER assessment. Final admission offers are based on total combined scores.

1. Prerequisite Course Points

Admission points are awarded based on grades earned in the required prerequisite courses listed below.

Required Prerequisite Courses Used for Scoring:

• BIOL 2401 Anatomy and Physiology I
• BIOL 2402 Anatomy and Physiology II
• BIOL 2420 Microbiology for Non-Science Majors
• CHEM 1405 Introductory Chemistry I

Maximum Points from Prerequisite Courses: 40 points

Points Per Course

• Grade of A = 10 points
• Grade of B = 7 points
• Grade of C = 4 points
• Grade of D or below = 0 points

Important

• All prerequisite courses must be completed before May 15, 2026.
• Only these four courses are used in prerequisite point calculations.

2. Additional Admission Points

Applicants may earn additional points beyond prerequisite coursework for the following:

• Attendance at a Dental Hygiene Program Information Session = 1 point
• Previous Degree Earned (Associate degree or higher) = 2 points
• Verified Alternate Candidate within the past five years = 2 points
• Completion of Dental Hygiene Observation = 2 points

Dental Hygiene Observation Requirements

• Two full-day observations (16 total hours) are required.
• Observation hours must be completed before the application deadline to earn points. 
• Applicants must follow the official observation instructions and submit the required verification form.

Maximum Points from Additional Points: 7 points

3. TEAS 7 Exam Scoring

TEAS 7 scores are used as part of the initial application scoring process. Points are awarded by section as outlined below. Learn more information about the TEAS Exam.

TEAS 7 Science

• 85% and above = 9 points
• 75–84.9% = 6 points
• 65–74.9% = 3 points
• Below 65% = 0 points

Maximum Science Points: 9

TEAS 7 Reading

• 90% and above = 6 points
• 80–89.9% = 4 points
• 70–79.9% = 2 points
• Below 70% = 0 points

Maximum Reading Points: 6

TEAS 7 Math

• 90% and above = 5 points
• 80–89.9% = 4 points
• 70–79.9% = 2 points
• Below 70% = 0 points

Maximum Math Points: 5

TEAS 7 English & Language Usage (ELU)

• 90% and above = 6 points
• 80–89.9% = 4 points
• 70–79.9% = 2 points
• Below 70% = 0 points

Maximum ELU Points: 6

Maximum Total TEAS Points: 26 points

4. CASPER Assessment Requirement

Not all applicants are required to complete the CASPER assessment.
After prerequisite, additional, and TEAS points are calculated, only the top-ranking applicants will be invited to proceed to CASPER.

• The Dental Hygiene Program accepts 24 students each year.
• The top 48 highest-scoring applicants will be invited to take CASPER.
• Applicants who are not invited do not need to complete CASPER.

Applicants selected to proceed will receive an official email notification by May 18, 2026, with instructions and next steps.

5. How CASPER Scores Are Converted to Admission Points

CASPER Percentile – Points

• 90th–100th – 20
• 80th–89th – 18
• 70th–79th – 16
• 60th–69th – 14
• 50th–59th – 12
• 40th–49th – 10
• 30th–39th – 8
• 20th–29th – 6
• 10th–19th – 4
• 1st–9th – 2
• Below 1st – 0

Maximum CASPER Points: 20

6. Admissions Timeline

• April 10, 2026 – Application deadline
• April 13, 2026 – Admissions Committee begins review
• April 15, 2026 – Response of Applicant to Point System Worksheet
• May 17, 2026 – Final grades available from Amarillo College
• May 18, 2026 – CASPER invitation emails sent

7. Final Selection Process

• The program accepts 24 students each year.
• The top 48 applicants after application and TEAS scoring advance to CASPER.
• Final admission decisions are based on combined application, TEAS, and CASPER scores.
• The highest-ranking 24 applicants after CASPER will be offered admission.

8. CASPER Testing Dates

Applicants invited to take CASPER must choose one of the following dates:

• Tuesday, May 19 at 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday, May 23 at 12:00 p.m.

Students are strongly encouraged to select the Tuesday testing date.
No additional testing dates or make-up sessions will be offered.
Failure to complete CASPER on one of the assigned dates will remove the applicant from further consideration.

Total Points Possible: 93 points

Casper Assessment

A select percentage of top-ranking applicants must complete the Casper assessment as part of the 2026/2027 admissions process.

What is Casper?

Casper is an online, open-response situational judgment test designed to assess personal and professional skills important for success in our program. The test takes 65–85 minutes to complete and complements other tools used in our applicant evaluation process.

When Will I Know if I Need to Take Casper?

The Dental Hygiene Program Admissions Committee reviews all applications to determine top-ranking candidates. Here is the timeline for notifications:

• April 10, 2026: Application deadline (no further submissions accepted).
• April 13, 2026: The Admissions Committee begins reviewing applications.
• May 17, 2026: Final grades become available for review from Amarillo College (AC).
• May 18, 2026: Final notification emails are sent to top-ranking candidates.

If you are selected, you will receive an email from the Admissions Committee with a registration code and instructions for completing the Casper test.

Selection Process Overview

• The Dental Hygiene Program accepts 24 students each year.
• The top 48 applicants will be required to take the Casper assessment.
• Final selections are based on combined application review and Casper scores.
• The highest-ranking 24 students after the Casper assessment will be offered admission.

Important

Students invited to take the CASPER assessment will have two testing options only:

• Tuesday, May 19 at 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday, May 23 at 12:00 p.m.

Students are strongly encouraged to choose the Tuesday testing date. No additional dates or make-up sessions will be offered.
Please plan accordingly, as missing both options will remove you from further consideration in the admission process.

Program Capacity

The Dental Hygiene Program accepts 24 students each year, regardless of the number of applicants or their rankings.

Selection Timetable

The Dental Hygiene Program Admission Committee begins reviewing applications during March and April. You will be contacted via your Amarillo College email by April 13, 2026, to verify the information we have received from you, including the points you have been assigned.

Remember To

1. Ensure Your Prerequisite Coursework is Evaluated
   • If your prerequisite courses were taken outside Amarillo College, ensure your official transcripts have been sent to and evaluated by the Registrar’s Office. Only evaluated courses listed on your application will be considered.
2. Check Your Email for Instructions
   • After submitting your Health Science Application (deadline: 3 PM April 10, 2026), monitor your Amarillo College email for further instructions.
3. Review Your Point System Worksheet
   • On or before Monday, April 13, 2026, you will receive an email from the Dental Hygiene Program Admissions Committee. This will include your Program Point System Worksheet for review.
4. Verify Your Score
   • Review your worksheet and confirm your score by responding to the committee’s email no later than noon on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
5. Complete the CASPER Assessment (if required)
   • If selected, complete the CASPER Assessment at 7 pm (Central Time), Wednesday, May 13, 2026, or Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 12 pm. Scores will be sent to Amarillo College within two weeks.
6. Await Final Decision
   • You will receive an email with your acceptance status on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.
   • Accepted students must confirm their acceptance by Friday, June 12, 2026.

Program Requirements Once Accepted 

You do not need to complete the following Immunizations and Screening Requirements until you are accepted into the program.

Once you are accepted, you are required to have the following:

• Immunizations
• Screenings
• Criminal Background Check
• Drug Screens

Required Vaccination

• Measles Vaccination
• Rubella Vaccination
• Mumps Vaccination
• Hepatitis B Vaccinations (must have started the series)
• Varicella Vaccination
• Tdap Vaccination
• Flu vaccine
• Bacterial Menengitis Vaccination
• Tuberculosis Skin Test

Texas Immunization & Screening Requirements

The following requirements apply to all students enrolled in health-related programs in Texas schools, which will involve direct patient contact in program-affiliated medical care facilities. See the AC Complio website for screening, immunizations and compliance.

1. Students born on or after January 1, 1957, must show, prior to first patient contact, acceptable written evidence of vaccination of two doses of measles-containing vaccine administered since January 1, 1968. Serologic confirmation of measles immunity is adequate. Evidence of immunity must consist of a laboratory report that indicates either confirmation of immunity or infection.
2. Before program admission, students must show written evidence of vaccination of one dose of rubella (German measles) vaccine. Serologic confirmation of immunity to rubella is acceptable. Evidence of immunity must consist of a laboratory report that indicates either confirmation of immunity or infection.
3. Students born on or after. January 1, 1957, must show written evidence of vaccination of one dose of mumps vaccine prior to first patient contact. Serologic confirmation of immunity to mumps is acceptable. Evidence of immunity must consist of a laboratory report that indicates either confirmation of immunity or infection.
4. Students shall have received a complete series (three injections) of the hepatitis B vaccine prior to first patient contact.
5. Students shall have received a complete series (two injections) of varicella (Chicken Pox) vaccine prior to first patient contact unless the first dose was received prior to thirteen years of age or must present documentation of varicella immunity. Proof of varicella immunity through laboratory results is acceptable in lieu of vaccine.
6. Within the last ten years, one dose of tetanus-diphtheria toxoid (Td) is required. The booster dose may be in the form of a tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis-containing vaccine (Tdap).
7. Students who have patient contact must show written evidence of Influenza Vaccination prior to the seasonal flu season.
8. Meet the AC Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination requirement.

TB Skin Test

All students must present documentation of a negative tuberculin skin test (PPD) administered within one year of beginning clinical activities prior to first patient contact or present evidence of a negative chest x-ray for tuberculosis (T.B.) obtained within one year of beginning clinical activities, if the T.B. skin test is positive. Tuberculosis skin tests must be repeated yearly while students are enrolled in a Health Science Program. Questions concerning Texas immunization requirements should be directed to a private physician or the local or state health department - not to Amarillo College personnel.

Required Yearly Training In The Program

As part of the program, students are required to complete the following trainings each year:

• CPR Certification (Healthcare Provider BLS)
• Flu Vaccine
• HIPAA/OSHA Training

These requirements will be thoroughly reviewed during your first orientation. Trainings will be scheduled after the semester begins in August, with detailed instructions provided at that time.

Drug Screens

The 10-panel drug screen procedure may take up to 30 days to complete. Students are required to order the drug screen and submit a specimen in sufficient time to be reviewed by the school before starting the clinic.

Incoming students should begin the drug screen process only upon directions from the department. Failure to complete the drug test in the time period required will result in withdrawal from the program. All drug screens must be ordered through the AC Complio website, and urine specimens submitted within 30 days of ordering the drug screen.

For details regarding Drug Screening, refer to the Health Sciences Drug Screening page.

Criminal Background Check

Amarillo College background checks are conducted through the AC Complio website, a firm specializing in background checks for healthcare workers. Your order must be placed online only, and typically takes 3-5 business days to complete.

Complio will not use your information for any other purposes other than a background check. Your credit will not be investigated, and your name will not be given out to any businesses.

Before proceeding with the Criminal Background Check process, you should first view and download the Amarillo College CBC Policy Statement. After reading the policy statement, you will need to sign the attached form and submit the signed form to your program director for placement into your application file. Your application to the program cannot be considered until this signed statement is on file.

Complete all required fields and hit Continue to enter your payment information. The payment of $48.00 plus sales tax for individuals living in Texas can be made securely online with a credit or debit card. You can also pay by money order, but that will delay processing your background check until the money order is received by mail at the Complio office. You will be provided an order confirmation number and instructions on checking the status on the completion of your report by email.

If you need assistance, don't hesitate to contact Complio. 

Mandatory Orientation

Student orientation is a critical part of your journey into the program and is mandatory for all accepted students. During orientation, you will receive essential information about program expectations, policies, clinical requirements, and resources to help you succeed.
You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Meet faculty and fellow students.
• Review your program schedule and course requirements.
• Learn about clinical protocols, safety guidelines, and expectations.
• Gain insights into academic resources and support services.

Orientation Times & Dates

• Tuesday, June 23, 2026 – 9 am – 4 pm
• Wednesday, August 12, 2026 – 9 am – 4 pm
• Thursday, August 13, 2026 – 9 am – 4 pm

Location

AC West Campus 
6222 W 9th Street 
Amarillo, TX 79106
1st Floor Jones Hall Rm 135

General Education Requirements

In addition to the core Dental Hygiene curriculum, students are required to complete courses in other disciplines, including:

• Speech (SPCH 1318)
• Ethics (PHIL 2306)
• English (ENGL 1301)
• Sociology (SOCI 1301)
• Psychology (PSYC 2301)
• Medical Terminology (HITT 1205)

These courses are part of the program's major course requirements. While it is recommended to complete them prior to beginning the program, they can be integrated into your schedule if needed.

Students are encouraged to review the Program Map below to see how these courses can fit into the program structure and plan accordingly.

Core Requirements 

• DHYG 1201 - Orofacial Anatomy, Histology and Embryology
• DHYG 1207 - General and Dental Nutrition
• DHYG 1211 - Periodontology
• DHYG 1215 - Community Dentistry
• DHYG 1219 - Dental Materials
• DHYG 1227 - Preventive Dental Hygiene Care
• DHYG 1235 - Pharmacology for the Dental Hygienist
• DHYG 1239 - General and Oral Pathology
• DHYG 1260 - Clinical - Dental Hygienist I
• DHYG 1304 - Dental Radiology
• DHYG 1331 - Preclinical Dental Hygiene
• DHYG 1261 - Clinical Dental Hygienist II
• DHYG 2153 - Dental Hygiene Practice
• DHYG 2201 - Dental Hygiene Care I
• DHYG 2231 - Dental Hygiene Care II
• DHYG 2260 - Clinical Dental Hygienist III
• DHYG 2261 - Clinical - Dental Hygienist IV

View Program Map

Program Performance

To successfully progress through and graduate from the program, students must meet the following criteria:

1. Academic and Clinical Standards
   • Students must achieve a minimum grade of 75% in all coursework and maintain acceptable clinical performance.
   • Failing to meet these standards may result in dismissal from the program.
2. Progression Policies and Support
   • Information on grading criteria, progression requirements, and available academic support will be provided during orientation.
3. Graduation Requirements
   • Successfully complete all required coursework and clinical components.
   • Meet the program’s standards for attendance, grading, and competency.