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Dental Hygiene Program Miscellaneous FAQ

Below you will find answers to many miscellaneous questions about the Dental Hygiene Program.

The Dental Hygiene Program at AC is a 2-year program that includes a summer session between the first and second year.  

It is the applicant’s responsibility to request that their official transcripts be sent to Amarillo College. Once they are sent to AC, there is a process to evaluate the coursework. It is important to have this done as early on as possible. That will allow the registrar the needed time to evaluate your coursework and for it to appear on your AC transcript under “Transfer Information.”  View Registrars FAQs

You can count on either class or clinic responsibilities 4-5 days a week from 7:30 am-5 pm within the Program. General education coursework needed for graduation may need to be done evenings or weekends as available. 

We understand that not all students can attend college without working as well. However, our Program requires a significant time commitment for clinics, classes, and study. If possible, we would advise you to try and not work. 

We understand that not all students can relocate to Amarillo and must commute. However, because our Program is such a rigorous program that requires a significant amount of time, commuting can be challenging. If possible, we would encourage you to relocate to Amarillo.

All Health Science students at AC must have a background check and drug screening to ensure the safety of patients treated by students.

Your Advisor is Jessica Sanchez jvsanchez@actx.edu.

You can also contact the following with any questions:

AC has a wonderful Financial Aid office. Please get in touch with them for more information.

Yes, general education courses will likely transfer into the program if they were successfully completed with a grade of C or better at a regionally accredited college or university. However, the Amarillo College Registrar is responsible for the official review and approval of transfer credits.

 Important: The application deadline is April 25, 2025, so it is critical that you send your transcripts well in advance to allow the Registrar enough time for review. Delays in transcript processing could impact your application status.

To ensure your courses are reviewed on time, we strongly recommend submitting your transcripts as soon as possible.

In addition to tuition, students in the Amarillo College Dental Hygiene Program should plan for the following expenses:

Required Expenses

  • Dental Instruments – $7,500 (must be paid at registration; typically not covered by FAFSA)
  • Textbooks & Software – Estimated $2,200 for required course materials
  • Uniforms & Scrubs – Students must purchase at least 3 sets of navy scrubs, 1 lab coat, and clinic-appropriate shoes (must be leather, athletic, or nursing shoes)
  • CPR Certification – $35 per year (must be completed through the program; outside certifications not accepted)
  • HIPAA/OSHA Training – $70 per year ($140 total)
  • SADHA Membership Fees – $75 per year ($150 total)

Additional Fees During the Program

  • HESI Exam (Capstone Test, 2nd Year) – $165
  • TB Testing & Flu Vaccination – $20-$40 per year
  • Optional Loupes (Magnification Glasses) – $1,000-$1,400 (recommended but not required)

Board Exam & Licensure Costs

  • Board Review Course (Optional, 2nd Year) – ~$400 (not including travel expenses)
  • National Written Boards, Clinical Boards, & Licensing Fees – Estimated $2,700
Important: Since the Dental Hygiene Program is considered part-time, financial aid eligibility may be affected if you have already completed all general education requirements. Be sure to check with AC’s Financial Aid Office for assistance in covering these costs​.

As a student in the Dental Hygiene Program at Amarillo College, you will complete your clinical training in our on-campus dental hygiene clinic, where you will gain hands-on experience providing care to real patients under faculty supervision.

A clear background check and negative drug screening are required for admission.

If an applicant fails either of these:

  • They will not be eligible to participate in the program.

  • They will forfeit their conditional acceptance.

No, you do not need to complete immunizations, screenings, or background checks until you are officially accepted into the program. Once accepted, you will receive detailed instructions on completing these requirements.

All accepted students must provide proof of the following vaccinations:

  • Measles (MMR) – Two doses required if born on or after January 1, 1957
  • Rubella (German Measles) – One dose required
  • Mumps – One dose required if born on or after January 1, 1957
  • Hepatitis B – Complete series (three doses) must be started before patient contact
  • Varicella (Chicken Pox) – Two doses required or proof of immunity
  • Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis) – Must be within the last 10 years
  • Influenza (Flu Vaccine) – Required annually before flu season
  • Bacterial Meningitis – Required for all students under 22 years old
  • Tuberculosis (TB) Skin Test – Must be completed within one year before starting clinical activities (required yearly while in the program)

 Tip: If you haven’t received some of these vaccines, it’s best to start the process early, especially for Hepatitis B, since it requires multiple doses over several months.

You will submit all immunization records through AC’s Complio system, which manages compliance for health-related programs. Detailed instructions will be provided at orientation.

Yes, both are required for all accepted students before they begin the program. This ensures compliance with healthcare facility policies and protects patients in clinical settings. Detailed instructions will be provided at orientation.

Students must complete the following yearly training sessions while enrolled in the program:

  • CPR Certification (Healthcare Provider BLS) – Must be valid throughout the program.
  • TB Testing– Required annually before flu season.
  • HIPAA/OSHA Training – Covers patient privacy and workplace safety.
  • Flu Vaccine – Required annually before flu season.

Training for CPR, HIPAA/OSHA sessions will be scheduled after the semester begins in August, and details will be provided during orientation.

For questions about immunizations, please contact:

  • Your private physician
  • Local or state health department

Failure to complete the required immunizations, screenings, or training by the deadlines provided may result in dismissal from the program. It’s important to stay on top of these requirements to avoid delays.

Yes, to become a licensed dental hygienist, graduates must pass:

  • National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) – A written test on dental hygiene knowledge.
  • Clinical Board Examination – A hands-on patient-based exam testing clinical skills.
  • State Jurisprudence Exam – A test on dental laws and ethics (varies by state).
Our program prepares students for these exams, and faculty will provide guidance on the licensure process.