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Program Costs and Financial Planning

The Dental Hygiene Program includes expenses beyond college tuition and basic fees. Students should plan for instruments, textbooks, uniforms, clinical compliance, professional membership, examinations, and licensure. Costs are estimates and may change based on college rates, vendor pricing, testing agencies, and individual student needs.

Cost estimates are provided for planning purposes and do not represent a final bill. Students are responsible for confirming current tuition, fees, and purchasing requirements before each semester.

Tuition and College Fees

Tuition depends on:

  • Residency classification 
  • The number of credit hours taken each semester 
  • General education courses already completed 
  • Course and laboratory fees 
  • Repeated courses 
  • Changes approved by Amarillo College 

The current Amarillo College tuition schedule lists different semester rates for in-district, out-of-district, and out-of-state students. Students should use the college’s current tuition schedule rather than relying on a fixed two-year tuition estimate. 

Additional Resources:

The Dental Hygiene Program Map includes 68 total credit hours, but an individual student’s remaining tuition will depend on courses completed before program admission. 

Instruments and Clinical Supplies

Dental hygiene students must purchase a program-approved instrument and clinical supply package for use during laboratory instruction and supervised patient care.
The estimated instrument kit fee is $7,500. This cost is separate from tuition and other program fees. The full amount is due at registration before the first semester begins and is non-refundable. The program selects the required instruments, equipment, vendor, and package contents. Financial aid may not cover the full cost, and payment may be required before financial aid funds are available.

Students should plan for this expense before accepting admission and contact the Amarillo College Financial Aid Office early to discuss available funding options.

Textbooks and Required Software

Students use textbooks, electronic learning materials, clinical-assessment software, and other required course resources. The current program estimate is approximately $2,200 across the professional curriculum.  Required materials may change as textbooks, software licenses, and course assignments are updated. Students should wait for the official course-material list before purchasing books or software.

Uniforms and Clinical Attire

Students must purchase program-approved clinical attire estimated at $500.00. 
Uniform colors, styles, embroidery, and vendors will be provided after admission. Students should not purchase uniforms before receiving the approved specifications.

Health and Clinical Compliance Expenses

Students must meet health, safety, and clinical compliance requirements before participating in patient care. Expenses may include:

  • CPR or Basic Life Support certification 
  • TB screening 
  • Required immunizations 
  • Annual influenza vaccination 
  • HIPAA and OSHA training 
  • Background screening 
  • Drug screening 
  • Health insurance or other documentation required by clinical partners 

Costs vary based on the provider, insurance coverage, and required services. Students should not complete background screening, drug testing, or other admission-related compliance steps until instructed by the program. Total Program Cost: $500.00

Professional Membership

Students participate in professional activities through the American Dental Hygienists’ Association and the program’s student organization. ADHA currently lists individual student membership at $150 for two years. 
Professional membership supports student access to professional information, networking, leadership opportunities, and student resources. ADHA also recognizes student chapters affiliated with dental hygiene education programs. 

Admission Testing

Applicants must pay the TEAS examination fee during the application cycle. ATI currently lists TEAS examinations administered through ATI or PSI at $120.00. Testing-center prices may differ. 

Graduation, Board Examination, and Licensure Expenses

During the final semester and after graduation, students should plan for costs associated with:

  • National Board Dental Hygiene Examination 
  • Clinical licensure examination 
  • Texas jurisprudence assessment 
  • State license application 
  • Fingerprinting and background review 
  • Official transcripts and score reports 
  • Travel or lodging when testing is not available locally 

A planning estimate of approximately $2,700 for national boards, clinical testing, and licensure is reasonable, but it should remain labeled as an estimate rather than a guaranteed total. 

Optional Expenses

Optional expenses may include:

  • Magnification loupes
    • Magnification loupes may support posture and visibility during clinical care but are not currently required. Students who choose to purchase loupes should expect an estimated cost of $1,000–$1,400, depending on the vendor and features selected. 
  • National board review course
    • Students may choose to complete an outside board-review course during the second year. The current planning estimate is approximately $400, but prices vary by provider and course package. Students should confirm that an optional purchase fits their needs and budget before committing to it.

Planning to Pay for the Program

Dental hygiene students should begin financial planning before applying. Several expenses occur near the beginning of the program, including instruments, textbooks, uniforms, compliance requirements, and tuition.

Students should:

  1. Complete the FAFSA early each year. 
  2. Meet with the Amarillo College Financial Aid Office before the program begins. 
  3. Ask how summer enrollment and semester credit hours may affect financial aid. 
  4. Apply for scholarships and grants before deadlines. 
  5. Review Amarillo College payment plan options. 
  6. Plan for instrument costs that may be due before financial-aid funds are available. 
  7. Budget for reduced work hours during the program. 
  8. Set aside funds for board examinations and licensure during the second year. 
  9. Include transportation, childcare, meals, and other living expenses in the plan. 

Amarillo College notes that program costs vary based on residency, completed courses, semester hours, supplies, laboratory charges, and other program fees. The Financial Aid Office can help students review available college resources. 

Financial Aid and Enrollment Status

The Dental Hygiene Program requires a major weekly time commitment, but some semesters contain fewer credit hours than the college’s full-time academic load. The current Program Map lists semester loads of 12, 11, 5, 11, and 11 credit hours. 

Students who complete their general education courses before entering the program may carry fewer credit hours during several semesters. This may affect the amount or type of financial aid available. Students should discuss their individual course plan with the Amarillo College Financial Aid Office before accepting admission.

View Current Tuition and Fees 
Additional Course and Program Fees - Amarillo College
Explore Financial Aid
Search Amarillo College Scholarships 
Review Payment Plan Options 
View the Dental Hygiene Program Map 
Review Program Schedule and Time Commitment