*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.

All applicants must complete the following prerequisite courses before submitting an application to the Dental Hygiene Program.

Courses That Must Be Completed Before Applying:

• BIOL 2401 Anatomy and Physiology I
• BIOL 2402 Anatomy and Physiology II
• BIOL 2420 Microbiology for Non-Science Majors
• CHEM 1405 Introductory Chemistry I
  (or an approved equivalent listed on the degree plan)

Additional Required Course

• HITT 1205 Medical Terminology I
• Medical Terminology is required, but does not earn admission points.
• Medical Terminology must be completed no later than August 24, 2026.

On average, it takes most students one year or two 16-week semesters to complete their prerequisites. 

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

No, however, applicants are encouraged to complete two, full-day dental hygiene observation experiences prior to submitting an application. The observation hours are designed to provide applicants with a realistic understanding of the dental hygiene profession, including daily responsibilities, workflow, and patient care expectations. Completion of the required observation hours also earns 2 additional admission points. Applicants must follow the official Observation Instructions and submit the required Verification Form by the application deadline.

Observation Forms

All forms are PDF format and will open in a new window.

• Dental Hygiene Observation Instructions (pdf)
• Observation Verification Form (pdf)
• List of Recommended Local Dental Offices (pdf)

Yes. Applicants are required to take the TEAS Exam (Test of Essential Academic Skills) as part of the admissions process.

We value your experience as a dental assistant; however, it is not considered in the admission process.

No, the content of these courses creates a foundation necessary to support your success in the first year of the Program. If you do not complete the required prerequisites by the deadline, your application will be considered incomplete and thus will not be considered for admission to the Program.

No, unfortunately not. Prerequisite science courses can only be retaken once for the retake grade to qualify.

Coursework that has been repeated one time will be considered. The highest of the two attempts will be accepted.