Program Director

Amanda Lester-Chisum, RDH, M.Ed.

Phone: (806) 354-6062
Email: ajlester21@actx.edu
West Campus Jones Hall, Office 130
6222 W. 9th Avenue
Amarillo, TX 79106

Explore a Career in Dental Hygiene 

Dental hygienists are licensed healthcare professionals who help patients maintain healthy teeth and gums through preventive care, treatment, and education. They assess oral health, remove plaque and tartar buildup, apply fluoride and sealants, and teach patients how to prevent oral disease.

Career opportunities include private dental offices, public health programs, hospitals, education, and research. Dental hygiene offers a rewarding blend of science, patient care, and health education.

To become a dental hygienist, students must graduate from an accredited program and meet state licensure requirements. With strong career opportunities and a national median annual salary of $94,260 in 2024, dental hygiene may be an excellent career choice for students passionate about healthcare and helping others.

Learn more in-depth details on a career in dental hygiene.

Program Length, Schedule, and Time Commitment

The Amarillo College Dental Hygiene Program takes two academic years to complete over five consecutive semesters, including a required six-week summer term. Students participate in classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and supervised clinical patient care.

The program requires a significant weekday commitment, generally Monday through Friday, with early mornings, long days, and additional time for studying, assignments, clinical preparation, and patient scheduling. Attendance, punctuality, and professional participation are essential.

Because of the demanding schedule, outside employment is strongly discouraged. Students should plan ahead for transportation, childcare, finances, and other personal responsibilities before enrolling.

Prospective students should be prepared to treat dental hygiene school as a full-time responsibility, even during semesters with fewer credit hours.

Technical Standards & Essential Functions

Dental hygiene students must demonstrate the sensory, communication, physical, intellectual, and interpersonal abilities needed to provide safe, effective patient care. These essential functions include visually observing oral health conditions, communicating clearly in English, performing precise hand movements, maintaining physical endurance, and using critical thinking to assess patients and make clinical decisions.

Students must also be able to read and interpret medical information, perform basic calculations, respond to emergencies, manage stress, adapt to changing situations, and work respectfully with patients and healthcare professionals.

These standards help prepare students for the physical, academic, and professional demands of dental hygiene practice. Applicants who may need disability-related accommodations should contact Amarillo College Disability Services to discuss their individual needs.

Learn more in-depth details about the program length, schedule and time commitment.

Program Costs and Financial Planning

The Amarillo College Dental Hygiene Program includes expenses beyond tuition and college fees. Students should budget for instruments, textbooks, uniforms, clinical compliance, professional membership, entrance testing, and licensing examinations.

Estimated expenses include a $7,500 instrument kit, approximately $2,200 for textbooks and software, $500 for uniforms, and approximately $2,700 for board examinations and licensure.

Additional costs may include health screenings, immunizations, CPR certification, and transportation. Optional expenses, such as magnification loupes and board-review courses, may also apply.

Total costs vary based on residency, completed coursework, college fees, and individual needs. Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA early, explore scholarships and grants, and meet with the Amarillo College Financial Aid Office to understand funding options and payment deadlines.

Planning ahead is essential, as some major expenses are due before financial aid funds become available.

Learn more in-depth details on the program costs and financial planning.

Accreditation and Licensure

The Amarillo College Dental Hygiene Program prepares graduates to pursue dental hygiene licensure. Graduation from the program does not automatically authorize a person to practice. Graduates must successfully complete required examinations, submit a state licensure application, and receive an active license before working as a dental hygienist.

Program Accreditation

The Amarillo College Dental Hygiene Program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and currently holds the status of Approval Without Reporting Requirements. CODA is a specialized accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. 
CODA evaluates dental hygiene programs through a peer-review process that includes a comprehensive self-study, an onsite review, and examination of the program’s curriculum, faculty, facilities, policies, clinical education, and resources. Accredited programs receive periodic site reviews to confirm continued compliance with CODA standards. 

Commission on Dental Accreditation
401 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 3300
Chicago, IL 60611-4250
Phone: 800-232-6108
Learn More About CODA Accreditation 

What Accreditation Means for Students

Graduation from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program is an important part of eligibility for dental hygiene licensure. Accreditation indicates that the program has been evaluated against established educational standards for dental hygiene education.
Accreditation does not guarantee:

• Graduation from the program 
• Successful completion of licensing examinations 
• Approval of a state license 
• Employment after graduation 

Students must meet all academic, clinical, professional, graduation, examination, and state licensing requirements.

Dental Hygiene Licensure

Dental hygienists must hold an active license issued by the state in which they plan to practice. Each state establishes its own application, examination, eligibility, and renewal requirements.
Graduates who plan to practice in Texas must apply through the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners. Students planning to practice outside Texas should contact the appropriate state licensing board early because requirements differ by state.

Steps to Texas Licensure

1. Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program

• Students must successfully complete the Associate of Applied Science degree and all Amarillo College Dental Hygiene Program requirements. An official transcript documenting graduation must be submitted as part of the Texas application process. 

2. Complete the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination

• Applicants must complete the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, commonly called the NBDHE. 

3. Complete a recognized clinical examination

• Applicants must pass a dental hygiene clinical examination accepted by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners. They currently accepts results from ADEX and CRDTS-SRTA. Students should confirm the approved examinations with TSBDE before registering because requirements may change.

4. Complete the Texas Jurisprudence Assessment

• Applicants must complete the TSBDE Jurisprudence Assessment within the one-year period immediately before submitting the license application. 

5. Hold current BLS certification

• Applicants must provide proof of current Basic Life Support CPR certification that includes a hands-on skills demonstration. 

6. Complete the required human-trafficking prevention course

• Applicants must complete a human-trafficking prevention course approved by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and submit proof of completion with the application. 

7. Submit the application and supporting documents

• Additional Texas application requirements include:
  • Online application and required fees 
  • Fingerprinting 
  • Identification documents 
  • Passport-style photograph 
  • National Practitioner Data Bank self-query 
  • Verification of any professional license, permit, or registration previously held 
  • Other documentation requested by TSBDE 
• Requirements and document-validity periods should be reviewed carefully before submission. 

8. Activate the Texas license

• TSBDE states that a newly issued license initially appears with an expired status. The graduate must complete the initial renewal process and pay the prorated activation fee before the license becomes active. A graduate may not practice dental hygiene until TSBDE has issued and activated the license. 

Licensure Outside Texas

Licensure requirements differ by state. Students who plan to practice outside Texas should contact that state’s dental licensing board before graduation to confirm its education, examination, application, background-review, and certification requirements.

Important Notice

Accreditation and graduation do not guarantee:

• Eligibility for licensure 
• Successful completion of licensing examinations 
• Approval of a license application 
• Licensure in every state 
• Employment after graduation 

An applicant’s criminal history, prior professional-license history, disciplinary history, examination results, or failure to meet state requirements may affect eligibility for licensure. Final licensing decisions are made by the applicable state licensing board.

Student Achievement and Program Outcomes

The Amarillo College Dental Hygiene Program reviews student progression and graduate examination performance as part of its ongoing program assessment. The results below combine data from the Classes of 2023–2026 and provide a broad view of recent student achievement.

Recent Program Outcomes  - Classes of 2023 - 2026

• 95% Program Completion Rate
  • 82 of the 86 students 
• 93% National Board Pass Rate
  • 78 of 84 graduates passes
• 99% Clinical Board Pass Rate
  • 83 of 84 first attempt passes

Preparing Students for Professional Practice

Recent outcomes reflect the program’s focus on:

• Academic preparation 
• Clinical competence 
• Patient-centered care 
• Critical thinking and clinical decision-making 
• Professional conduct and accountability 
• Preparation for national and clinical board examinations 

Students progress from preclinical laboratory instruction to increasingly advanced supervised patient care. Before graduation, students must successfully complete all academic courses, clinical requirements, competency evaluations, and degree requirements.

Program Mission and Goals

The mission of the Amarillo College Dental Hygiene Program is to prepare students for successful careers in dental hygiene while improving community health through patient education, disease prevention, and quality, patient-centered care.

The program focuses on five primary goals:

• Clinical excellence: Develop the knowledge and skills needed to assess patients, plan treatment, and provide safe, effective dental hygiene care.
• Community service: Promote oral health and disease prevention for people of all ages and backgrounds.
• Critical thinking and ethics: Apply scientific evidence, make informed clinical decisions, and demonstrate professionalism.
• Student success: Support academic achievement, clinical competency, and preparation for national board examinations.
• Professional growth: Encourage community involvement, effective communication, and lifelong learning.

Students develop these competencies through classroom instruction, laboratory practice, supervised clinical experiences, research projects, and community service. Their progress is evaluated through examinations, clinical assessments, case studies, projects, and professional conduct.

The program prepares graduates to provide evidence-based, compassionate oral healthcare while demonstrating the clinical competence, ethical responsibility, and communication skills expected of entry-level dental hygienists.

See the full mission and goals of the dental hygiene program.