The Dental Hygiene Program at Del Mar College provides comprehensive, accessible education that transforms lives, fosters professional partnerships, and enhances community well-being. Through hands-on learning, evidence-based practices, and community outreach, the program prepares students to excel in the field of dental hygiene, promoting oral health, preventing disease, and improving the quality of life for individuals and families.
Dental Hygiene
Dental Hygiene
Associate of Applied Science Degree
Available at: Windward Campus
Program Overview
The Dental Hygiene Program prepares the student for the dental hygiene field. A dental hygienist's primary duties include:
- providing patients with regular oral prophylaxis
- advanced periodontal therapy
- dental x-rays
- dental sealants
- dental health care instruction for the control of oral diseases and the promotion of oral health.
Graduates will receive an Associate of Applied Science degree. They are eligible to take written examinations including the jurisprudence exam and the national, clinical regional, and state board licensing examinations. After passing these examinations, graduates apply for licensure to practice dental hygiene under the general supervision of a licensed dentist.
The Dental Hygiene Program is a two-year program and runs from August to May each year. Along with classroom lectures, first-year dental hygiene students learn instrument manipulation by practicing on each other and x-ray skills by practicing on dental mannequins in the first semester. First-year dental hygiene students begin patient treatment in the second semester of the Dental Hygiene Program. Students continue to treat patients during the remainder of the program.
A Dental Programs Advisory Committee assists College officials in the implementation of the curriculum under the standards established by the Commission.
The program in Dental Hygiene is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. The Commission’s web address is: https://coda.ada.org/.
Students, faculty, and other interested parties of the Dental Hygiene Program may submit an appropriate complaint to the Commission on Dental Accreditation. An appropriate complaint is one that directly addresses the program’s compliance with the Commission’s standards, policies and procedures. The Commission on Dental Accreditation will review complaints that relate to a program’s compliance with the accreditation standards. The Commission is interested in the sustained quality and continued improvement of dental and dental-related education programs but does not intervene on behalf of individuals or act as a court of appeal for treatment received by patients or individuals in matters of admission, appointment, promotion or dismissal of faculty, staff or students.
A copy of the appropriate accreditation standards and/or the Commission’s policy and procedure for submission of complaints may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611-2678 or by calling 1-312-440-4653.
Curriculum
TALK TO AN ADVISOR
For advising appointments, please call the Dental & Imaging Technology Department at (361) 698-2858 or email dit@delmar.edu to schedule an appointment with a Dental Hygiene Advisor. Advising appointments are available in-office, virtually, or by phone.
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Mission
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Program Goals
- Foster partnerships with other programs, departments, and faculty to provide interdisciplinary learning opportunities and promote a cohesive educational environment for students.
- Build relationships with community organizations, dental professionals, and healthcare providers to expand opportunities for student clinical experience and promote oral health in diverse communities.
- Support students in achieving academic and clinical success through personalized advising, developmental support, and resources that ensure timely completion of the program and preparation for licensure.
- Optimize the use of faculty expertise, clinical facilities, and educational technology to provide students with the best possible hands-on learning experience, ensuring the program is efficient, effective, and responsive to student needs.
- Provide professional development opportunities for faculty and staff to support their growth and ability to deliver high-quality education, ensuring a supportive learning environment for students.
- Create a positive and engaging learning environment that supports student well-being, encourages student involvement, and provides opportunities for hands-on practice and leadership development in dental hygiene.
Careers
As required by 34 CFR 668.43(c): Del Mar College has not yet made the determination if the curriculum of Dental Hygiene, Associate in Applied Science, meets the educational requirements for licensure or certification in any U.S. Territory or state other than Texas.
Page last updated August 13, 2025.