Dental Hygienists

While Texas Tech University does not offer a designation or degree in dental hygiene, we do assist students with exploring, preparing for, and applying to programs in that discipline.

Dental hygienists are licensed health care professionals who promote oral health and wellness. Dental hygienists educate patients regarding oral hygiene and preventive oral care, remove soft and hard deposits from teeth, expose and develop x-rays and provide other preventive dental care. Hygienists examine a patient's oral cavity and adjacent areas recording the presence of diseases or abnormalities. In some states, they also administer local anesthetics and nitrous oxide; place and carve filling materials, temporary fillings and periodontal dressings; remove sutures; perform root-planning as a periodontal therapy; and smooth and polish restorations.

For more information and requirements needed to apply to a dental hygiene programs in Texas click here.