South Plains College – Dental Hygiene Program

How to Prepare to Be a Competitive Applicant

Thank you for your interest in the Dental Hygiene Program at South Plains College (SPC). The following guidance is intended to help prospective applicants prepare for the application process and strengthen their candidacy.

Program Timeline

  • Anticipated program start: August 2027 (subject to change)
  • Anticipated application opening: December 2026
  • Applicants must meet all requirements by the stated application deadline.

Application Evaluation Overview

To ensure an objective and unbiased selection process, applications are evaluated primarily on academic performance and standardized testing. Priority is given to applicants who demonstrate the potential to successfully complete a rigorous dental hygiene curriculum.

Highest-Weighted Application Components

  1. Science Prerequisite Coursework

Strong performance in the following courses is critical:

  • BIOL 2401 – Anatomy & Physiology I
  • BIOL 2402 – Anatomy & Physiology II
  • BIOL 2420 – Microbiology
  • CHEM 1406 – Introductory Chemistry

✔ Higher grades earn more application points
✔ Science courses must be completed within five years of applying

  1. HESI A2 Entrance Exam
  • Required sections:
    • Reading Comprehension
    • Vocabulary & General Knowledge
    • Math
    • Anatomy & Physiology
    • Chemistry
  • The HESI A2 must be taken within two years prior to applying
  • Applicants may take the HESI A2 up to two times
  • The higher composite score will be considered
  • Scores must be submitted to the Dental Hygiene Program by the application deadline

Additional Ways to Earn Application Points

General Education Coursework

Completing general education courses before applying is strongly recommended:

  • SPCH 1315 or 1321 – Speech
  • ENGL 1301 – Composition I
  • SOCI 1301 – Introduction to Sociology
  • PSYC 2301 – General Psychology
  • Humanities/Creative Arts Core (HUMA or PHIL options)

✔ Higher grades earn more points
✔ Courses completed in advance reduce course load during the program

Observation Requirement

  • 12 hours of observation are required
  • Observations must be completed with at least three (3) different licensed dental hygienists
  • Observation hours must be documented according to program guidelines

Letters of Recommendation

  • Two letters of recommendation, mailed directly to the program:
    • One from an educator
    • One from an employer or volunteer supervisor

Previous Academic Degrees

  • Additional points are awarded for previously earned degrees:
    • Associate
    • Bachelor’s
    • Master’s

Tips for Success

  • Focus on earning the highest possible grades in science prerequisites
  • Begin preparing early for the HESI A2 exam
  • Complete as many general education courses as possible before applying
  • Plan observation hours well in advance
  • Stay informed by checking the South Plains College website regularly

LEARN MORE ABOUT DENTAL HYGIENE

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