The South Plains College Dental Hygiene Program has submitted an application for accreditation to the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and is currently seeking Initial Accreditation. Submission of an application for accreditation indicates that the institution has entered the accreditation process; however, it does not mean that the program is accredited. Accreditation is granted only by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. In accordance with CODA policy, the program may not enroll students until Initial Accreditation has been granted. The program is scheduled for an accreditation site visit on September 1–2, 2026, with a potential accreditation decision by the Commission in February 2027.

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Dental Hygiene at South Plains College

Program Begins Fall 2027 Contingent on Accreditation

Start your career in oral healthcare with the Dental Hygiene Program at South Plains College. This new program prepares students for rewarding careers as licensed dental hygienists through a rigorous combination of science coursework, clinical training, and hands-on patient care.

Graduates will earn an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Dental Hygiene and be prepared to pursue licensure and work in dental offices, community health clinics, and public health settings.

 

Industry-Relevant Curriculum

The Dental Hygiene curriculum combines science, patient care, and clinical practice to prepare graduates for real-world healthcare environments.

Coursework includes topics such as:

  • Dental radiology and imaging

  • Oral anatomy and tooth morphology

  • Preventive dental hygiene care

  • Periodontology and oral pathology

  • Dental pharmacology

  • Community dental health education

  • Local anesthesia techniques

  • Dental materials and clinical practice

Students also complete extensive supervised clinical training, gaining experience providing dental hygiene services to patients in a clinical setting.

 

🎓 Degree & Certificate Options

 

Program Mission

The Dental Hygiene Program at South Plains College aims to develop competent future dental hygiene clinicians, fostering lifelong learning and service to the dental community. We further aim to advance the vision of South Plains College by improving the lives of its students. We strive to assist each student in achieving their educational and career goals, ultimately helping them become productive and responsible citizens in a global society.

 

Program Goals

  1. Prepare students to demonstrate competence in dental hygiene practice.
  2. Exemplify the role of the dental hygienist in the community through clinical enrichment experiences and volunteer activities.
  3. Students will demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate scientific literature.
  4. Students will provide quality care to patients.
  5. Support a teaching culture that values clear communication, constructive feedback, and continual improvement.

EXPLORE DENTAL HYGIENE

 

 

 

 

Why Choose Dental Hygiene at South Plains College?

 

What You’ll Learn: From Basics to Specialization

Students in the Dental Hygiene Program benefit from:

Hands-On Clinical Training: Students provide patient care under faculty supervision in clinical learning environments.

Career-Focused Curriculum: Courses focus on preventive care, oral health education, radiology, pharmacology, and periodontal therapy.

Community Engagement: Students participate in dental health education and outreach activities that support public health initiatives.

Small Cohort Experience: The program is expected to accept approximately 20 students per year, allowing personalized instruction and clinical mentoring

 

What You’ll Learn

The Dental Hygiene curriculum combines science, patient care, and clinical practice to prepare graduates for real-world healthcare environments.

Coursework includes topics such as:

  • Dental radiology and imaging

  • Oral anatomy and tooth morphology

  • Preventive dental hygiene care

  • Periodontology and oral pathology

  • Dental pharmacology

  • Community dental health education

  • Local anesthesia techniques

  • Dental materials and clinical practice

Students also complete extensive supervised clinical training, gaining experience providing dental hygiene services to patients in a clinical setting.

Learn More >

Degree Plan Overview

The Dental Hygiene Program requires 68 credit hours, including science prerequisites, dental hygiene coursework, and clinical training.

Prerequisite Courses

Before applying, students must complete:

  • Anatomy & Physiology I

  • Anatomy & Physiology II

  • Microbiology

  • Introductory Chemistry

These foundational science courses prepare students for the clinical and medical knowledge required in dental hygiene practice.

Learn More >

 

 

 

 

DOWNLOAD OUR DENTAL HYGIENE FACTSHEET

Program Advisors

Marie (Elizabeth) Flores
Lynne Contreras

Director of Dental Hygiene Program  

806.716.4635

 

 

 

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Skills

 

South Plains College has been providing quality education and training to its students for over 65 years. With a focus on practical skills and hands-on experience, the college has produced successful graduates who are well-prepared for the workforce. This dedication to student success has resulted in thousands of individuals finding long-lasting career opportunities and achieving their goals. South Plains College continues to be a leading institution in training the workforce and creating success for a lifetime.

 

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