Dental Hygiene Program
The Journey to Good Oral Health Begins Here
Picture Yourself Here
The Making of a Satisfied Patient
Our Mission
The mission of the Collin College Dental Hygiene Program is to promote lifelong individual
growth and excellence through strengthening the intellect, character, and capabilities
of each dental hygiene student. The Dental Hygiene Program, within the available resources,
will provide the highest standards of care to meet individual and community needs.
About Our Program
The Collin College Dental Hygiene program is an Exemplary rated two-year program that
begins in the fall semester of each year. Dental hygiene classes are scheduled at
the Central Park Campus in McKinney. Enrollment is limited and admission is competitive.
Admission to Collin College does not imply or guarantee admission to the Dental Hygiene
Program. Upon successful completion of the program, the student is awarded an Associate
of Applied Science Degree and is eligible to sit for national and regional licensing
examinations.
Getting Ready to Apply:
The HESI test (Health Education Systems Incorporated) is a required step of the application process. The test may be taken in the testing centers on the following campuses: McKinney, Frisco and Farmersville. For step-by-step instructions on how to schedule your test, visit theTesting Center.
More Important Information:
APPLICATION PACKET 2025
Estimated Expenses
Curriculum Outline
Dual Degree Program with TWU
Career Statistics
Bloodborne Infectious Disease Policy
Notice of Privacy Practices
Student Research Forum
Dental Hygiene Clinic Services
FAQs
How are students accepted into the Dental Hygiene program?
Admission into the Collin College Dental Hygiene program is based on a point system. Points are awarded for grades earned in the prerequisite courses, on the HESI exam, as well as the completion of all other requirements listed in the application packet.
How long is the Dental Hygiene program?
Two years, resulting in an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Dental Hygiene.
Classes meet for four semesters (Year 1: Fall/Spring, Year 2: Fall/Spring).
How many application cycles are there?
There is one application cycle per year.
Are there any night classes or weekend classes?
No. All classes are taught on the McKinney campus of Collin College and take place Monday through Friday. The schedule is from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. five days a week; however, clinic and lab require a 7:15 a.m. start time.
Are there any prerequisite courses?
Yes. The following courses MUST be completed within five years of submitting an application: BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402, BIOL 2420 and CHEM 1405.
What if I took science courses at a different college and they have different course numbers?
Apply to Collin College at https://www.applytexas.org/ and have all transcripts from other colleges sent to the Admissions Department. Once accepted, you may run a Transfer Credit Evaluation. This is the only way to make certain your classes will transfer in as equivalent to our required prerequisites.
How many times may I take the prerequisites?
We allow you to take any prerequisite up to two times.
Is there an entrance exam that must be taken?
Yes. The HESI A2 preadmission exam must be taken in a Collin College testing center during open testing dates; this is generally from June to mid-December. Information regarding registration and payment may be found in the annual application packet.
Are observation hours required?
Yes, we find it very beneficial to have applicants observe in a clinical setting before applying to the program. Sixteen hours of observation with a licensed hygienist is required as part of the admission process. Observation must be performed with a hygienist, not a dentist.
Can I work while completing this degree?
It is very difficult to work while completing the Dental Hygiene program. Though you will have small pockets of time when you are not in class, lab or clinic, you are doing other things such as studying, writing research papers, scheduling patients and preparing for clinic.
What does it cost to complete the program?
There is an estimated cost sheet in the online application packet. Cost varies based upon whether you have already completed any of the core courses in the degree plan. Check the Collin College website for tuition rates.
Is there any way to “get ahead” in this program?
Since this is such a rigorous program, we recommend that you try to complete any or all of the core classes needed to earn the Associates Degree before starting the Dental Hygiene program. There are five core classes that will need to be completed: Psychology, Speech, English Composition, Sociology and a Humanities or Fine Arts class. These classes must be completed by the end of the two-year program. They have no expiration date and do not fall within the 5-year requirement for the science courses prerequisites.
May I take dental hygiene courses in advance?
No. You will receive a predetermined schedule and must take the dental hygiene courses on the days and times given.
Can any of the requirements be waived if I am a foreign-trained dentist?
Unfortunately, no. Every applicant must complete the same steps of the application process.
Do immunizations have to be taken before submitting an application?
No. You do not need to have any immunizations before you have been accepted into the program.
Does Collin College offer a Bachelor’s Degree in Dental Hygiene?
You will earn an Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene at Collin College. However, we do have a partnership with Texas Woman’s University whereby you may earn a BS in Dental Hygiene. Please contact the Dental Hygiene department at TWU for more information regarding their program. The Collin College AAS degree in Dental Hygiene establishes a pathway to our recently approved Bachelor of Applied Science in Clinical Operations Management degree. For more information on this degree please follow the link: https://www.collin.edu/academics/programs/MHSM_BAS_Clinical%20Op%20Mgmt.html
Hands on Education
As a student of our program, you will receive instruction in hand and ultrasonic instrumentation,
fluorides, non-surgical periodontal therapy, oral hygiene instructional education,
traditional and digital radiography, current uses of dental materials and dental software
technology within a state-of-the-art dental setting.
Professionalism
Professionalism is of the utmost importance for our program. If an applicant displays unprofessional behavior at anytime during the application process, their application will be revoked immediately.
CODA Accreditation
The program in Dental Hygiene is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of approval without reporting requirements. 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 60611-2678. The Commission’s web address is: http://www.ada.org/en/coda.
DENTAL HYGIENE
Collin College educates students in becoming Oral Health Care Professionals in our new state-of-the-art clinic and simulation lab. Our team of highly qualified faculty and staff coupled with the newest mix of clinical technologies, broad-based education in biological sciences, humanities, and the dental sciences means students are ready for the workforce once they graduate from our program.McKinney Campus
Directory
For Program Questions: Linda Trop
McKinney Campus
Admissions:
Any Campus
Monday–Friday: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Saturday: Varies
Sunday: CLOSED
Transfer Questions/Academic Advising:
Any Campus