How To Become A Dental Hygienist In Texas

If you are dreaming to become a dental hygienist in Texas, then this article is for you!

Before becoming a dental hygienist, you have to be properly informed about your profession as well as your primary responsibilities.

Hence, the dental hygienist degree is offered by a number of accredited schools.

Do you live in Texas? Then the same thing lies to you. Furthermore, in order to earn your license and become a certified dental hygienist, you must pass various board examinations.

So stay tuned to know about how to become a dental hygienist in Texas? 

How To Become A Dental Hygienist In Texas: Steps To Go Through

Dental hygienists in Texas work in various sectors, ranging from private clinics to advertising agencies. They have meaningful activities and well-paying salaries.

But for becoming a qualified dental hygienist, you must fulfill the following qualities mentioned below:

• excellent communication skills
• sincerity
• analytical aptitude
• competency
• outstanding eye-hand synergy
• kindness, and honesty

If you fulfill the qualities listed above, you’re well enough on your approach!

Responsibilities Of A Dental Hygienist

Now you should know about the key responsibilities of a dental hygienist which you must follow. 

• Assisting The Dentist In Operations Such As Suture Removal And Anesthetic Administration.
• Utilizing Scrapers, And Polishers Tools To Remove Stains, Tartar, And Plaque.
• Prophylaxis Includes Cleaning The Gums And Teeth.
• Making Dental Imprints For Research Studies.
• Teaching Patients How To Take Care Of Themselves At Home.
• Maintaining Oral Supplies And Equipment.
• Using Sealants To Prevent Cavities.

How Can You Become A Dental Hygienist In Texas

As you have got to know the responsibilities, now, let’s come to the main procedure about how to become a dental hygienist in Texas.

There are several steps that you should follow to become a dental hygienist. Have a look at them.

Step 1: Pursue Your Graduation From Any Authorized Dental School

In Texas, every dental hygienist should graduate from an authorized school licensed by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). 

Such school programs give a bachelor/associate certification in dental hygiene, which are both sufficient for Texas licensing.

Clinical training and didactic coursework are included in these programs which involve:

• The dental hygienist’s guide to pharmacology
• Pathology of the mouth
• Dental hygiene in the modern era
• Microbiology
• Physiology and anatomy
• Dental hygiene as a preventative measure
• Radiology of the teeth
• Dental nutrition
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Communication
• Clinical experience as a dental hygienist

A number of approved dental schools are available in Texas. Go and pursue your dream.

Step 2: Obtain A Passing Score On The National Board Of Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE)

The ADA’s Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE) sponsors the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), which is offered at places throughout Texas and nearby states.

After the completion or nearing completion of your ADA-approved dental hygiene education system, you may enroll to sit this exam.

The topics of the NBDHE consist of 350 multiple choice questions which emphasize dental hygiene theory & hypothetical patient scenarios which include:

• Taking on professional responsibilities
• x-ray acquisition and interpretation
• Treatment that is supportive
• Agents of prevention
• Performing Periodontal operations
• Patient evaluation and treatment services
• Principles of Community Health and Research

Step 3: Pass A Regional Or State-approved Dental Hygiene Clinical Exam

After passing the national board of dental hygiene examination, you have to pass a clinical examination for dental hygienists approved regionally. 

Usually, there are four segments involved in this exam:

• Intra- and extra-oral evaluation
• Removal of supra-gingival deposits
• Removal of scaling as well as sub-gingival calculus
• Probing and periodontal  exam

If you live in Texas, you should know about the clinical examination sponsors in different regions of your state.

The Texas state board of dental examiners accepts the following organizations as legitimate clinical exam sponsors:

• Examining Board for the Western Region 
• Dental Testing Service for the Central Region 
• Dental Competency Assessments Board
• Testing Agency for the Southern Region
• Interstate Testing Agencies

Step 4: Submit An Application To The Texas State Board Of Dental Examiners For The Licensure Of A Dental Hygienist

Three basic requirements must be met before you apply for the license with the Texas state board of dental examiners:

Investigation of the individual’s background

A fingerprint criminal records inspection is performed for everyone who wants to work as a dental hygienist in Texas. 

If you are involved in any severe state or national crimes, you will be not eligible as a dental hygienist. So, the investigation is a must here.

CPR certificate for basic life support

A current basic life support CPR certification from any institution is required which will provide practical experience of the training. 

Moreover, a manikin demo of skills and a handwritten evaluation should be included in this training.

Jurisprudence assessment by the texas state board of dental examiners

The jurisprudence assessment is available online. This assessment involves the laws and regulations which are applicable to dental professionals as well as the dentistry discipline in Texas.

You’ll be able to apply for the licensure of a dental hygienist from the texas state board of dental examiners after you’ve completed these criteria.

The average processing period for an application is 6 to 8 weeks. You’ll be able to apply for dental hygienist positions in Texas once the board issues your license.

Step 5: Keep Your Dental Hygienist License Active.

Your first dental hygienist license will last six to eighteen months once it is issued. Then you have to renew the license each year. 

But to be qualified for renewal, you must complete at least 12 hours of continuing education each year.

And continuing education must be obtained from a reliable organization. There are a minimum of twenty-two recognized providers. You can choose any of them according to your preferences.

There is also some coursework that is taken to complete the continuing education criteria. These must meet the following requirements:

• 8 hours of scientific content related to clinical treatment.
• 4 hours in risk management classes.
• 6 hours in self-study courses.
• OSHA or CPR courses do not count into the requirements for ongoing education.

In addition, you must retake the jurisprudence exam every 3 years. The time spent performing this will not be included in your continuing education requirements.

Verdict

I hope you’ve found this information about how to become a dental hygienist in Texas to be enlightening.

Despite the fact that the procedures take time and effort, an authorized dental hygienist in Texas earns $63,000 per year. As a result, the dental hygienist’s job is worthwhile.

You may wish to be a dental hygienist, but in order to do so, you must follow the rules and processes outlined above.

Ready to take the first step toward your career in dental hygiene? Contact us today to learn more about our dental implant marketing services and how we can help you achieve your goals as a dental professional in Texas.