***Application Packets MUST be submitted online ONLY***
The Guidelines for Admission (PDF) document outlines the admission requirements in detail. It has been designed to easily guide you through the application process.
Application Period
December 1, 2025 – February 1, 2026 by 5:00 p.m.
Applicants selected will begin classes in June 2026.
Conditional Acceptance Requirements
- Accepted as a student at TJC
- Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher (or hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college)
- All of the following five sections of the HESI A2 Exam must be completed (one retest allowed AND ENCOURAGED per application year):
- Math (minimum score of 75 percent required)
- Reading (minimum score of 75 percent required)
- Vocabulary and General Knowledge
- Chemistry
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Completed the following four science pre-requisites with a C or better:
(Only courses that transfer to TJC as listed)- CHEM 1406: Introductory Chemistry I- Allied Health Emphasis OR CHEM 1405 Introductory Chemistry I
- BIOL 2401: Anatomy & Physiology I (prerequisite may be required)
- BIOL 2402: Anatomy & Physiology II
- BIOL 2420: Microbiology
- CHEM 1406: Introductory Chemistry I- Allied Health Emphasis OR CHEM 1405 Introductory Chemistry I
- Completed 12 hours of observation of a dental hygienist
Conditional Acceptance Recommendations
- General Education Courses – required for the AAS DH Degree
- ENGL 1301 Composition I
- PSYC 2301 General Psychology OR PSYC 2314 Lifespan Growth & Development
- SOCI 1301 Introductory Sociology
- Any Creative Arts course (ARTS 1301, DANC 2303, DRAM 1310, MUSI 1306, MUSI1310) OR Language, Philosophy & Culture course (DANC 1305, ENGL 2322, 2323, 2327, 2328, 2332, 2333; HIST 2311, 2312; HUMA 1301; PHIL 1301, 1304, 2306)
The above courses are not required prior to applying. HOWEVER, they carry points value for the admission process, and you are encouraged to take these prior to applying to the program. Also, these must be completed to receive your degree.
Bonus Courses (Optional)
- HPRS 1201 Intro to Health Professions
- HITT 1305 Medical Terminology
The above bonus courses are not required but are helpful to build your points
Submitting Your Application
Documents Necessary to Complete the Online Submission Form
Before clicking the “Online Submission Form”, ensure the necessary documents have been completed and saved in a PDF format for uploading. Submit the following forms:
- AAS Dental Hygiene Worksheet (XLXS) (all applicants)
- Pre-Admission Observation Hours form (PDF) (all applicants)
- HESI test scores obtained from the testing center or printed from personal Elsevier account (all applicants)
- Verification of Good Standing Form (PDF) (only applies to applicants who did not complete a health sciences program in which they were previously enrolled)
The applicant is responsible for ensuring all necessary documents outlined in the Guidelines for Admission are completed and submitted, including any additional supporting documentation, through the Online Submission Form.
The AAS dental hygiene program is a selective admissions program. This means applicants must submit all of the above-mentioned forms to be considered for admission into the program. All documentation must be submitted online. Application documentation will not be accepted via mail or in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. We will ONLY accept application documentation through our online submission form.
No. We will ONLY accept application documentation through our online submission form.
No. You will need to complete the new worksheet, save it as a PDF and upload it with the other required documents through the online submission form.
No. You must have completed all four sciences and received a grade of “C” or higher to be qualified to apply.
If it has been more than 2 semesters since you were last enrolled in classes at TJC, you will need to apply again, online.
No.
No. You must obtain your CDA (Certified Dental Assistant) license to earn the 4 extra points. Visit the website to get more information on CDA licensing.
DANB WebsiteNo, you must observe a dental hygienist. Specific office types and required hours can be found on the front page of the Pre-Admission Observation Form in the downloads section. Hours spent observing a dentist (even if they are performing dental hygiene procedures) will not count towards your observation hours.
No. There are no exceptions made in this area. All hours spent observing a dentist or dental assistant will be immediately disqualified from consideration.
No, you observe as many as you can but are not REQUIRED to observe all listed procedures. The procedures the dental hygienist has scheduled on the day you observe will be accepted.
No.
No, we only need the side of the card with the office’s contact information.
No.
Yes, you are allowed to complete the general education requirements after you have been accepted. However, these courses have points value and due to the program’s competitive nature, these points can be important in making you a competitive applicant. Completion of the general education courses prior to applying is recommended.
A few courses are hybrid, but all have a face-to-face component.
No.
You will need to contact the admissions office to find out your residency status. We will use the status in TJC’s official records to grant the extra point for “in-district” status.
No, the HESI exam can be taken at any time. You will need to go online to www.tjctesting.setmore.com to schedule an appointment to take the exam.
Schedule Your ExamYou will need to go online to www.tjctesting.setmore.com to schedule an appointment to take the exam. Make sure you select Dental Hygiene for your testing option.
Schedule Your ExamNo. You must submit all HESI test scores (dated Feb. 16, 2024, or later) to have your application processed.
No. You must submit all HESI test scores (dated Feb. 16, 2024, or later) to have your application processed.
Only if you have taken additional coursework since you last applied. You do not need to resubmit official transcripts if no additional coursework was taken.
Yes. Regardless of the reason you did not complete it, you still must submit the form to be eligible to apply.
No, you are exempt from this requirement.
Yes. Instructions for uploading are included in the Online Submission Form.
Yes. You can upload your DANB exam test scores to prove that you have passed all sections when you start the Online Submission Form.
You do not submit immunization records with your application. These are ONLY required after you have been offered a position in the program.
You should visit the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners website and complete a criminal history evaluation request. The state will review your background and let you know if your criminal history will affect your ability to be licensed by the state of Texas.
Criminal History Evaluation Information