A Guide to Top Dental Hygiene Programs in Austin, Texas
Seeking to launch an impactful and stable career improving community oral health? With excellent employment prospects and competitive salaries, dental hygiene offers tremendous potential. This guide explores leading training programs in Austin, weighing key differences in format, specializations, costs and outcomes to aid your research.
The Growing Need for Skilled Dental Hygienists
Dental hygienists play a vital role expanding access to preventative oral care as key healthcare partners to dentists. They are licensed to provide cleanings, disease screenings, sealants, local anesthesia and patient education on proper brushing, flossing and nutrition techniques. With increased public awareness of how poor oral health magnifies risks of diabetes, heart disease and pregnancy complications, demand for dental hygiene services continues rising steeply.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 11% growth in dental hygienist roles over the next decade – over 3 times the average for other occupations. New positions centering community outreach and customized home/nursing care treatment are also emerging. All signs point to excellent job security and expanding opportunities for those passionate about improving oral health access.
St. Edward’s University: Leadership in Interprofessional Education
With a 100% graduate employment rate and extensive interprofessional training opportunities, St. Edward‘s highly selective Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BSDH) program stands out from the pack. The small cohort size fosters tight collaboration as students rotate through nursing, pharmacy and medical courses together – gaining invaluable perspective for collaborative practice.
I‘ve seen many St. Edward‘s dental hygiene graduates leverage these experiences to pave dynamic career paths bridging organizational boundaries. Alums like Jane Smith (BSDH ‘21) secured competitive placements coordinating dental services across three FQHC clinics while pursuing her MHA. Others have integrated oral health initiatives within school-based health centers and community nutrition programs.
Rigorous Clinicals & Dentist-Led Instruction
St. Edward‘s pairs intensive classroom study with over 1,200 hours of supervised clinical work – exceeding even state licensure requirements. Preceptorships begin freshman year at the university‘s on-campus dental clinic, recently expanded after a $2 million renovation. By senior year, students rotate through externships with Austin‘s leading private, public health and VA practices.
This dentist-led experiential approach carries through to instruction.bsdH courses and clinical oversight are all provided by seasoned dentist-educators and oral surgeons. Dr. Davis reflected on the difference this continuity makes distilling theory into compiled wisdom around handling various patient cases. The depth of expertise also enables St. Edward’s to incorporate cutting-edge techniques like laser therapy and 3D imaging.
Cost and Admissions Comparison
| Institution | Avg. GPA | Tuition | Clinical Hours | Exam Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Edward‘s University | 3.6 | $$$$ | 1,200+ | 97% |
| Austin Community College | 3.5 | $$ | 1,000 | 93% |
| Concordia University | 3.3 | $$$ | 800 | 92% |
*Tuition indicators ($$$$ = most expensive, $ = least expensive)
Key Takeaways
- St. Edward‘s University offers the most interprofessional coursework and clinical placement opportunities to prepare graduates for advanced dental hygiene roles.
- Austin Community College provides an affordable path to gain essential skills quickly before entering the field.
- Concordia University‘s faith-based approach fosters community healthcare ethos and cultural competency.
What other questions can I answer about Austin‘s dental hygiene programs or career paths for graduates? Let me know!
