Online Application
Application Deadlines
Applications for the on-campus Post-Degree Certificate program will be available online starting April 15th and ending August 31st. To be considered for the incoming class, applicants must apply one year prior to the August start date. All transcripts and supporting documents for admission to the Dental Hygiene Program must be sent to UTHealth Office of the Registrar by Aug. 31 of the year preceding expected enrollment. The Admissions Committee begins reviewing applications in October until all positions are filled. Applicants will be notified of their standing by May 31. All prerequisites must be completed by May 31 prior to the start of the fall semester.
Shadowing Requirement
All entry-level applicants are required to have a minimum of 20 hours of shadowing experience with a dental hygienist. Shadowing a dentist will not be accepted for any portion of the 20 hours. This experience will allow the applicant to observe the various facets of the dental hygiene profession. Complete the Shadowing Form.
Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are required- two from professors and one from an employer using the institutional form
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
This test is required if the applicant did not attend high school in the United States. The exception to this requirement is this: If the applicant holds an associate or higher degree from a U.S.-accredited institution, the TOEFL test is not required.
Acuity Insights
All applicants must complete the Casper test with Acuity Insights Assessment. Casper is a 90–110-minute online assessment, open-response situational judgment test (SJT). Please be advised that there are only 2 test dates available for the admission cycle for Fall 2024. The testing fee is $60. All applicants must register to take the test at Acuity Insights, create an account, and complete Casper. Learn more about Casper
Tests will be administered on Thursday, August 8th, 2024 at 7 P.M. and Thursday, September 5, 2024 at 7 P.M.
Prerequisites for Post-Degree Certificate Program:
| Course Name |
Semester Hours |
| English Composition I |
3 |
| Fundamentals of Speech |
3 |
| General Psychology |
3 |
| Sociology |
3 |
| Human Anatomy and Physiology I |
4* |
| Human Anatomy and Physiology II |
4* |
| Chemistry |
4* |
| Microbiology |
4* |
| Nutrition |
3 |
| Computer Science |
3 |
| Total Semester Hours |
34 |
*Laboratory time required
For more information on transfer credits, please use the prerequisite guide located here
Program Costs
For a detailed breakdown of tuition and fees, please visit the Bursar's Office. For a summary of the program cost estimated by Financial Aid, click here.
BSDH Program Cost Estimate 2023-2024
|
Credit Hours |
Living Expense |
Tuition & Fees Resident |
Tuition & Fees Non-Resident |
| First Year |
33 |
$26,950 |
$14,498 |
$27,098 |
| Second Year |
33 |
$32,340 |
$16,913 |
$31,949 |
| Total |
66 |
$59,290 |
$31,411 |
$59,047 |
Financial Aid
The School of Dentistry has a variety of loan and scholarship funds. Funds may be available based on proven financial need and/or academic excellence. More information on financial aid may be obtained from:
Office of Financial Aid
UTHealth
P.O. Box 20036
Houston TX 77225-0036
713-500-3860
