Dental Hygiene

Application Deadline Extended to May 1, 2020

Due to the COVID-19 Outbreak and school closures, we will be extending the deadline for new student application packets to May 1, 2020 by 5pm. You can still mail your completed application. We are also allowing students to scan and e-mail their completed applications to elmer6@nmsu.edu

Dental Hygiene Program

A dental hygienist is a vital member of a team of dental professionals, dedicated to improving oral health and supporting the general health of individuals and groups.

Preparing Skilled Professionals

As licensed professionals, dental hygienists provide educational, clinical, and therapeutic services and could be involved in research, administration, client/patient advocacy, and marketing or consulting. Dental hygienists’ may practice in a variety of settings such as private dental offices, public health facilities, schools, nursing homes, hospitals and other settings.

Clinical Skill Development

Dental hygienists enjoy working with people, have good manual dexterity and enjoy working with their hands. They possess the maturity and critical thinking skills to provide current, quality, professional care. They have strong interpersonal skills to motivate and educate patients of all ages. Dental hygienists are lifelong learners and are dedicated to continuing education, enhancing the profession and practicing ethical decision-making and behavior.

High Quality Patient Care

The DACC Dental Clinic accepts patients of all ages and anyone is welcome including students and families. We offer high quality hygiene services at an affordable price. Our Dental Clinic offers many preventative services during the Spring, Summer and Fall.

Hands-on Learning

Students develop skills using a hands on approach right from the first semester. Clinical skills are developed with mannequins, working on student partners and patients.

School Based Dental Clinic

Faculty and students provide dental hygiene services at the school based dental clinic at Lynn Community Middle School. The first school based dental clinic of its kind in Las Cruces.

The DACC Dental Hygiene Program

The Program is committed to creating an educational environment that will foster the development of learning as a life-long process.

Faculty and Staff

The DACC Dental Hygiene faculty and staff are highly skilled, dedicated and always ready to serve the students, patients and members of the community.

Dental Clinic

Our Dental Clinic provides dental hygiene preventive services to the community at large. Students provide high quality services under faculty supervision.

Service Learning

Students engage in multiple service learning and community service activities. We have local and international programs to improve oral health.

Are you considering Dental Hygiene as a career?

Application period is open from February 1 to May 1. See Admission info for more details.

Application Information