Blinn dental hygiene student awarded Long Memorial Scholarship at state meeting

Blinn students learned about the profession and its future at virtual conference

March 24, 2021

Second-year Blinn College District Dental Hygiene Program student Savannah Templeton recently was awarded the B.J. Long Memorial Scholarship at the 2021 Virtual Student Texas Dental Hygienists’ Association Annual State Meeting.

Sessions at the state meeting provided students information on the current and future trajectory of the dental hygiene profession. Other topics included information on participating in a legislative session and job interview training.

“This conference was a great opportunity for our students to learn more about the field as they prepare for fulfilling careers as dental hygiene professionals,” Dental Hygiene Program Director Lisa Wiese said. “Our students are the heart of our program and we strive to connect them with the tools and skills necessary to succeed.” 

Part of Blinn’s Division of Health Sciences, the Dental Hygiene Program trains students to become registered dental hygienists. Based at Blinn’s Post Office Campus in Bryan, the program includes instruction at a dental hygiene clinic and highly skilled faculty who closely work with students in classroom and laboratory settings. Upon successful completion of coursework, students receive an Associate of Applied Science degree and are eligible to take the National Board of Dental Hygiene Examination and a regional or state clinical exam.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for dental hygienists is expected to grow 6% between 2019 and 2029. In 2019, the median hourly pay for a dental hygienist was $36.65 per hour or $76,220 per year.

The program also operates its own dental hygiene clinic that provides discounted cleanings and screenings to the public. Dental cleaning appointments include a blood pressure screening, head and neck evaluation to look for abnormalities, oral cancer screening, dental x-rays, cleaning (including deep cleanings), sealants, fluoride treatments, oral hygiene instruction, and dietary analysis. After cleanings, each patient receives an examination by a licensed dentist at no extra cost.

For more information regarding Blinn’s Dental Hygiene Program, visit www.blinn.edu/dental-hygiene. To make an appointment at the clinic, call 979-209-7283 (se habla espanol).