Caruth School of Dental Hygiene

The Caruth School of Dental Hygiene is an integral part of the College of Dentistry. The dental hygiene program was equipped in 1954 through a generous gift from the Caruth Foundation of Dallas and W.W. Caruth, Jr., in honor of W.W. Caruth, Sr., a pioneer Texas philanthropist.

The first dental hygiene students were accepted in fall 1955. At that time, there was no requirement for previous college experience. In 1964, the Caruth School of Dental Hygiene established prerequisite courses prior to professional study. During the same year, the Bachelor of Science degree was offered in addition to the traditional certificate program. All graduates since 1973 have received the degree of Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. In 1997, the Master of Science degree was added.

Purpose

The purpose of the Caruth School of Dental Hygiene is to educate preventive oral health professionals, eligible for licensure as dental hygienists, who are capable of providing educational, clinical and therapeutic services that support total health through the promotion of optimal oral health.

Opportunities

The services of a dental hygienist are offered in private dental practices and clinics, public health agencies, school systems, hospitals, nursing homes and corporate health facilities. Dental hygienists also teach in dental and dental hygiene programs and participate in health research. The baccalaureate degree offered through the Caruth School of Dental Hygiene by the College of Dentistry satisfies the educational requirement for eligibility for state licensure. Graduates are provided with diverse experiences to prepare for a variety of employment settings and to pursue graduate education. A Master of Science in Education for Healthcare Professionals with a focus in dental hygiene is also offered.

This program prepares students for the opportunity to pursue an occupational license.  Please refer to the Notification for Students Pursuing an Occupational License in our catalog for additional information.

Brown, Maureen D, Clinical Assistant Professor
Dental Hygiene
MS, Texas A&M University Commerce, 2020

Cotter, Jane C, Associate Professor
Dental Hygiene
MS, Texas A&M University, 2009

Cowen, Brandy Sue, Clinical Assistant Professor
Dental Hygiene
MS, Texas Woman's University, 2018

Estrada, Martha Alicia, Clinical Assistant Professor
Dental Hygiene
MS, Texas A&M University Commerce, 2025

Estrada, Rocio Yvette, Clinical Faculty
Dental Hygiene
BS, Texas A&M University, 2014

Fox, Eric, Clinical Assistant Professor
Dental Hygiene
MS, Texas A&M University, 2005

Gauthier, Eliska, Clinical Assistant Professor
Dental Hygiene
MBA, Texas Woman's University, 2018

Graham, Chelsi Gallina, Clinical Assistant Professor
Dental Hygiene
BS, Tyler Junior College, 2021

Kim, Thao Catherine, Clinical Faculty
Dental Hygiene
BS, Baylor University, 2022

King, Tracy Michelle, Clinical Associate Professor
Dental Hygiene
MS, Texas A&M University, 2002

Mallonee, Lisa F, Professor
Dental Hygiene
MPH, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2000

Martinez, Joanne Joanne, Clinical Faculty
Dental Hygiene
BS, Texas A&M University, 2003

McNiel, Amanda Danielle, Clinical Faculty
Dental Hygiene
MS, Texas A&M College of Dentistry, 2009

Moorman, Chelsea Gayle, Clinical Faculty
Dental Hygiene
BS, Texas A&M College of Dentistry, 2016

Nurick, Leigh Ann, Clinical Associate Professor
Dental Hygiene
MS, Texas A&M University, 2014

Spittle, Leah Sarai, Clinical Assistant Professor
Dental Hygiene
MS, Texas A&M University, 2016

Tolentino, Mary Vu, Clinical Faculty
Dental Hygiene
MS, Texas A&M University, 2013

Vargas, Ariana, Clinical Assistant Professor
Dental Hygiene
MPH, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 2023