Dental Hygiene

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Your journey to a rewarding career in dental hygiene starts right here! Known as a leading Dental Hygiene School in Texas, we provide a nationally recognized program that empowers you to promote oral health, transform smiles, and make a profound impact in your community.

Program Details

Learn more about our Dental Hygiene program and find course descriptions in the WCJC Catalog. Dental Hygiene students should have a strong science background; therefore, four hours of college chemistry with a minimum grade of "C" is strongly recommended. Special consideration for acceptance will be given to applicants meeting this recommendation.
The Dental Hygiene program prepares you for the field of dentistry through hands-on experience in our clinic and classroom lectures that focus on anatomy, nutrition, and best practices for those in the field. We’ll teach you the primary functions of a dental hygienist, including oral prophylaxis, taking and processing radiographs, and oral-health education.
Graduates from our Dental Hygiene program can explore a plethora of career paths. Whether in private dental practices, public health settings, correctional facilities, or sales representation, your degree will unlock diverse opportunities. Beyond clinical practice, a career in dental hygiene education is also within your reach. Learn more on Career Coach.
Dental treatment

Community Connection: Dental Hygiene Clinic Services

Program Requirements

The Dental Hygiene program requires that students complete a program application and purchase instructional supplies and materials specific to the program.

Program Application

In addition to applying to WCJC, Dental Hygiene requires a program application. Complete the application and return it to the Dental Hygiene department via email. A faculty member will follow up with you to schedule an orientation.

Please contact Cylinda Konvicka for information about the application process for Dental Hygiene or information about the Anna T. Harrison Dental Hygiene Clinic. 

Phone: (979) 532-6429
Email: konvickac@wcjc.edu

Program Costs

The following is an estimate of expenses during the two years of enrollment in the Dental Hygiene Program. These figures are estimates only and may change at any time. Do not purchase anything in advance without prior written instructions from your instructors.
  • Tuition & Fees - In-District: $1,000
  • Tuition & Fees - Out-of-District: $1,610
  • Instrument Kit: $800
  • Scrubs: $150
  • Equipment Lease: $100
  • Leather Shoes: $60
  • Disposables - Wrap, Gloves, etc.: $50
  • SCADHA Dues: $65
  • Blood Pressure Kit: $50
  • Books: $900

Estimated Total: $3,175 / $3,785

  • Tuition & Fees - In-District: $1,120
  • Tuition & Fees - Out-of-District: $1,610
  • Instrument Kit/Lease: $500
  • Instrument Replacement: $50
  • Disposables - Wrap, Gloves, etc.: $100
  • Books: $550
  • Student Conference, Registration, Hotel: $185

Estimated Total: $2,505 / $2,995

  • Tuition & Fees - In-District: $300
  • Tuition & Fees - Out-of-District: $322
  • Books: $55

Estimated Total: $355 / $377

  • Tuition & Fees - In-District: $1000
  • Tuition & Fees - Out-of-District: $1,931
  • Instrument Kit/Lease: $700
  • Instrument Replacement: $50
  • Disposables - Wrap, Gloves, etc.: $100
  • SCADHA Dues: $65
  • National Board Review: $500
  • Books: $400

Estimated Total: $2,815 / $3,746

  • Tuition & Fees - In-District: $750
  • Tuition & Fees - Out-of-District: $1,127
  • Instrument Replacement/Lease: $150
  • Disposables - Wrap, Gloves, etc.: $100
  • WCJC Dental Hygiene Pin: $10
  • National Board Exam: $400
  • CRDTS Clinical Exam: $1300
  • State Board Application Fee: $100
  • Jurisprudence Exam: $75
  • Tuition, Fees: In District Est.: $750
  • Books: $65

Estimated Total: $3,700 / $4,077

Attendance at student conferences is required 1 time during the 2-year program.  The estimated cost for the registration fee and the hotel is $500.  This fee has been added to the estimated total cost.

* The projected cost for the two-year (five-semester) Dental Hygiene Program is about $11,500 in the district with used books. This projection is an estimate and can change at any time according to the college catalog schedule of fees, price of books, state and national exams, and miscellaneous expenses

Dental hygiene care

Our State-of-the-Art Facilities

At WCJC, we pride ourselves on offering a learning environment that mirrors the professional world. Our on-site dental clinic, part of our Dental Hygiene Program, boasts cutting-edge facilities. With 24 modern dental units designed for both right and left-handed instruction, the clinic ensures a hands-on learning experience for all students.


The laboratory is equipped with the latest technology, where students learn advanced techniques such as teeth bleaching, the usage of the intra-oral camera, and digital radiography. In this dynamic setting, you'll be exposed to real-world experiences, preparing you for a successful career in dental hygiene.

Dental hygiene care

Student & Professional Organizations

At WCJC, we believe that learning extends beyond the classroom. The Student American Dental Hygienists’ Association (SADHA) provides an avenue for students to engage, network, and grow professionally. 

We also encourage involvement in national and state organizations. The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) and the Texas Dental Hygienists’ Association (TDHA) offer expansive platforms for professional development and networking. Visit their websites at www.adha.org and www.texasdha.org to learn more about how these organizations can enhance your dental hygiene career.

Meet the Faculty

Our faculty members are seasoned professionals, passionate about dental hygiene and education. They're committed to guiding you to success, offering support and mentorship throughout your educational journey.

Carol Derkowski, RDH, MAIE

Director, Dental Hygiene

Ms. Derkowski received her AAS degree from WCJC and is a registered dental hygienist. She received her BAAS and MAIE from Sam Houston State University. Ms. Derkowski has 8 years of clinical experience and has been a dental hygiene instructor for Wharton County Junior College since 1977.

Office: Wharton Campus, Johnson Building 206-B
Phone: (979) 532-6428
Email: carold@wcjc.edu

Gina Wilson, RDH, AAS, BS

Dental Hygiene Instructor

Ms. Wilson  received her AAS in Dental Hygiene degree from Wharton County Junior College. She later continued her education with a B.S. in Dental Hygiene. Ms. Wilson was a part-time instructor for 13 years while working in private practice for 27 years prior to becoming a full-time instructor. Ms. Wilson is the senior clinic coordinator and teaches Contemporary Dental Hygiene Care I and II, Dental Materials, Pre-clinic Dental Hygiene, and Clinical Dental Hygiene I, II, and III. 

Office: Wharton Campus, Johnson Building 110-H
Phone: (979) 532-6426
Emailwilsong@wcjc.edu

Franci Bay, RDH, BAAS

Dental Hygiene Instructor

Ms. Bay received her A.A.S. degree from Wharton County Junior College. She earned her B.A.A.S. degree from the University of Houston – Victoria with a major in Psychology. Mrs. Bay has been a part-time/full-time instructor for Wharton County Junior College since 1999. She currently teaches Clinical Dental Hygiene, Dental Materials, and Dental Radiology.

Office: Wharton Campus, Johnson Building 110-U
Phone: (979) 532-6448
Email: francih@wcjc.edu

Shelley Mayfield, RDH, MEd

Dental Hygiene Instructor

Ms. Mayfield has been a Dental Hygiene instructor at WCJC since 1998. She earned a Bachelor of Applied Arts & Science degree from the University of Houston at Victoria in 1984 and a Master of Education – Administration & Supervision in 2002. She teaches Community Dentistry, Practice Management, Pre-Clinic, and Clinic I, II, and III.

Office: Wharton Campus, Johnson Building 110-J
Phone: (979) 532-6427
Email: smayfield@wcjc.edu

Garland Novosad, DDS

Dental Hygiene Instructor

Dr. Garland Novosad received his B.S. degree from Baylor University in Waco, Texas, and his D.D.S. from Baylor University College of Dentistry in Dallas, Texas. During his career, he has taught on the full-time faculty of Baylor College of Dentistry and in the Department of Removable Prosthetics at the University of Washington Health Science Center in Seattle, Washington. Dr. Novosad has been supervising dentist for the Department of Dental Hygiene at Wharton County Junior College since 1996 and teaches Head & Neck Anatomy, Periodontology, Pharmacology, Oral Pathology, and Nutrition.

Office: Wharton Campus, Johnson Building 110-V
Phone: (979) 532-6425
Email: garlandn@wcjc.edu

Pam Dobbs

Dental Hygiene Instructor
Office: Wharton Campus, Johnson Building, 109
Phone: 
Email: dobbsp@wcjc.edu 

Additional Program Information

At WCJC, we ensure that our Dental Hygiene Program meets the highest standards of licensing, certification, and accreditation. We're recognized by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners, a key regulatory body that oversees dental professionals in Texas. For more information, visit their website at www.tsbde.state.tx.us and read the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

Moreover, our program has esteemed accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation, a specialized body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. To learn more about our accreditation, please visit the American Dental Association's website at www.ada.org/en/coda.

  • Carol Smolik, RDH, Private Practitioner
  • Larry Caldwell, DDS, Private Practitioner
  • Patti Roades, RDH, Private Practitioner
  • Kendahl Yanez, RDH, Private Practitioner
  • Byron Novosad, DDS, Private Practitioner
  • Nicole Clingingsmith, RDH Private Practitioner
  • Martha Malik, DDS, Private Practitioner
  • Danielle Lopez, RDH, Private Practitioner
  • Amy Lehmann, RDH, Private Practitioner
  • Rachel Pruitt, RDH, Private Practitioner
  • Tabitha Bowers, RDH, Private Practitioner
  • Brian Swenson, DDS, Private Practitioner
  • Laurie Rodgers, RDH, Private Practice

Wharton County Junior College is offering its facilities for the 2024 CRDTS dental hygiene licensure examination. The Dr. Anna T. Harrison Dental Hygiene Clinic is located on the Wharton Campus; Johnson Health Occupations Center first floor at the corner of Pioneer St. and Horton Foote St. in Wharton, Texas.

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