University of Texas Launches Dental Hygiene Program to Address Dental Workforce Shortage

USA: The University of Texas Education and Research Center at Laredo (UT Center at Laredo) has inaugurated Laredo’s inaugural Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree program, offered by the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) School of Dentistry. This pioneering program aims to address oral health care disparities within the community and concurrently bolster employment opportunities in the high-demand field of dental hygiene.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held at the UT Center at Laredo, brought together UT System administrators, dental school leaders, and federal, state, and local elected officials. 

This event celebrated the establishment of two classrooms and three specialised labs dedicated to the esteemed dental hygiene program. This initiative underscores UT System’s commitment to enhance education and healthcare resources in this rapidly-growing region of Texas.

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Wider Impact through Local Care

Apart from its educational endeavours, the program extends its reach by offering low-cost dental hygiene services at the UT Dentistry Laredo Dental Clinic. Collaboratively established by the UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry and the Laredo Health Department, this clinic aims to provide accessible dental care that can help prevent various conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.

Dr Peter M. Loomer, Dean and Professor of the UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry, highlighted the program’s vision to nurture local talent in dental hygiene who would remain within the region to offer preventive oral health care. Dental hygienists play a crucial role in oral health promotion and disease prevention, educating patients on optimal oral care practices.

Community Empowerment and Collaboration

U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, District 28, expressed his appreciation for the program’s multifaceted contributions. Beyond education, the program is set to generate employment opportunities for aspiring Laredo students, thereby addressing a pressing need for oral health professionals in the area.

State Sen. Judith Zaffirini, District 21, hailed the program’s significance in meeting the community’s educational and healthcare needs. She emphasised that dental hygienists serve as a bridge between oral health and overall well-being, influencing countless families’ lives.

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A Growing Profession

Dental hygiene is projected to be among the fastest-growing occupations, driven by factors such as population growth and retaining natural teeth. The profession’s expansion aligns with the program’s goals of producing well-trained dental hygienists to cater to the increasing demand for oral health services.

Aspiring students applying for the program must have completed prerequisite courses from accredited institutions. The comprehensive two-year curriculum combines live and distance learning, practical experiences, and examinations to ensure the students’ readiness to become Registered Dental Hygienists (RDH).

Addressing Local Healthcare Needs

The launch of the UT Health San Antonio dental hygiene program in Laredo aims to bridge the healthcare gap in the area. By educating and employing local dental hygienists, the program seeks to create lasting impact on the community’s well-being.

The initiative reflects the University of Texas System’s commitment to education, research, and healthcare, impacting the lives of Texans and beyond for nearly 140 years. With over 13 institutions enrolling more than 243,000 students collectively, the UT System ranks among the largest public university systems in the United States, delivering transformative education, research, and healthcare services.

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