Associate in Science/Associate in Applied Science

Dental Hygiene 2300

This is a selective access program. Dental hygienists are licensed preventive oral health professionals who provide educational, clinical and therapeutic services. They support total health through the promotion of optimal dental health. A dental hygienist clinician works with the licensed dentist and other dental auxiliaries as a member of an oral health care team. A dental hygienist must obtain a license by completing both a written and a clinical examination before practicing. For more information on this career, you can visit the web sites of the American Dental Hygienists Association or the American Dental Association.

This selective access associate degree program in dental hygiene requires a minimum of two years of college education. Because the Dental Hygiene program includes dental and basic science courses, high school preparation should include biology and chemistry. In addition, the program includes courses in liberal arts (such as English and social psychology), basic sciences (such as anatomy, microbiology and pathology) and clinical sciences (such as dental hygiene, dental radiology and dental materials). Students are strongly advised to take the basic sciences before applying for the program. A minimum grade of  “C” must be maintained in all natural science and dental hygiene courses in order to continue in the Dental Hygiene program.

Certification and Licensing
Upon completion of the program, graduates must take a written and clinical exam prior to licensing. You must be state licensed in order to work as a dental hygienist. (This program prepares students to take the State of Florida licensing exam, thus preparing students to work in the State of Florida only. Those interested in obtaining employment in another state should check with that state's licensing requirements.)

Accreditation
This program is accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation.

Cost
Estimated cost of tuition is $5,500 (for Florida residents, as of 7/05). Estimated cost of materials, fees, textbooks is $4,000.

Application Procedure

Prerequisites: These courses should be completed prior to submitting an application to the program

**CHM 1032C Principles of General Chemistry
**BSC 2085C Human Anatomy and Physiology I
**MCB 2010C Microbiology
MAC 1105 College Algebra (AS option)
MAT 1033 Intermediate Algebra (AAS option)

Dental Hygiene is a selective access program. Acceptance into the program is limited and based upon academic performance and other criteria. To be considered as a qualified applicant, individuals must complete the following by the application deadline:

1. Be accepted for admission to Florida Community College
2. Have a complete dental hygiene application on file
3. Complete the Health Occupations Test (HOT) and include the results in your application
4. Forward official college transcripts to both Florida Community College and the Dental Program
5. Provide evidence of current CPR certification for health care providers (infant, child, adult)

Curriculum

General Education Courses
**BSC 2085C	Human Anatomy and Physiology I	4
ENC 1101	English Composition I	3
SOP 1002	Human Relations	3
*MAC 1105	College Algebra	3
	*Humanities	3
	Credit Hours	16

Professional Courses
**BSC 2086C	Human Anatomy and Physiology II	4
**CHM 1032C	Principles of General Chemistry	4
**MCB 2010C	Microbiology	4
	Credit Hours	12

Dental Hygiene Courses
Dental Hygiene is a selective access program. Students may not enroll in the following courses unless they have been admitted to the dental hygiene program.
**DES 1000	Oral and Dental Anatomy	1
**DES 1000L	Oral and Dental Anatomy Laboratory	1
**DEH 1001C	Introduction to Clinical Procedures	4
**DEH 1002C	Dental Hygiene Instrumentation	3
**DES 1030	Oral Histology and Embryology	1
**DES 1010	Head and Neck Anatomy	1
**DES 1820	Dental Office Emergencies	1
**DES 1820L	Dental Office Emergencies Laboratory	1
**DEH 1720	Preventive Dentistry	2
**DEH 1800	Clinical Dental Hygiene I	2
**DEH 1800L	Clinical Dental Hygiene I Laboratory	3
**DES 1200	Dental Radiology	3
**DES 1200L	Dental Radiology Laboratory	1
**DEH 1802	Clinical Dental Hygiene II	1
**DEH 1802L	Clinical Dental Hygiene II Laboratory	4
**DEH 2400	General and Oral Pathology	3
**DEH 2602	Periodontics	3
**DEH 2530	Dental Hygienists Expanded Duties	1
**DEH 2530L	Dental Hygienists Expanded Duties Lab	1
**DES 1101	Dental Materials	1
**DES 1101L	Dental Materials Laboratory	1
**DEH 2804	Clinical Dental Hygiene III	1
**DEH 2804L	Clinical Dental Hygiene III Laboratory	4
**DEH 2701	Community Oral Health	3
**DEH 2300	Pharmacology and Oral Medicine	3
**DEH 2821	Medically Compromised Patient	1
**DEH 2930	Clinical Seminar	1
**DEH 2806L	Clinical Dental Hygiene IV Laboratory	4
**DES 2710	General and Oral Nutrition	2
**DEH 2811	Dental Ethics, Jurisprudence and Problem Issues	1
**DEH 2701L	Community Oral Health Practicum	1
	Credit Hours	60

Total Credit Hours: 88

*Refer to A.S. degree General Education Requirements.
**Minimum grade of “C” is required in all dental hygiene and all natural science courses.

 

Notes

Immunizations: Prior to contact with patients or patient specimens, students must furnish proof of childhood immunizations and Hepatitis B immunization. Contact program manager for additional information.

Record of Conviction of a Crime: The Florida State Board of Dentistry, in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Florida Division of Medical Quality Assurance, will determine a dental hygiene student’s eligibility for licensure when there is an arrest/conviction record. Students should contact the dental program chairperson prior to applying to the dental program.

You have two options in this program: the associate in science (A.S.) degree, which can prepare you for employment or transfer to a state university, and the associate in applied science (A.A.S.) degree, which is intended primarily for students who want immediate employment after graduation. If you choose the A.S. degree you must take MAC 1105, MGF 1106 or a higher level mathematics. The A.A.S. degree requires MAT 1033 or higher. Please see an advisor to determine the option that is best for you.