Dental Hygiene (2300)
Our mission is to create competent, ethical, confident entry–level dental hygienists in a positive, non–discriminatory and supportive learning environment who are committed to professional development through life–long learning and service to the community.
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.
The associate degree program in dental hygiene requires a minimum of two years of college education. The program is accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation. 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.
These courses should be completed prior to submitting an application to the program:
Acceptance into the Dental Hygiene program is based upon academic performance and other criteria. One class is admitted fall term. To be considered as a qualified applicant, individuals must complete the following by the application deadline:
- Have a complete dental hygiene application on file.
- Complete the Health Occupations Test (HOT) and include the results in the dental hygiene application file.
- Forward official college transcripts to the Dental Programs.
- Provide evidence of current CPR certification for health care providers (infant, child, adult).
- Complete the required prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of “C.”
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.
This A.S. degree program articulates into a bachelor’s degree program. For more information, please visit the Transfer Services Web site.
Estimated cost of tuition is $5,844 (tuition rated for Florida residents, as of 7/07). Contact the program manager for additional costs (textbooks, materials, fees).
Course Number and Title |
Credits |
|
| BSC 2085C |
Human Anatomy and Physiology I |
4 |
| ENC 1101 |
English Composition I |
3 |
| INP 1390 |
Human Relations in Business and Industry |
3 |
| MAC 1105 |
College Algebra |
3 |
| |
*Humanities |
3 |
| |
Credit Hours |
16 |
Required 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 Laboratory |
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 Dentistry |
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.
Prior to contact with patients or patient specimens, students must furnish proof of childhood immunizations and Hepatitis B immunization and demonstrate that they are negative for tuberculosis. Contact program chairperson for additional information.
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 manager prior to applying to the Dental Hygiene 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.
