collageWhat really do you know about Dental Hygiene Programs in Florida? A lot of students get confused when it comes to the school they should attend especially if they are looking for top-notch. People who are interested in schooling and are in the area of dentition get worried about the accredited dental hygienist schools in Florida they should attend. There are a few online dental hygiene programs in Florida that attract people because they prefer virtual to going to school. People also ask about dental hygienist programs Orlando Florida and don’t get answers. worry less cause Collegelearners has answers to all questions relating to dental hygiene programs Florida and also provides answers to dental hygienist school Tampa FL.
Take out time to surf through our catalog for up-to-date information on dental hygienist schools near me, online dental hygiene programs in Florida, all dental hygiene programs in Florida, BS dental hygiene programs in Florida, amongst others.
How to become a Dental Hygienist in Florida
If you are interested in training to become a dental hygienist in Florida you will need to graduate from an accredited dental hygiene program.
Requirements for entry into accredited programs include a high school diploma or equivalent and, depending on the school, you may need to pass entrance exams and complete an entry interview. Medical and legal clearances may also be required.
Below we provide details of the top accredited dental hygienist programs in Florida, as well as licensing requirements and salary and employment data for the state.
Get started and receive information on program structure, admissions requirements, tuition and financial assistance from the top dental hygiene schools and related dental programs in your area
Top 18 Accredited Dental Hygienist Schools Florida
| School | Area | More Information |
|---|---|---|
| State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota | Bradenton | Learn More |
| South Florida State College | Avon Park | Learn More |
| Eastern Florida State College | Cocoa | Learn More |
| Daytona State College | Daytona Beach | Learn More |
| Broward College | Ft. Lauderdale | Learn More |
| Florida SouthWestern State College | Fort Myers | Learn More |
| Indian River State College | Ft. Pierce | Learn More |
| Santa Fe College, Gainesville | Gainesville | Learn More |
| Florida State College | Jacksonville | Learn More |
| Palm Beach State College | Lake Worth | Learn More |
| Miami Dade College | Miami | Learn More |
| Pasco – Hernando Community College, New Port Richey | New Port Richey | Learn More |
| Valencia College | Orlando | Learn More |
| Gulf Coast State College, Panama City | Panama City | Learn More |
| Pensacola State College | Pensacola | Learn More |
| St Petersburg College | Pinellas Park | Learn More |
| Tallahassee Community College | Tallahassee | Learn More |
| Hillsborough Community College | Tampa | Learn More |
Schools offering dental hygiene programs which have been accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) are recognized to maintain a high standard of education by the American Dental Association (ADA).
There are currently 18 CODA accredited programs in Florida.
Once you have graduated from an accredited program you will be required to sit some additional state and/or national certification exams before you are eligible to apply for your dental hygienist license
Career Outlook and Salary
The dental hygienists career field is ever growing and constantly in demand. There have been links between oral health and overall health, which has increased the need for dental hygienists throughout the country. The career field has an estimated projection of 33% growth rate, throughout the following seven years, far exceeding the average of other career fields.
With slightly over 10,000 dental hygienists in the state, Florida is a great place for opportunity and career growth as a dental hygienist. The average annual salary in 2014 for dental hygienists in Florida was $63,400, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This salary ranges, depending on the location in the state, with the salary rising alongside the cost of living. You will find higher salaries in the major cities, while the lower salaries are found in the smaller towns and less populated areas.
It is important to note that salaries are often calculated into hourly rates, because more than half of dental hygienists work as part time professionals. The average hourly rate for a dental hygienist was $30.48, in the state of Florida in 2014. In addition to the salary packages, most dental hygienist professionals also receive benefit packages that include healthcare, retirement plan, pension, disability and time off options.
License Requirements
To be considered for a dental hygienist license in Florida, you must submit an application and meet the following requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Graduation from a dental hygiene college or school approved by the board or accredited by the American Dental Associated or its successor agency; or graduation from an unaccredited dental college or school, and completion of a minimum of four years of postsecondary dental education with acquisition of a dental school diploma, which is comparable to a D.D.S. or D.M.D.
- Final transcripts of graduation are required as verification of graduation from aforementioned universities and should indicate matriculation date, graduation date, degree earned and be embossed with school seal.
- Successful completion of the Dental Hygiene National Board Examination. National Board Dental Hygiene Examination scores must be mailed to the Board office directly from the American Dental Association.
- Successful completion of ADEX Dental Hygiene Licensing Examination administered in Florida or in another jurisdiction other than Florida. ADEX scores are valid if taken on or after June 1, 2010.
- Successful completion of Florida Laws and Rules Examination.
- Verification of dental hygiene clinical examination (state or regional).
- Must submit fingerprints along with application for examination
- Current proof of training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) at the basic support level, including one – rescuer and two rescuer CPR for adults, children and infants; the use of an automatic external defibrillator (AED) and the use of ambu-bags. All such training should be sufficient for and shall result in current certification or recertification by the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross or an entity with equivalent requirements
- Verification of licensure in all other states in which licensed (previously or currently), regardless of the status of the license. The certificate should state that your license is in good standing; appropriate signatures and embossed seal of the certifying Board are needed for validation.
Best Dental Hygiene Programs In Florida
Broward College
At Broward College in Fort Lauderdale, dental hygiene is part of a two-phase program. Students first complete a ten-month diploma program that trains them as dental assistants before they continue on for 12 months of study to earn an associate’s degree in dental hygiene. The dental hygiene portion of the program covers training in radiography, dental materials and dental anatomy. Students learn about anesthesia, oral histology, periodontology and community dental health through classes and labs. Extensive clinical experience is required in this program. General education courses include anatomy, chemistry, microbiology and nutrition. Spaces in the dental hygiene program are limited, and admissions are competitive.
Eastern Florida State College
Located in Cocoa, Eastern Florida College (formerly Brevard Community College) prepares students for licensure through an 88-credit associate’s degree program. Dental hygiene students learn through classes and supervised clinical work with real patients, gaining experience and knowledge in patient education, community dental health, deposits removal and the application of preventive agents. General education requirements include courses in chemistry, sociology, communications and psychology. Courses in anatomy, microbiology and nutrition are required as well. Admissions to this program are limited, and students must apply separately after being admitted to the college.
Florida SouthWestern State College
Located in Fort Myers, Florida SouthWestern State College (previously known as Edison State College) offers an associate’s degree program in dental hygiene. Class space is limited. Dental hygiene courses require two years of study, including summers. Students complete classes in dental radiology, oral pathology and periodontics, among others, and gain hands-on experience working with patients. Required general education courses include anatomy, chemistry, microbiology and speech.
Florida State College at Jacksonville
Applications must be submitted by June 15 for fall admission to the dental hygiene associate’s degree program at this state college in Jacksonville. Prior to beginning the program, students must complete courses in anatomy, chemistry, microbiology and college algebra. The 88-credit dental hygiene associate’s degree program includes courses in dental ethics, radiography, head and neck anatomy, periodontics and community dental health. Students get training and hands-on experience in working with patients with many types of conditions.
Hillsborough Community College
In Tampa at Hillsborough Community College, the dental hygiene associate’s degree program is offered at the Dale Mabry campus in the city’s Drew Park community. The program requires five consecutive semesters of full-time study totaling 88 credit hours. Prerequisite courses include college math or algebra, microbiology, chemistry and anatomy. Courses in public speaking, psychology, sociology and nutrition are general education requirements. Dental hygiene courses include classroom instruction and clinical practice.
Indian River State College
Indian River State College in Fort Pierce offers an Associate in Science in Dental Hygiene degree that requires 88 credits; classwork includes general education courses in anatomy and physiology, chemistry, psychology and sociology. Through dental hygiene coursework and hands-on experience, students gain knowledge in areas such as radiography, periodontics and anesthesia, as well as the skills needed to perform procedures such as stain removal and root planning. Courses in speech, microbiology and nutrition are also required.
Miami Dade College
Taught at the medical campus of the School of Health Sciences in Miami, the two-year Associate in Science in Dental Hygiene at Miami Dade College consists of 88 credits. Spots in the program are limited, and applicants are ranked according to the number of required natural science and general education courses they have taken. Required natural science courses are anatomy and physiology, microbiology and chemistry, while general education requirements include courses in speech, English composition and sociology. The dental hygiene curriculum includes classroom, lab and clinical courses in subjects such as radiography and periodontology.
Palm Beach State College
Earning the Associate in Science in Dental Hygiene at Palm Beach State College in Lake Worth calls for 21 months of study, beyond completing required general education and natural science courses. Students get personal attention in small classes and gain hands-on experience through community preventive dental treatment programs in the on-campus clinic. Dental hygiene courses include oral histology, community dentistry, dental ethics and office emergencies.
St. Petersburg College
The 88-credit-hour dental hygiene associate’s degree program at this college based in St. Petersburg begins each May. Students must complete a course and a lab in anatomy and physiology as well as at least 12 credits of required general education and support courses before beginning the dental hygiene program. In the dental hygiene program, they learn about pharmacology, preventive dentistry, dental ethics and other topics. Students also get hands-on practice through clinical courses.
Students who complete the Associate in Science in Dental Hygiene program can transfer into the college’s Bachelor of Applied Science (BS) program in dental hygiene or health services administration. Those who choose the dental hygiene BS program are required to complete an additional 18 credit hours in general education courses. Coursework in the major can include classes in research, education concepts, leadership and advanced ethics related to dental hygiene. Students also choose electives from courses such as health information systems, mental health issues and healthcare risk management. In addition, a capstone course that involves teaching, observation, work experience or an internship is required.
Valencia College
Located in Orlando, Valencia College’s Associate in Science in Dental Hygiene requires two years of study, including summers. Admission to the program is limited. Anatomy and physiology, microbiology and English composition are prerequisite courses. In the dental hygiene program, classroom lectures and labs cover topics such as radiography, clinical procedures and dental materials. Practical experience in dental hygiene skills comes through required clinical courses.
Career Requirements
Dental hygienists in Florida are licensed by the Florida Department of Health’s Board of Dentistry. They must be at least 18 years old and have completed a dental hygiene program at a school approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) of the American Dental Association (ADA). Florida requires that dental hygienists pass a written test covering the state’s regulations concerning the practice of dental hygiene and a two-part practical examination that tests skills and knowledge of procedures.
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