The dental hygiene AS degree provides the skills and knowledge to become a licensed dental hygienist. Vital members of the dental team, dental hygienists provide non-surgical periodontal therapy that includes scaling and root planing, adult and child prophylaxis, placement of dental sealants, exposing and processing radiographs, and individualized patient education.
The dental hygiene program includes five consecutive semesters of coursework and requires 35-40 hours per week. Graduates must pass national and state dental hygiene board exams to become registered dental hygienists. Students may also complete certifications in expanded duties that are permitted by Florida Statute Title XXXII for dental auxiliaries.
A separate Health Sciences application is required for this degree.
Due to COVID-19 the requirement to attend an information session for admission for the May 15 application deadline has been waived.