Dental Hygiene Programs in Florida
The Florida Dental Hygienist Association is an organization that provides continuing education to its members. The association also supports programs that educate other dental wellness specialists and social insurance companies. The association sponsors an annual symposium that draws hygienists from all over the state. The association offers neighborhood courses and presents dental well-being presentations by specialists in their fields. For more information, visit the Florida Dental Hygienist Association website. You can also become a member of the organization for continuing education or to join the association.
South Florida Dental Hygienists’ Association
The South Florida Dental Hygienists’ association is comprised of dental hygienists who work in the state. This group advocates for standards and ethical practices for dental hygiene. Dr. Leiba has served in numerous leadership positions for the FDHA and Florida Dental Hygienists’ Association. She has a BS and AS degree in dental hygiene from Saint Petersburg College. She has also completed an MBA at American Intercontinental University in Georgia and a Ph.D. in higher education leadership from Northcentral University in Arizona.
The Florida Dental Hygienists’ Association, a state-based organization, has three levels of membership. The local chapter, the state association, and the state association are affiliated with each other. Membership in the state association means you will automatically be a member of all three levels. By becoming a member, you’ll gain access to valuable resources and meet other professionals in your field. If you’re thinking about becoming a dental hygienist, you’ve come to the right place.
While the state of Florida has a high number of dental hygienists, few places pay as well as those in a metro area. In fact, the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metro area alone employs more dental hygienists than any other area in Florida. But in the Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island metro area, there are only 220 dental hygienists employed.
The associate degree program in dental hygiene is typically a two-year program that requires at least 16 credits of general education and 12 credits of science. To graduate, you must pass all courses with a grade of “C”. The coursework includes oral anatomy, oral histology, preventive dentistry, and dental materials. You’ll also learn how to apply the principles of patient communication and oral hygiene. You’ll be eligible to take national licensure exams upon graduation.
The ADEX examination is required for dentists to be licensed in the state of Florida. It takes about twelve to eighteen months to complete. If you’re interested in taking this test, you should seek the advice of an ADEX examiner. This exam is administered by the Council of Interstate Testing Agencies. You should take the ADEX examination when you’re ready to start practicing dentistry.
Indian River State College
Several public colleges in Florida offer programs in dental hygiene. Indian River State College, with the main campus in Fort Pierce, is one such school. It serves the counties of the Treasure Coast and is part of the Florida College System. While dental hygiene is not a required field, many students choose it because of the low tuition costs. A certificate program in dental hygiene can earn you up to $30,000 and can help you find a job in the dental field.
Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Indian River State College must meet certain admission requirements and provide a completed application. The college does not confirm if the degree program meets educational requirements for professional licensure in states other than Florida. For this reason, students outside Florida should contact their state’s Board of Dentistry for additional information. However, graduates of the Dental Hygiene program are eligible to sit for the National Board of Dental Hygiene Exam. The College is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, which gives a seal of approval to its degree program.
The associate degree in dental hygiene program at Indian River State College can be completed in 21 months of full-time study. Students earn 88 credits, including eighteen natural science courses, eighteen general education courses, and 52 dental hygiene courses. The degree program prepares students to take national licensing exams and transfer credit toward a Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management. The school offers affordable dental hygiene training and personalized attention to its students.
A dental hygienist is the first face patient encounters at the dentist. They assess patients and note any problems that may need treatment. Those with an Associate in Science in dental hygiene program will learn how to chart teeth, process dental radiographs, and remove calculus. A career in dental hygiene is in demand and there are many opportunities for graduates. They can work in private practice, government, and public health departments.
Broward College
The dental hygiene program at Broward College offers a unique educational experience. Its dental assistant program offers a unique curriculum, and it also has financial aid and scholarships for students who meet certain qualifications. The college also offers a program in dental assisting, so students can choose between this option or a dental assistant career. The dental hygiene program admits sixteen students each year, in August. Its curriculum also includes dental pharmacology.
The dental hygiene program at Broward College, Florida Dental HYgienist Association, and Valencia College is highly regarded in the state. Students will be taught by experienced professionals who have worked as dental hygienists in the United States. During their studies, students will gain hands-on experience working in dental offices. The program prepares graduates to take the National Board of Dental Hygiene Examination. Graduates will also be eligible to obtain Florida state licensure.
Broward College, formerly known as Broward Community, is located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Students may obtain Associate or Bachelor’s degrees from the college. Some programs include AP college credits. Other programs specialize in certain fields. The Broward College dental hygiene program is a good choice for those with prior education or experience. It’s convenient to commute from Broward College to Fort Lauderdale. The school has three campuses, one in Fort Lauderdale, and four centers throughout South Florida. More than a million students have graduated from Broward College and its programs.
The Florida Dental Hygienist Association offers numerous benefits to its members, including student membership. Membership also helps students pass the National Dental Hygiene Board Exam. In addition, the association offers a National Dental Hygiene Board Review course. There are many opportunities for dental hygienists in Florida. The state’s Dental Hygienist Association maintains a list of certified practitioners in the state.
The dental hygiene program is made up of 195 credits and includes courses in fundamentals of dental hygiene, restorative practice, materials, pharmacology, pain control anesthesia, and periodontology. Graduates can find employment in private dental offices, dental schools, hospitals, managed care organizations, and nursing homes. The Florida Dental Hygienist Association is one of the best in the country. And it will help them get a job that they enjoy.
Santa Fe College
In the Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene program at Santa Fe College, students will gain hands-on experience in clinical and laboratory settings. The curriculum includes dental anatomy, dental science, and the role of dental hygiene in the overall health of people. Additionally, students will gain knowledge of the dental health care system, biological and applied sciences, and dental public health. Upon graduation, students will be eligible to take a local anesthesia certificate exam and sit for the state and national licensing examinations.
The program is ADA-accredited, with courses in the basic sciences of dentistry and didactic theory in current concepts of dentistry. Graduates of this program will be eligible to take the National Certification Examination sponsored by the American Dental Assisting Association (ADA). They will be certified to perform all the expanded functions of dental hygiene as permitted by the Florida Board of Dentistry. After graduation, 100% of the program’s graduates have found employment in the profession.
Dr. Andrews earned her Bachelor of Science in dental hygiene at Santa Fe College. She later went on to complete her dental hygiene program at the University of Florida. She has been in practice since 1991 and now owns the practice with Dr. Wheeler. Both Dr. Andrews and Dr. Wheeler are active members of the Florida Dental Hygienist Association, American Dental Association, and Alachua County Dental Society.
Interested in becoming a dental hygienist? Consider a certificate program at Santa Fe College. You can complete the program in one year. Once you are certified, you will receive continuing education credits from the school. You can also earn your Florida dental hygienist association certification and become certified. While there are many schools that offer dental hygiene certificate programs, Santa Fe College has a highly-regarded dental hygiene program.
A degree in dental hygiene will prepare you to practice in a variety of settings, including private practice, public health departments, and government offices. A dental hygiene certificate will allow you to enter the field of dentistry, which is a growing industry. By 2029, there will be 13300 new jobs for dental hygienists. A certificate will allow you to apply for jobs in dental offices across the state.