Dental Hygiene A.S.

Eastern Florida State College offers a fully accredited, two-year Associate in Science degree in Dental Hygiene. The curriculum is rigorous and includes general education courses, science education courses and dental specific courses. Students complete at least two years of academic study including clinical practice under the supervision of EFSC faculty in the college's dental clinic and designated external clinic practice sites. General education and science courses may be completed prior to admission to the program or concurrently with the dental specific program courses. Students are encouraged to complete these support courses prior to program admission.

During the final semester of the program, students are eligible to take Dental Hygiene National Board Exams. Upon completion of the program, students will receive an "Expanded Functions Certificate" and "Local Anesthesia Administration Certificate" which enables them to perform designated tasks  and delivery of local anesthesia, as permitted by the Florida Board of Dentistry. Upon graduation and successful completion of the National Board Examination, the graduate may apply for and take state licensure examinations in any of the 50 states. Upon Licensure the graduate is considered a Certified Registered Dental Hygienist. This Certified R.D.H. designation represents accreditation, trust, and a professional credential you have earned and will preserve through continued lifelong education.

ATTENTION APPLICANTS:
The careful management of infection and cross contamination is extremely important in the dental field. The Department of Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting follows the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in 2003, and all subsequent revisions.

Students enrolled in a Dental program may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens. All students must have a thorough knowledge and understanding of infectious diseases, the mechanism of disease transmission, the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard, and CDC Guidelines for Infection Control in the Dental Health-Care Setting.

The Dental Hygiene program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).

The Commission on Dental Accreditation is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. The Commission’s web address is: http://www.ada.org/en/coda

The program must solicit third-party comments through appropriate notification of communities of interest and the public such as faculty, students, program administrators, specialty and dental-related organizations, patients, and consumers that pertain to the standards of policies and procedures used in the Commission's accreditation process. The accreditation happens every 7 years. The next site visit will be in 2025. All third party comments are due in the Commission's office no later than 60 days prior to the site visit.

EMPLOYMENT ADVANTAGES

• Career potential and stability
• Attractive income potential
• Direct patient care
• Pleasant surroundings
• Flexible work schedule (full-time or part-time)

For more details on employment advantages, job opportunities, daily tasks and training, visit the American Dental Association website for detailed information and a video that highlights the rewarding career of Dental Hygiene.

EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

Employment of dental hygienists is expected to grow by 38% from 2010 to 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations. Ongoing research linking oral health and general health will continue to spur the demand for preventative dental services, which dental hygienists often provide. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Career opportunities exist in private dental practices, dental clinics, public health, dental product sales, research, and education with appropriate educational preparation.