Purpose
Graduates of the Dental Hygiene, AS program are prepared to become credentialed and licensed as a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) after successful completion of the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, a regional clinical examination, and application for state licensure. Dental hygienists are oral health professionals who focus on preventing and treating oral diseases, both to protect teeth and gums, and to protect patients’ total health. In addition to treating patients directly, dental hygienists may also work as educators, researchers, and administrators.
Each state has its own specific regulations and the range of services performed by dental hygienists varies from one state to another. As part of dental hygiene services, dental hygienists may:
- perform oral health care assessments that include the review of patients’ health history, dental charting, oral cancer screening, and evaluation of gum disease / health
- expose, process, and interpret dental radiographs (x-rays)
- remove biofilm (plaque bacteria, tartar) from above and below the gumline using dental instruments
- apply cavity-preventive agents such as fluorides and sealants to the teeth
- administer topical and/or injectable local anesthetic
- administer and/or monitor nitrous oxide analgesia
- educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques to maintain healthy teeth and gums
- counsel patients about plaque control and developing individualized at-home oral hygiene programs
- administer smoking cessation programs
- counsel patients on the importance of good nutrition for maintaining optimal oral health.
Current occupational employment and wages data for Dental Hygienists are published by the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics at www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292021.htm.
The Florida SouthWestern State College Dental Hygiene Program admits students once per year and starts each Fall semester. The curriculum includes a combination of classroom, laboratory, and clinical education experiences. General Education and Program Specific coursework may be taken on various campuses but the Dental Hygiene core courses are only offered on the Thomas Edison (Lee) Campus.
Accreditation
The Florida SouthWestern State College Dental Hygiene program is nationally accredited by the:
Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
211 E. Chicago, IL 60611-2678
Telephone: 312-440-4653
Admission Requirements
The Dental Hygiene, AS program admits students once per year and starts each Fall semester. The curriculum includes a combination of classroom, laboratory, and clinical education experiences. Dental Hygiene has limited enrollment due to the rigorous clinical education requirements for the program.
Acceptance to Florida SouthWestern State College does not imply acceptance into the Dental Hygiene program. Each applicant must meet specific criteria listed in the admission policies. The Criteria for Admission Policies are available through the program office or through the School of Health Professions office at (239)489-9255. Admission applications are located at www.fsw.edu/academics/programs/asdentalhygiene.
Admission to the program is determined by admissions points, academic transcript evaluation, and affective skills demonstration. Admissions points are awarded for the completion of General Education coursework, and prospective students are encouraged to complete as many courses as possible prior to starting Dental Hygiene Requirements. Pre-admission requirements include satisfactory completion of the following:
- College-approved criminal records check and drug testing at the applicant’s expense
- A minimum of (3) General Education Natural Sciences courses selected from: (BSC 1085C or BSC 1093C) Anatomy and Physiology I, (BSC 1086C or BSC 1094C) Anatomy and Physiology II, General Education Chemistry and Laboratory, and MCB 2012C Microbiology.
After acceptance, students must complete the following:
- Immunization and health report
- TB Skin Test
- Certification in American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (CPR and AED); to be obtained during the months of June-August, prior to Fall Year 1 semester start.
Application Deadline
December 15
Program Structure
This program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of 19 credit hours of General Education Requirements, 18 credit hours of Program Specific Requirements, and 51 Credit Hours of Dental Hygiene Requirements. General Education and Program Specific coursework may be taken on various campuses but the Dental Hygiene courses are only offered on the Thomas Edison (Lee) Campus.
Course Prerequisites
Many courses require prerequisites. Check the description of each course in the list below for prerequisites, minimum grade requirements, and other restrictions. Students must complete all prerequisites for a course prior to registering for it.
Graduation Requirements
Students must fulfill all requirements of their program to be eligible for graduation. Program completion requires that all required General Education, Program Specific, and Dental Hygiene courses be completed with a grade of “C” or better. Students must indicate their intention to attend commencement ceremony by completing the Commencement Form by the published deadline.
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