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Dental hygiene

Does the thought of great pay and flexible schedules make you smile? As a dental hygienist, you'll perform oral cleanings, deep periodontal scaling, and other dental procedures once handled only by dentists. The modern dentist’s office depends on the skilled work of dental hygienists to discuss oral health problems with clients, clean and examine teeth, administer dental treatments, offer instructions on dental care, take X-rays, and prepare charts that provide detailed information for each client’s permanent record. With such skilled help, dentists are able to provide dental care to a larger client base.

Good manual dexterity is critical for dental hygienists who must use sharp dental instruments within a patient’s mouth. Interpersonal skills are also important, as hygienists try to ease patients' fears.

Program information and course listings

The dental hygiene program is a limited-access program. Admission to the college does not imply acceptance into the program. Students must submit a specific program application and meet all admission requirements for consideration. Applications are accepted from March 1 to May 30 for August entry.

Career opportunities

The job outlook for dental hygienists in Florida and nationally is excellent. Graduates find work in private dental offices, public health clinics, hospitals, and educational institutions. In addition, dental hygienists enjoy opportunities for part-time work and flexible work schedules.

Job outlook

Jobs for dental hygienists rank among the fastest- growing occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor is projecting at least 36 percent growth in the next decade, due to a growing population and improved dental health and retention of natural teeth among the populace.

Salary range

According to Labor Market Statistics by the Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation, annual salaries for dental hygienists start at about $27,000. Typical hygienists can earn between $39,000 to $45,000 per year.

Placement rate

Higher demand for hygienists means high placement rates for recent graduates. State follow-up records for 2002-2003 indicate that 90 percent of PHCC graduates of the Dental Hygiene program are either employed in field or are continuing their education.

Academic opportunities

PHCC’s dental hygiene program prepares students to work as professional hygienists. In addition to a comprehensive course of study, this demanding two-year program emphasizes hands-on training through intensive clinical experiences.

Students learn

the client-hygienist relationship with emphasis on communication skills
the principles of asepsis, sterilization techniques, and dental record keeping
the pathology of calculus and stain, plaque control, polishing techniques, scaling and root planing, desensitization of root surfaces, and treatment planning
client assessment, instrumentation, radiography, fluoride application and the etiology, classification, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease
dental office management with emphasis on business, professional skills, and the hygienist’s ethical and legal roles

Facilities

PHCC’s West Campus in New Port Richey houses a state-of-the-art dental clinic that provides discounted services to the public. The clinic also includes two X-ray rooms and an equipment sterilization area.

Clinical experience

Dental hygiene students gain valuable hands-on experience working with patients at the dental clinic where they perfect their skills. Students work with patients of all ages performing dental cleanings and deep periodontal scalings. They advise patients about their dental health and educate them about proper dental care.

Applying to the program

Accreditation

The dental hygiene program at PHCC is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation and by the United States Department of Education.

PHCC links

Contacts

Donna Low
Assistant professor, dental programs

Deborah Nastelli
Assistant professor, dental programs

Laura Santomenno
Staff assistant, dental programs

Important notice

Pursuant to Section 456.0635, Florida Statutes, the Florida Board of Nursing, Florida Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance, and the Bureau of Health Care Practitioner Regulation shall refuse to issue a license, certificate or registration and shall refuse to admit a candidate for examination if the applicant has been:

Convicted or plead guilty or nolo contendere to a felony violation regardless of adjudication of: chapters 409 (Social Welfare), 817 (Fraudulent Practices), and 893 (Drug Abuse Prevention and Control), unless the sentence and any probation or pleas ended more than 15 years prior to the application.
Terminated for cause from Florida Medicaid Program (unless the applicant has been in good standing for the most recent five years).
Terminated for cause by any other State Medicaid Program or the Medicare Program (unless the termination was at least 20 years prior to the date of the application and the applicant has been in good standing with the program for the most recent five years).

The change in Florida Statute 456.0635 indicates that if a student’s criminal background check reflects a conviction involving any of the above categories, the student will not be eligible to apply or receive a Florida license, or to sit for a certification examination if it is applicable to the program they are intending to apply for.

For more information regarding this statute, please visit the statute page.