2022-2023 Catalog [Aug. 2022-Aug. 2023]
Dental Hygiene (2300) (A.S.)
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Associate in Science
This is a Limited Access program.
Mission/Purpose
The mission of the Associate in Science (A.S.) Degree in Dental Hygiene is to create competent, ethical, and confident entry-level dental hygienists who are prepared to immediately seek employment in dental offices in Northeast Florida and beyond. This is accomplished with a combination of classroom and laboratory instruction at the College and clinical instruction in the College’s Dental Hygiene Clinic and affiliated dental clinics in the community. A primary goal of the program is to instill in our graduates a commitment to professional development through life-long learning and service to the community. Students who successfully complete the Dental Hygiene program will be prepared to take both the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and the state licensing examinations. The curriculum meets the requirements of the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
The Program
The associate degree program in dental hygiene requires a minimum of two years of college education. The program includes courses in liberal arts (such as English and social psychology), basic sciences (such as anatomy, microbiology, and pathology), and clinical sciences (such as dental hygiene instrumentation, dental radiology, and dental materials).
A minimum grade of C must be maintained in all natural science and dental hygiene courses in order to continue in the Dental Hygiene program.
The Career
Dental hygienists are licensed preventive oral health professionals who provide educational, clinical, and therapeutic services. They support total health through the promotion of optimal dental health. A dental hygienist clinician works with the licensed dentist and other dental auxiliaries as a member of an oral health care team. A dental hygienist must obtain a license by completing both computerized and clinical examinations before practicing.
Certification/Licensing
Upon completion of the program, graduates must take computerized and clinical examinations prior to licensing. You must be state licensed in order to work as a dental hygienist.
This program prepares students to take the State of Florida licensing exams, thus preparing students to work in the state of Florida only.
Upon completion of coursework, Florida State College at Jacksonville does not guarantee employment or salary in a given field of study. Any jobs or salaries mentioned are given as examples of potential employment not a representation of guaranteed income. Graduates may need to seek employment outside the local area.
Program Accreditation
The program in dental hygiene is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the status of “approval without reporting requirements.” The Commission 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: ada.org/en/coda.
Application Procedure
Acceptance into the Dental Hygiene program is based upon academic performance and other criteria. One class is admitted each fall term. To be considered as a qualified applicant, individuals must complete the following by the application deadline:
- Complete an application for Florida State College at Jacksonville.
- Have a complete dental hygiene application on file.
- Complete the Health Education Systems, Inc. Admissions Test (HESI-A2) and include the results in the dental hygiene application file.
- Submit a completed Dental Hygiene Observation form.
- Forward official college transcripts to the dental programs office.
- Transcripts must be received from both high school/GED® and any postsecondary education. They must be official and sealed directly from the awarding institution. Transcripts may be delivered electronically to studentrecords@fscj.edu or by mail to: FSCJ Admissions Office, P.O. Box 40515, Jacksonville, FL 32203-0515.
- Complete the required prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of C.
Prior to contact with patients, students must furnish proof of immunizations, including hepatitis B, and demonstrate that they are negative for tuberculosis. Contact the program manager for additional information.
GED® and GED Testing Service® are registered trademarks of the American Council on Education (ACE). They may not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of ACE or GED Testing Service® at ged.com. The GED® and GED Testing Service® brands are administered by GED Testing Service LLC® under license from the American Council on Education.
Application Deadline(s)
The application deadline is May 15 of each year with classes starting in the fall term.
Need More Information? Contact:
(904) 646-2300
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