Program Information
A.S. Degree - Code 203600 - Catalog 2024/2025
Claire Peterson, Assistant Chair, 386-785-2068, Claire.Peterson@daytonastate.edu
Pamela Ridilla, Chairperson, 386-785-2093, Pamela.Ridilla@daytonastate.edu
Program Mission, Description, and Outcomes
Mission:
The mission of the Dental Hygiene Program is the development of professional, ethical, and competent members of the oral health team who provide quality, patient-centered care to diverse population groups in a variety of health care settings. The Dental Hygiene Program is committed to excellence in teaching and learning, emphasizing student success.
Description:
Students are taught to remove deposits from tooth surfaces; provide methods of oral physiotherapy; obtain and analyze dental digital radiographic images; provide oral health education as well as acquire knowledge in methods of infection control practices. Dental hygienists are licensed professionals who, under the supervision of a licensed dentist, provide preventive, therapeutic, and educational services. During the last semester of this program, students are eligible to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination. Upon successfully passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and graduating from the program, graduates are eligible to take state/regional licensure examinations.
Program Accreditation: The Dental Hygiene Program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation 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 http://www.ada.org/en/coda.
College Accreditation: Daytona State College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associates and bachelor’s degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Daytona State College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Outcomes:
Graduates of the program will be able to:
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Apply the dental hygiene process of care and problem solving strategies to provide dental hygiene care for patients of all age groups, medically compromised, and all types of periodontal disease classifications.
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Demonstrate interpersonal and communications skills to effectively interact with diverse population groups.
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Apply ethical, legal, and regulatory concepts to the provision and/or support of oral health care services.
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Apply self-assessment skills to prepare for life-long learning as a foundation for maintaining competency and quality assurance.
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Evaluate current scientific literature as a basis for life-long learning, evidence-based practice and as a foundation for adapting to changes in health care.
Financial Aid
This program is eligible for federal financial aid and state Bright Futures Scholarship Program.
Financing Options: All students are encouraged to apply for federal and state student financial assistance by completing the FAFSA at studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. For more information on grant, loans, and work program available please see the Office of Financial Aid webpage at daytonastate.edu/finaid. Students are also encouraged to apply for one of the many Daytona State College Foundation scholarships offered each semester. For more information see: daytonastate.edu/scholarships/.
Approximate Additional Costs
| Program Tuition and Fees*: |
$9,250 |
| Access Fee: |
$112.64 ($1.28 per credit) |
| Assessment Fee: |
$34 |
| Lab Fees (including liability insurance): |
$1,313 |
| Textbook Estimate: |
$2,709 |
| Uniforms and Supplies: |
$345 |
| Instrument Kits, Clinical Supplies, and Tooth Model: |
$3,500 |
| American Dental Hygienists' Association Student Membership: |
$230 |
| National Board Dental Hygiene Review Course: |
$450 |
| National Board Dental Hygiene Examination: |
$565 |
| Class Pin and Composite Picture: |
$145 |
| Florida Dental Hygiene Licensure Board Examination: |
$1,500 |
| Health Screening and Immunizations (depends on applicant's health care provider): |
$275 |
| Basic Life Support Certification: |
$50 |
| Florida Department of Law Enforcement/Federal Bureau of Investigation Background Check: |
$90 |
*In-state tuition only; out-of-state tuition will be higher
Additional Admission Requirements
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This is a Limited Access Program. Continuing enrollment approval will be required to enroll in the program specific courses based on a selections process after completing the required general education courses.
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Applicants must have a standard high school diploma (or GED) and be at least 18 years of age to enroll.
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Applicants who started high school in the 9th grade in 2003 or after at a Florida Public high school AND graduated from a Florida Public high school with a standard high school diploma are exempt from any placement testing. Active duty military applicants are also exempt from any placement testing. Those applicants who have successfully completed college level English and/or Math may be exempt as well. All other applicants will be required to take the Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT) and be at a 10th grade level for reading, language and arithmetic. Contact an Academic Advisor for assistance.
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Completion of health screening to include: recent physical examination and verification of immunization against tetanus-diphtheria, measles, mumps, rubella and Hepatitis B; and a negative PPD test (or chest x-ray if indicated) for tuberculosis are required prior to the start of Fall semester program specific courses.
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Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for the Health Care Provider to include adults, infant, children, and automatic external defibrillator (AED); through the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross is required prior to the start of Fall semester program specific courses.
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Admission into the program will be contingent on the satisfactory completion of both a drug screen and background check consisting of a fingerprint check of state and federal criminal history information conducted through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This must be completed prior to the first day of program specific courses (Summer Semester B).
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Program prerequisite, general education and dental hygiene courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better.
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Students will be held accountable for the policy and procedures of the Dental Hygiene Program as outlined in the Dental Hygiene Student Policy Handbook as well as the College Student Handbook.
Additional Completion Requirements
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Submit completed School of Dental Sciences application for continuing enrollment to the Academic Advisor in the College of Health and Public Services only during the month of February.
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Student selection for continuing enrollment is based on specific admission criteria and a points system. Selection is made once per year. The Program starts annually in July.
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Combined cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better is required to submit an application for continuing enrollment.
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Completion of the following courses with a grade of "C" or better is required before submitting an application for continuing enrollment: ENC1101 Introduction to Composition; MGF2130 Mathematical Thinking; BSC1085C Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Lab; BSC1086C Human Anatomy and Physiology II and Lab; and CHM1025C Introduction to Chemistry and Lab.
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Completion of the Test of Essential Academic Skills (ATI TEAS) with minimum scores of Composite score of 65% is required before submitting an application for continuing enrollment. Tests may not be combined to show minimum score achievement. The scores must be achieved in each category on the same test attempt. Applicants may test a total of four (4) times within a calendar year (Jan-Dec). Only TEAS scores taken at DSC or a Florida public institution of higher education, or proctored online by ATI will be accepted. TEAS scores are good for three (3) years from test date. Approximately cost of the TEAS Test is $115.00.
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Completion of a minimum of eight (8) observation hours of a dental hygienist in a general dentistry or periodontal practice is in which you are not currently employer is required before submitting an application for continuing enrollment.
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Applicants for continuing enrollment who have graduated within a two-year time frame from an accredited (Commission on Dental Accreditation) dental assisting program may receive credit for DES1100C Elements of Dental Materials and Lab. Transfer of credit for this course will be at the discretion of the Chairperson.
General Education Courses
General Education Core - 33 Credits
Communication Core (3 credits)
| ENC1101 | Introduction to Composition | 3 |
Mathematics Core (3 credits)
Natural Sciences Core (15 credits)
| BSC1085C | Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Lab | 4 |
| BSC1086C | Human Anatomy & Physiology II and Lab | 4 |
| CHM1025C | Introduction to Chemistry and Lab | 4 |
| HUN1201 | Human Nutrition | 3 |
Social Sciences Core (9 credits)
| PSY1012 | General Psychology | 3 |
| SYG2000 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| Choose One of the Following: | |
| AMH2010 | United States History to 1877 | 3 |
| AMH2020 | United States History 1865 to Present | 3 |
| POS2041 | American Federal Government | 3 |
Humanities Core (3 credits)
Choose One Course
Additional Required Course - 4 Credits
Note: Prior to enrollment in college-level English or math courses, some students may be advised to complete college preparatory/developmental course work. See an Academic Advisor to determine developmental course requirements.
Program Specific Courses
DEH1602 meets the graduation requirement for the basic use of computers for this program.
Sample Program of Study
Prerequisite Courses
| BSC1085C | Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Lab | 4 |
| BSC1086C | Human Anatomy & Physiology II and Lab | 4 |
| CHM1025C | Introduction to Chemistry and Lab | 4 |
| ENC1101 | Introduction to Composition | 3 |
| MGF2130 | Mathematical Thinking | 3 |
Year 1
Summer Semester (Term B - Six Weeks)
| DEH1133 | Orofacial Anatomy and Physiology | 3 |
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
DEH1602 meets the graduation requirement for the basic use of computers for this program.
Summer Semester (Term A - Six Weeks)
Summer Semester (Term B - Six Weeks)
| Social Sciences Core - Civic Literacy (AMH2010, AMH2020 or POS2041) | 3 |
Year 2
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
| PSY1012 | General Psychology | 3 |
| Humanities Core | 3 |
| DEH2702C | Community Dental Health and Lab | 3 |
| DEH2806 | Clinical Dental Hygiene IV | 2 |
| DEH2806L | Dental Hygiene Clinic IV | 3 |
Humanities Core: See list of accepted courses listed under General Education Courses.
Note: Sequence of courses may vary. Check catalog course descriptions for requisite requirements.
Total Credit Hours: 88