Dental Hygiene

A.S. and A.A.S. Programs

This is a profession about helping people. The dental hygienist spends more time with the patient than most members of the dental team, and they are often the one who documents areas of concern for the dentist to evaluate. In addition, the dental hygienist educates patients about the causes of oral problems and good habits for maintaining oral health.

Dental Hygiene is a degree program. Admission requires the completion of a small number of prerequisite courses as well as a screening exam called the Health Occupation Test. Your Florida Community College program combines dental sciences such as head and neck anatomy, pharmacology and oral pathology, and clinical sciences such as dental hygiene instrumentation, dental radiology and dental materials.

Dental Assisting

Workforce Certificate Program

Dental assistants are versatile members of the dental health team. Much like a surgical assistant, the dental assistant works alongside a dentist, preparing and handing instruments and materials during procedures, and instructing patients on general oral health care and postoperative care. The dental assistant also prepares instruments and equipment for impressions and fillings, takes and develops x-rays, ands remove sutures.

Dental assistants working in the front office greet patients, schedule and confirm appointments, and maintain treatment records. Or they may work in a laboratory making casts of the teeth from impressions, cleaning and polishing removable appliances, and making bleaching trays.

This limited access, 10-month full-time program begins each August. Coursework includes theoretical, practical and clinical skills such as dental basic sciences, dental radiographic techniques, dental materials, sterilization and infection control, chairside assisting, office management, dental specialties and expanded duties.

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