Program Information
A.S. Degree - Code 203600 - Catalog 2025/2026
Claire Peterson, Assistant Chair, 386-785-2068, Claire.Peterson@daytonastate.edu
Melissa Brown-Mack, Advisor, 386-506-3052, Melissa.Brown-Mack@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 baccalaureate degrees. Daytona State College 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 Costs
| Program Tuition and Fees*: |
$9,250 |
| Access Fee: |
$112.64 |
| Assessment Fee: |
$34 |
| Lab Fees (including liability insurance): |
$1,313 |
| Textbook Estimate: |
$1,500 |
| 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: |
$600 |
| Class Pin and Composite Picture: |
$70 |
| 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
This is a Limited Access Program.
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Have a standard high school diploma or GED.
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Be at least 18 years of age.
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Complete the Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT) with a minimum 10th grade level for reading, language and mathematics. See an Academic Advisor to determine developmental course requirements.
- Exemptions include:
- Florida public high school students who graduated after the year 2003 and earned a Standard High School diploma.
- Active duty military applicants.
- Those who have successfully completed college level English and/or Math.
-
Complete and submit a physical examination by a licensed physician, including the following required immunizations and exam:
- tetanus-diphtheria, measles, mumps, rubella and hepatitis B, and
- a negative PPD test (or chest x-ray if indicated) for tuberculosis
- Possess 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.
- Provide satisfactory results of a Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) background check and drug screen.
Continuing Enrollment Requirements
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. 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.
- Earned a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better.
- Complete the following course with a grade of 'C' or better:
- ENC1101 Introduction to Composition
- MGF2130 Mathematical Thinking
- BSC1085C Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Lab
- BSC1086C Human Anatomy and Physiology II and Lab
- CHM1025C Introduction to Chemistry and Lab
- Ensure dental assisting courses for transfer were from a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, completed within two years, and evaluated by the program chair in order to receive transfer of credit for DES1100C Elements of Dental Materials and Lab.
Additional Completion Requirements
-
Earn a grade "C" or better in all program specific and prerequisite courses.
-
Take Dental Hygiene courses in the sequence published in the sample program of study.
-
Satisfy the Civic Literacy Competency requirement.
General Education
16 Credits
Communication Core (3 credits)
Required General Education course:
| ENC1101 | Introduction to Composition | 3 |
Mathematics Core (3 credits)
Recommended Math Pathway:
Natural Sciences Core (4 credits)
Required course:
| BSC1085C | Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Lab | 4 |
Social Sciences Core (3 credits)
Recommended courses. Choose one:
| AMH2010 | United States History to 1877 | 3 |
| AMH2020 | United States History 1865 to Present | 3 |
| POS2041 | American Federal Government | 3 |
Humanities Core (3 credits)
Recommended courses. Choose one:
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: 88