Home >> Academics >> Workforce programs >> Dental hygiene
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 |
Career opportunitiesThe 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 outlookJobs 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 rangeAccording 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 rateHigher 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 opportunitiesPHCC’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
FacilitiesPHCC’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 experienceDental 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 programThe 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. Applicants may submit an application at any time. Applicants who meet admission requirements will be selected on a first-qualified, first-admitted basis to the next available class. AccreditationThe 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 linksContactsDeborah Nastelli Donna Low |