SPC's Dental Hygiene Associate in Science Degree prepares you to join a growing profession
With SPC's Dental Hygiene A.S. Degree, you gain the technical expertise to excel in this growing field. We have been educating dental hygiene students for more than 50 years and our students have excellent job placements rates. As part of the Mary R. Grizzle Dental Hygiene Program, students work in our dental hygiene clinic, which provides dental hygiene services (cleanings and x-rays) to more than 2,500 patients a year.
Dental Hygiene Program Partnership at SPC
Students may be enrolled concurrently with an accredited A.S. Dental Hygiene program or follow the traditional pathway into SPC's Dental Hygiene B.A.S. program upon becoming a registered dental hygienist. Dual enrolled students in our Program Partnership are accepted contingent on the recommendation of their A.S. Dental Hygiene Program Director and faculty.
OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates of our programs work in dental offices, public health clinics, hospitals, nursing homes and managed care facilities.
This academic program prepares you for the following career. All job data is provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Dental Hygienists
Salary Data
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL Metro Area Average
Florida Average
Projected employment for Florida
2023 Employment
13,410
2033
15,600
Percent Change
16
Projected Job Openings
1160
Features of SPC's Dental Hygiene A.S. Degree
- Provides lecture and clinical lab classes as part of your learning experience
- Prepares you to enter your career
- Is accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation
As part of your educational experience, you participate throughout the program as a patient subject and in multiple clinical rotations that are off campus. These clinical rotations require traveling to and from each site to experience different patient populations and network with oral health care professionals.
Skills You Will Gain in SPC's Dental Hygiene A.S. Degree
- Proper treatment, care and dental hygiene techniques
- Patient education about oral health and diet
- Management of patient records and treatment plans
- Industry standards and safety regulations
Dental Hygiene Associate in Science
DENHY-AS
Effective Beginning Catalog Term: Fall 2024 (640)
The requirements shown below are valid beginning Fall 2024 (640), and may not reflect degree requirements for current students. Current students should visit My SPC and view My Learning Plan to see specific degree requirements for their effective term.
Program Summary
Fully transferable to Dental Hygiene or Health Services Administration BAS programs at SPC. Program begins every year in May.
Graduation Requirements
Minimum grade of "C" required in all courses.
Academic Pathways
The Academic Pathway is a tool for students that lists the following items:- the recommended order in which to take the program courses
- suggested course when more than one option exists
- which semester each course is typically offered
- if the course has a prerequisite
- courses that may lead to a certificate (if offered in the program)
Please verify the Academic Pathway lists your correct starting semester.
Program Leadership Information
please contact:
Healthadvising@spcollege.edu
Florida CIP Code
1351060200 - Dental Hygiene
Federal CIP Code
51.0602 - Dental Hygiene/Hygienist.
Mission and Goals
The Mission and Goals of the AS Dental Hygiene program are to facilitate the development of professional, ethical, and competent dental hygienists who exhibit the following:
- An awareness of their present and future roles and responsibilities within the profession and the community he/she serves.
- The knowledge and clinical skills necessary to provide comprehensive care to the patients/clients.
- A commitment to lifelong learning and professional development.
Accreditation
SPC's A.S. degree in Dental Hygiene is accredited by the American Dental Association's 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.
Information about SPC's Dental Hygiene program
- Technical Standards
- Program Admission Guide
- Estimated Program Costs
- Students accepted into the program will be required to successfully pass a background check and drug screening.
- Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan for Students
Mary R. Grizzle Dental Hygiene Program
This program is named in honor of the late State Senator Mary R. Grizzle in appreciation for her many efforts on behalf of St. Petersburg College.
Licensure
To become a dental hygienist in Florida, you must meet the requirements of the Florida Board of Dentistry and pass the National Dental Hygiene Board examination and state clinical examination to receive your license. Graduates of SPC's dental hygiene program are prepared to take the national board and state licensing exams.
Continue Your Education at SPC
SPC's Dental Hygiene Associate in Science Degree transfers to our bachelor's degrees in Dental Hygiene and Health Services Administration.
Course Transferability
All A.S. Dental Hygiene courses at SPC transfer for credit towards bachelor's degrees at SPC. Due to the cohort structure and the sequencing of courses in Dental Hygiene programs, students who are unable to complete the entire A.S. Dental Hygiene program at SPC need to contact the desired transfer institution to determine admission and program requirements, including transferability of previously completed coursework.
HEALTH CONTINUING EDUCATION
We also offer health and health continuing education through the Workforce Institute.
Program Admission Guides
Please review the program admission guide to ensure your eligibility prior to applying below.
- Program Admission Guide
- Technical Standards
- Students accepted into the program will be required to successfully pass a background check and drug screening.
Application Windows
| Term | Applications Accepted | Application Review | Interview Invitations Sent to Eligible Candidates | Interview | Student Notified By MySPC e-mail |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer: May | Nov. 1 – Jan. 7 | Jan. 8 – Feb. 13 | Feb 14 | Feb 24 or Feb 25 | March 7 |