Program Description

The Associate in Science degree in Dental Hygiene (DH-AS) provides the student with a broad foundation in dental hygiene and is designed to prepare the student to master clinical competencies and prepare for all of the roles of a dental hygienist. The program uses a combination of lecture, laboratory, simulation, and clinical instruction.

Program Information

This program is a limited access program, which means program admission and course registration are restricted to a limited number of students each semester due to accreditation requirements addressing student-faculty ratios and clinical resources. A student first will be admitted to Pensacola State College, and after satisfying all admission requirements for this program, the student is considered for admission to the DH-AS program. Application Pathways exist for students who have been admitted to the College and must complete any of the admission requirements. Students who do not have an earned Associate in Arts degree or earned baccalaureate degree may be placed in the Associate in Arts Pre-Dental Hygiene Advising Track. Students who have an earned Associate in Arts degree or earned baccalaureate degree may be classified as non-degree seeking.

The Associate in Science degree in Dental Hygiene accepts 35 students each Summer semester.

The graduate of the program that is seeking to become a licensed dental hygienist must successfully complete the state clinical examination for the state in which they wish to practice and must successfully complete the National Board of Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE).

Program Approval and Accreditation

The program Dental Hygiene 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 60611-2678. https://coda.ada.org/

Program Admission Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED
• College Application
• Minimum grade of “C” or better and 2.75 GPA on Program Specific General Education Prerequisite Courses.

When the student has met the program admission requirements, the student’s application is evaluated by the Office of Admissions and ranked according to the date on which the student completed the final requirement. Students are selected in that rank order.

Program Progression Requirements

Progression through the Associate in Science degree in Dental Hygiene program requires the following.

• A grade of C or higher in courses in the curriculum.
• Earn a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better in all courses applicable to the program of study.
• Meet the academic residence requirement of completing at least 25% of the program with classes at Pensacola State College.
• Satisfactory completion of clinical requirements which include the following:
• Level II FDLE background screen;
• Urine drug screen;
• Immunizations and Vaccines; and
• Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers certification.

Program Completion Requirements

• Earn a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better in all courses applicable to the program of study.
• Meet the academic residence requirement of completing at least 25% of the program with classes at Pensacola State College.

Program Contact:

Dr. Mitzie Sowell
Department Head, Health Sciences
(850) 484-2308
msowell@pensacolastate.edu