Job prospects are favorable for dental hygienists.
Dental hygienists rank among today's fastest growing occupations. Due to growing demand for dental care, employment of dental hygienists is expected to grow 36 percent through 2018. The Florida Dental Association reports that there are 18 accredited dental-hygiene programs in the state of Florida. Daytona State College offers the only program in the city of Daytona Beach.
Daytona State College
Founded over 50 years ago, Daytona State College has educated thousands of Florida residents. The college offers certificate programs, associate degree programs and bachelor degree programs. The School of Dental Sciences trains students in all phases of dental hygiene, including periodontics, dental radiography, orofacial anatomy and dental materials. The school's website indicates the dental hygiene program is accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation.
Job Description
The Florida Dental Association reports that dental hygienists are responsible for patient education, along with preventive and therapeutic care. Their daily duties include: reviewing patient charts and health histories, performing oral cancer screenings, and taking blood pressure readings. Dental hygienists remove soft and hard deposits from patients' teeth, and they apply fluorides and sealants. Hygienists also take and process dental x-rays.
Licensure Requirements
After successfully completing coursework at an accredited college, candidates must pass a qualifying examination administered by the Florida Board of Dentistry. After which, the dental hygiene student becomes a licensed dental hygienist. The hygienist must also pass the National Board of Dental Hygiene exam within 10 years, according to the Florida Board of Dentistry.
Job Opportunities
The job outlook for dental hygienists in Florida is good. Graduates can find employment in hospitals, health clinics, private offices and educational institutions. In 2010, the number of Florida hygienists was 9,007, and the average hourly wage was $28.81. According to the State of Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation, 339 new hygienist positions will be created every year until the year 2018. Due to an aging population, it is projected that Florida will have 11,719 dental hygienists in 2018.
Tags: dental hygienists, Daytona State, Daytona State College, Dental Association, dental hygiene, State College, Association reports
