State College of Florida
SCF's Dental Hygiene Program
The Dental Hygiene Program’s goal is to provide an engaging learning environment for the education of oral health professionals who will provide ethical and comprehensive dental hygiene care for the community.
Learn MoreThe SCF Dental Hygiene Clinic Provides Dental Care
The students and faculty at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota are prepared to provide you with oral hygiene treatment of the highest quality. The Dental Hygiene Clinic is equipped with 16 industry current dental units for patient comfort and quality care.
Learn MoreDental Hygiene [2029]
Dental Hygiene Application Information
The Dental Hygiene application period runs from January 1-January 31.
The Dental Hygiene program application period runs from January 1st through the last business day of the month annually. Students will not be able to access, view or complete the program application until the application period opens on January 1st of each year.
The program does not utilize waitlists. Students must apply/reapply every year. The Dental Hygiene program is a limited enrollment program. Completion of all or part of the application requirements does not guarantee acceptance.
All applications & supporting documentation must be received by the Dental Hygiene Program at 4 pm on the last business day of January.
All correspondence including accepted/denied emails will be sent to the student’s SCF email.
Dental Hygiene Policies, Requirements, Policies and Standards
Readmission Policy: Students may reenter the Dental Hygiene Program within two years of withdrawal and be considered for advanced placement in the program depending on resources available. Dental Hygiene Courses taken more than two years prior to readmission may need to be repeated. In cases of significant curriculum revision, courses taken less than two years prior to readmission may have to be repeated because of the change in course content. A student may be readmitted to the Dental Hygiene Program ONE TIME ONLY. Students who are readmitted will be tested in the basic skills up to the withdrawal point in the program to assure competency in didactic information and clinical skills. An individualized educational plan will be developed as needed for the student’s readmission. Due to an individual educational plan needing to be established and completed prior to readmission, any student interested in readmission should stay in contact with the Program Director to ensure there is appropriate time to complete the educational plan.
Readmitted students who return to the program will be held to the policies and procedures of the college catalog and student handbook that is in place for the semester in which they are returning.
Readmission is not guaranteed and may not be permitted in cases where a student is dismissed for ethical reasons, when patient safety is of concern, or where cheating/plagiarism has occurred.
Applicants for readmission will be accepted on a space available basis and must meet the following admission criteria:
Health Certification:
- Must be completely redone if the student is out of the Program two or more consecutive semesters. (Example: Fall and Spring)
- A Tuberculosis Blood test must be done as a component of acceptance to the program or chest x-rays in instances of a positive TB test. The TB test must be considered up to date at the time of readmission.
America Heart Association, BLS for Health Care Provider CPR Certification:
- Certification is good for two calendar years. The student must maintain current CPR certification while enrolled in the Dental Hygiene Program. If the current certification expires prior to the anticipated graduation date, the student will be required to complete another CPR course while in the program. Failure to maintain a current CPR certification will result in immediate withdrawal from all clinical courses and dismissal from the program.
Background Checks/Drug Testing/:
Must be completely redone if the student is out of the Program for two consecutive semesters or more. (Example: Fall and Spring) Based on the results of these checks and screenings, students may become ineligible for readmission into the program. Re-admission eligible students interested in returning to the program, should request a copy of the current Dental Hygiene Program handbook to review the Background/Drug testing policies.
Readmission after enrollment in one semester of the program: Any student who previously was accepted and initiated courses in the Dental Hygiene Program, but withdrew or did not successfully complete the courses in one of the the first two semesters (Summer and Fall) of the program, will not be eligible for advanced placement readmission. The student will be required to reapply to the program during the open admission cycle and will be considered for admission with the pool of “new” applicants for the Summer semester start. Readmission will be on a space available basis and is not guaranteed.
Readmission with unsatisfactory grades: If the student leaves the program due to unsatisfactory performance after completion of the first two semesters (Summer and Fall), the student has the option to apply to re-enter the program and repeat the unsatisfactorily completed course(s) depending on resources and space available. The student must make an appointment with the program director at least one semester prior to the anticipated remediation entry date for planned enrollment in DEH 2903 Special Topics in Dental Hygiene. The student and program director will work together to develop an Educational Success Plan to focus on the remediation of skills and knowledge specific to the needs of the student. This plan must be successfully completed prior to the start of the semester the student is to re-enter the program. Failure to satisfactorily complete any components of the remediation plan or any other requirements identified in the educational success plan will result in forfeiture of the students position for reentry into the program. Students who exercise this option are advised that dental hygiene courses are only offered once per year. Therefore, the student must wait one year to re-attempt courses. Students who successfully complete repeated courses will be allowed to continue in the program from the point in the curriculum where they originally exited. Readmission options can only be used one time.
Applications for readmission to the Dental Hygiene Program are available through the Dental Hygiene Program Department (Bradenton – Bldg #2) or on the website:
All Dental Hygiene Programs are individualized with regards to sequencing of courses and program requirements. Due to this individuality, it is extremely difficult to accept transfer students from other dental hygiene programs and maintain the appropriate sequencing for the student’s learning process, preparation for graduation and board examinations. Each student requesting transfer will have their current dental hygiene program evaluated for consistency of course sequencing, program requirements and compatibility with the Dental Hygiene Program at the State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota. Also, the institution requires that at least 25% of the credit hours required for the degree/certificate must be completed at SCF. For dental hygiene this would be a minimum of 22 credit hours.
Advanced placement students are considered for admissions on availability of resources and space. If more than one student applies for advanced placement for the same available space in the class, the date of completed application and grade point average (other than the currently enrolled classes) will be the factor determining acceptance.
The following are the policies and procedures related to advanced placement into the SCF Dental Hygiene Program.
The applicant must:
At the time of application, be currently enrolled in a Dental Hygiene Program accredited by the ADA Commission on Dental Accreditation at a regionally accredited post secondary institution.
Submit an application to the State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota Admissions Office. In the event the applicant has previously attended State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota and the applicant has missed one or more major semesters, the previous application must be updated.
Request official transcripts from all previously and currently attended colleges and universities, whether the courses apply to the Dental Hygiene degree or not, be sent directly to the SCF Office of the Registrar.
Complete an additional application to the SCF Dental Hygiene Program for Advanced Placement along with the application fee AT LEAST TWO MONTHS PRIOR TO THE ANTICIPATED ENTRY DATE. Entry dates are considered the start of the term (summer, fall, spring). See academic calendar for specific semester start dates.
Successfully complete all the courses that he/she is currently enrolled in with a “C” or better.
Have a GPA of no less than 2.75 in all courses related to the dental hygiene degree with a minimum of a “C” in each course.
Submit a copy of the syllabi for all dental hygiene courses, completed and currently taking, to the SCF Dental Hygiene Program Director for evaluation. Once evaluated, it may be determined that the student needs to repeat a course or course(s) in order to complete all of the SCF Dental Hygiene Program requirements.
Request a letter be sent to the SCF Dental Hygiene Program Chair from the Director of your current dental hygiene program verifying that you are in “good standing” and the reason for your withdrawal from that program.
Complete a SCF Health Professions Medical form including a statement of satisfactory physical and mental health and a record of current serum titers verifying immunity from communicable diseases, immunizations and record of tuberculosis test or chest films. This form will be provided through the Dental Hygiene Department.
Hold a current American Heart Association BLS for the Health Care Provider CPR certification which will remain current through the student’s graduation and licensure exam dates. Online CPR courses will not be accepted.
All health professions program students are required to submit to criminal background checks and drug screenings as a part of their admissions process and retention in the program. Random drug testing may be required at intervals throughout the program. The results of these checks and screenings may affect a student’s ability to continue in the program and the ability to become licensed as a hygienist in the State of Florida.
All transfer students will be held to the policies and procedures of the college catalog and student handbook that is in place for the dental hygiene class they enter.
Successful participation and completion of the Dental Hygiene Program requires that a candidate be able to meet the demands of the program. Dental hygiene students must be able to perform academically in a safe, reliable and efficient manner in classrooms, laboratory and clinical situations. The student must demonstrate behaviors, skills and abilities to be in compliance with legal and ethical standards as set forth by the American Dental Hygienists’ Association Code of Ethics.
Throughout the program, students acquire the foundation of knowledge, attitude, skills and behaviors that are necessary to function as a dental hygienist. Those abilities that the dental hygienist must possess to practice safely are reflected in the standards that follow.
Candidates for the degree must be able to meet these minimum standards, with or without reasonable accommodation, for successful completion of degree requirements.
| STANDARD | EXAMPLES | |
| Critical Thinking | Demonstrates critical thinking ability sufficient for clinical judgment and problem solving. | Applies critical thinking processes to their work in the classroom and various clinical settings.
Exercises sound judgment in class, laboratory and clinic situations. Follows safety procedures established for each class, laboratory and clinic. Demonstrates ability to self-evaluate. Demonstrates ability to identify problems and offer possible solutions. |
| Interpersonal | Demonstrates the ability to relate to other people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Cooperates with others. | Demonstrates interest in classmates, staff, patients, and faculty.
Demonstrates ability to cooperate with others and works as a team member. Demonstrates ability to maintain poise and flexibility in stressful or changing conditions. Demonstrates ability to establish rapport and working relationship with colleagues and patients. Recognizes and responds appropriately to individuals of all ages, genders, races, socio-economic, religious, sexual preferences, and cultural background. |
| Communication | Demonstrates the ability to communicate clearly with patients/clients, physicians, other health professionals, family members, significant others, caregivers, community or professional groups and colleagues.
Communication includes: speech, language, nonverbal, reading, writing and computer literacy. |
Reports clearly and legibly through progress notes in patient’s charts.
Participates in group discussions to deliver and receive information and responds to questions from a variety of sources. Explains treatment, preventive procedures, and disease process to patient and/or caregiver. Communicates with patient and faculty regarding patient care and referrals. |
| Motor Skills | Demonstrates the ability to execute motor movements reasonably required to provide general and emergency care and treatment to patients/clients. | Moves around in classroom, laboratory, and clinical operatory.
Moves to and from sterilization, reception room, business office, x-ray rooms and clinical operatories. Provides for patient safety and well being in positioning of dental chair, dental light and x-ray equipment. Exhibits sufficient manual dexterity to manipulate small and large equipment. Performs dental hygiene instrumentation with hand and ultra- sonic instruments. Performs expanded duties. Performs CPR. |
| Hearing | Demonstrates functional use of hearing to monitor and assess health needs. | Demonstrates ability to obtain appropriate information from instructors and classmates in laboratory settings and examinations.
Demonstrate ability to ascertain a patient experiencing a medical emergency. Demonstrates ability to obtain appropriate medical history and data collection directly from the patient or guardian. |
| Visual | Demonstrates visual acuity and perception sufficient for observation and assessment. | Demonstrates ability to observe lectures, and laboratory demonstrations.
Receives information via observation, assessment and evaluation of oral tissues in regards to normal and abnormal conditions. Observes patient’s response to care and assesses and evaluates level of oral hygiene. |
| Tactile | Demonstrates tactile abilities sufficient to gather assessment information and provide intervention. | Demonstrates ability to detect calculus and evaluate debridement.
Demonstrate ability to palpate soft tissue and detect patient’s pulse. |
| Self Care | Maintains general good health and self care in order not to jeopardize the health and safety of self and individuals with whom one interacts in the academic and clinical setting. | Maintains personal hygiene.
Demonstrates safety habits and work area neatness. Maintains a healthy lifestyle. |
| Intellectual Abilities | Demonstrates ability to read, write, speak and understand English at a level consistent with successful course completion and development of a positive patient-student relationship. | Demonstrates ability to comprehend and follow verbal and written instruction.
Demonstrates ability to perform simple and repetitive tasks. Can learn to reconcile conflicting information Written communication: Demonstrate ability to use proper punctuation, grammar, spelling; work is neat and legible. |
| Commitment to Learning | Demonstrate a positive attitude towards decision-making, policies and operating methods, rules, etc. | Complete reading assignments and other activities outside of class.
Demonstrates initiative, motivation and enthusiasm. Demonstrates ability to complete all work without evidence of cheating or plagiarism. Attends all class, laboratory and clinicals assigned. Is consistently punctual to all classes, laboratories and clinical assignments. |
| Affective Learning Skills
(behavioral & social attitudes) |
Demonstrate appropriate affective behaviors and mental attitudes in order not to jeopardize the mental, emotional, physical, and behavioral safety of clients and other individuals with whom one interacts in the academic and clinical setting.
Acknowledges and respects individual values and opinions in order to foster harmonious working relationships with colleagues, peers and patients/clients. |
Demonstrates ability to sustain the mental and emotional rigors of a demanding educational program, which includes an academic and clinical component that occurs within set time constraints.
Demonstrates willingness to accept challenges. Open to feedback. Listens actively. Follows guidelines and rules for the program and College. |
If a student cannot demonstrate the skills and abilities identified above, it is the responsibility of the student to request an appropriate accommodation. The College will provide reasonable accommodation as long as it does not fundamentally alter the nature of the program offered and does not impose an undue hardship such as those that cause a significant expense, difficulty or are unduly disruptive to the educational process.
Graduates are required to successfully complete the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, both components of the regional board exam administered by ADEX, the Florida Laws and Rules exam and apply for a license to practice in the state of Florida. If an applicant has been convicted, had any adjudication withheld, or has been charged with the commission of a felony or misdemeanor, the applicant will need to contact the Florida Board of Dentistry to ensure eligibility of licensure in the state.
For more information, the applicant should contact the Florida Board of Dentistry. Florida Board of Dentistry link listed below.
Students have an opportunity to register complaints related to the State College of Florida (SCF) Dental Hygiene Program in a Complaint Notebook. Students should send an email, type or hand write a complaint and send to Kimberly Bastin, SCF Dental Hygiene Program Director, at bastink@scf.edu or Stacie Leaton, department secretary at leatons@scf.edu. All complaints will be collected in a notebook located in the department secretary’s office, Bldg 2-Room 131. All complaints are reviewed and appropriate actions considered. The Complaint Notebook contains a list of the standards required for accreditation provided by the Commission on Dental Accreditation for dental hygiene programs.