Indian River State College

Programme overview

The Associate in Science in Dental Hygiene is a two-year program that combines classroom instruction, clinical training and patient care experience. The curriculum totals 88 semester hours: 20 semester hours of general education plus 68 semester hours of major-field required courses. Students are typically enrolled in 16–18 credits per semester, attend about 30 hours of class weekly and should expect 20–30 hours of homework per week. The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

What you'll study

Coursework and clinical work focus on preventive dental care and skills required for professional practice and licensure. Completion of program requirements makes graduates eligible to apply to sit for the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam (NBDHE) in Florida. Students learn in modern facilities and provide supervised patient care through the college dental clinic.

• General education coursework (20 semester hours)
• Major-field dental hygiene courses and clinical practicum (68 semester hours)
• Hands-on patient care in the Indian River State College Dental Clinic under licensed faculty supervision

Entry requirements

The published program page lists application windows and start terms; applicants should consult the college for current admissions dates and procedures. Preference for admission is given to residents of Indian River State College’s four-county service area (Martin, St. Lucie, Okeechobee and Indian River counties). Eligibility to sit for the NBDHE in Florida is governed by state statute and requires possession of valid identification; students intending to be licensed outside Florida must verify additional state requirements with the relevant Board of Dentistry.

Additional required items referenced by the program include health science physical examination and immunization documentation, background check and drug screening, CPR training, and compliance with health sciences division policies (see program handbook and application materials for details).

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to work as registered dental hygienists in a wide range of settings. Common employment venues noted by the program include private dental offices, public health agencies, school systems, hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, group homes and the military. Alumni also move into roles such as dental clinic managers, public health educators or supervisors within healthcare agencies.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

The college directs prospective students to financial aid, scholarships and published tuition and fees information to explore affordability. Applicants should review Indian River State College’s financial aid resources and scholarship opportunities and contact admissions or the financial aid office for guidance on payment options.