This program has been designated the Mary R. Grizzle Dental Hygiene Program. It has been named in honor of State Sen. Mary R. Grizzle in appreciation for her many efforts on behalf of St. Petersburg College. Sen. Grizzle is a three-time winner of the Florida Association of Community Colleges' Outstanding Service Award. Dental hygienists are licensed preventive oral health professionals, who provide educational, clinical and therapeutic services supporting total health through the promotion of optimal oral health.

Graduates are awarded the Associate in Science degree in Dental Hygiene. After graduation a license is required to enter dental hygiene practice. A Florida dental hygiene license requires passing a National Dental Hygiene Board examination, state clinical examination as well as meeting other eligibility requirements determined by the Florida Board of Dentistry. A licensed dental hygienist is qualified for employment in a variety of settings including private dental offices under the supervision of licensed dentists, industrial or hospital dental facilities, public health departments, and public or private school systems.

In order to be successful in the Dental Hygiene Program, the student must be able to demonstrate essential student functions.

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Admission to St. Petersburg College.
   
• Submission of the "Dental Hygiene Selective Admissions Application".
   
• Dental Hygiene Minimum Requirements Checklist.
   
• All transcripts from high school(s) (or GED) and college(s) currently or previously attended must be submitted to SPC. Students who have completed and submitted an AA or BA degree are not required to submit high school transcripts.
   
• Completed placement testing and all college preparatory work if required.
   
• A 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in a minimum of twelve semester hours in the Dental Hygiene program's general education and support courses;
  OR
  A 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale in high school courses which are college preparatory.
   
• Completion of sixteen hours of observation, volunteer service, or work experience in dentistry. (This must be verified by a signed statement from a dentist or dental hygienist.)
   
• Completion of BSC 1085/1085L, Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Lab.
   
• Prior to acceptance and enrollment into this program, applicants must pass a background check and drug screening (see Special Application and Admission Requirements for Health Related Programs).

• Dental Hygiene Curriculum


• Goals/Competency Statements


• Dental Observation Form


• Student American Dental Hygienists’ Association

Accreditation

Admission Procedures

The admissions process for the Dental Hygiene program is a selective process based on specific criteria. All required documentation must be submitted by the appropriate deadline date of October 1st.  Each student file must have their application and files in by this date or the applicant will be considered ineligible. All health program applications must be submitted to the Health Education Center.

Please see the new "Health Program Selective Admission Process" for appropriate deadline dates and requirements for admission.

For additional information, please contact Tami Grzesikowski, Dean, School of Dental Hygiene via e-mail or contact  Jennie Orama at 727-341-3777.

CARUTH HEALTH EDUCATION CENTER
7200 66th Street North
Pinellas Park, FL 33781
(727)341-3687