So You Wanna Shine Up Smiles in the Sunshine State: How to Get Your Dental Hygiene License in Florida
Florida: land of beaches, theme parks, and apparently, a whole lot of folks who need their chompers cleaned! If you're looking to join the ranks of the Sunshine State's dental hygienists, buckle up, because we're about to navigate the path to licensure. Consider this your guide, minus the sunburn and questionable decisions made on spring break.
How To Get A Dental Hygiene License In Florida |
First Things First: Gettin' Educated
This ain't charm school, but you will be charming those pearly whites. You'll need to graduate from an accredited dental hygiene program. Think lectures on dental science, mastering the art of scaling, and maybe even some CPR training in case things get a little...intense.
Bonus points for remembering: ADA Commission on Dental Accreditation is your BFF. Make sure your program is accredited by them.
Exam Time! Let's Get Quizzical
Now comes the part where you channel your inner smartypants. You'll need to ace three exams:
Reminder: Focus on key sentences in each paragraph.
- The National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE): Basically, it's like the SATs, but for dental hygiene.
- The ADEX Dental Hygiene Licensing Examination: This one's specific to Florida, so brush up on your Sunshine State dental regulations.
- The Florida Laws and Rules Examination: Don't worry, it's not a pop quiz on gator wrestling permits. This focuses on the legal stuff related to dental hygiene in Florida.
Remember: Cramming the night before might work in high school, but not here. Buckle down and study hard!
Licensure Lo Down: The Final Frontier (Well, Almost)
Once you've conquered those exams, it's time to apply for your official dental hygiene license. The Florida Board of Dentistry is in charge of this shindig. Get ready to submit transcripts, applications, and fees (because, you know, adulting). This is where you'll need to prove you're a squeaky-clean citizen with a spotless background (no pun intended).
Top Tip: Don't lose track of deadlines! Missing them can put a serious damper on your sunshine state smile.
Tip: Don’t just scroll to the end — the middle counts too.
Congratulations! You're Officially a Florida Dental Hygiene Superhero!
Now you can rock that snazzy dental hygienist uniform and put those sparkling smiles on blast. Remember, with great dental hygiene power comes great responsibility (like flossing daily and avoiding sugary drinks).
Now go forth and spread the gospel of oral hygiene!
FAQ: Your Sunshine State Dental Hygiene License Questions Answered (in 5 Easy Steps)
How to find an accredited dental hygiene program in Florida?
Tip: Take your time with each sentence.
The Florida Board of Dentistry has a list! Check out their website for details.
How to register for the NBDHE exam?
Head over to the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE) website.
Tip: Break it down — section by section.
How to sign up for the ADEX and Florida Laws and Rules exams?
The Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA) is your one-stop shop for these exams.
How long does it take to get a dental hygiene license in Florida?
It depends on your program length and how quickly you can conquer those exams. Generally, factor in a few years.
How much does it cost to get a dental hygiene license in Florida?
There are fees associated with the program, exams, and application process. The exact cost can vary.