Dr. Ron Winston, Dean of the School of Health Sciences
Miami Dade College (MDC), through its renowned School of Health Sciences, has launched a new Florida Department of Education-approved Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Dental Hygiene beginning in Fall 2026. The program expands the region’s only public, fully integrated educational pathway in dental hygiene and provides licensed dental hygienists with an opportunity to advance their education while expanding their career opportunities. The 120-credit-hour degree-completion program is designed for working dental hygiene professionals. Applicants must hold an associate degree in Dental Hygiene from an accredited institution and maintain a current, active dental hygiene license. Building upon MDC’s established Associate in Science in Dental Hygiene program, the bachelor’s degree offers advanced coursework in research methods, public health dentistry, leadership and management, healthcare education, and evidence-based clinical practice. Graduates will be prepared for expanded roles in clinical practice, education, public health, research, corporate dentistry, and healthcare administration. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, leadership development, and interdisciplinary collaboration, equipping graduates to meet the evolving needs of the oral healthcare profession.
With the addition of the B.S. in Dental Hygiene, MDC becomes the only public institution in South Florida offering a comprehensive academic pathway in dental hygiene, from entry-level preparation through advanced professional education. This seamless progression enables students to begin their careers as licensed dental hygienists and continue their education affordably while remaining active in the workforce. The program reflects the mission of MDC’s School of Health Sciences, which is dedicated to preparing highly skilled healthcare professionals who improve the quality of life within their communities and serve as integral members of interdisciplinary healthcare teams. Each year, the School of Health Sciences empowers thousands of students to achieve their educational and career goals while strengthening the region’s healthcare workforce. Workforce projections indicate continued demand for dental services and allied health professionals in Miami-Dade County through 2032, driven by increasing emphasis on preventive oral healthcare, expanded access to care, and community-based health initiatives.
The new B.S. in Dental Hygiene program directly responds to these workforce needs by preparing graduates with the advanced knowledge, leadership skills, and professional competencies necessary for emerging opportunities within the dental and healthcare sectors. Launching in Fall 2026, the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene reinforces Miami Dade College’s leadership in health sciences education and workforce development. By expanding educational opportunities for licensed dental hygienists, MDC continues its commitment to advancing oral healthcare, supporting career mobility, and developing the next generation of healthcare leaders who will positively impact the communities they serve.
For more information, visit www.mdc.edu/health-sciences/programs/ or call (305) 237-4103.
