Is Florida SouthWestern State College’s Dental Program Good and Accredited?

When researching dental career options in Florida, many ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ come across Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW). While FSW is not a traditional dental school that grants a DDS or DMD degree, it does offer a highly respected Dental Hygiene program. For ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ aiming to become licensed dental hygienists, FSW is considered one of the strongest and most affordable options in the state.

Accreditation and Recognition

¹ó³§°Â’s Dental Hygiene Associate of Science (AS) program is fully accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), the gold standard for dental-related education in the United States. This ensures ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ are eligible to sit for national and state licensing exams. The college itself is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½s Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), reinforcing its overall academic quality.

Performance and Outcomes

The program’s track record is impressive. ¹ó³§°Â’s Dental Hygiene ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ have maintained a 99.8% pass rate on the National Dental Hygiene Board Examination (NBDHE) for the past three decades. The program also boasts a 92% retention rate, a strong indicator of student satisfaction and support. Graduates often highlight the program’s small class sizes, modern facilities, and close mentorship from faculty.

Additionally, ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ can pursue a Bachelor of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene (BASDH) in just one year through a partnership with St. Petersburg College. This pathway allows ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ to advance quickly from an associate degree into higher-level career opportunities.

What FSW Offers (and Doesn’t)

• What it offers: A top-tier, affordable, CODA-accredited Dental Hygiene program that consistently ranks among Florida’s best. The program prepares ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ for immediate entry into dental careers and provides pathways to bachelor’s completion.

• What it doesn’t offer: A traditional dental school granting Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degrees. Students who want to become dentists must apply to schools like the University of Florida College of Dentistry, Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine, or LECOM ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ of Dental Medicine.

Final Verdict

Yes, Florida SouthWestern State College’s Dental Hygiene program is good and fully accredited. With exceptional exam pass rates, strong faculty support, and affordable tuition, it stands out as one of Florida’s most reputable programs for aspiring dental hygienists. For those interested in a DDS or DMD degree, however, FSW serves best as a stepping stone rather than the final destination.

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Helpful Links

• FSW Dental Hygiene Program Overview:

• FSW Accreditation Information:

• CODA (Commission on Dental Accreditation): CODA Official Website

• U.S. Dental ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½s List:

• University of Florida College of Dentistry:

• Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine: Nova Southeastern Dental

• Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ of Dental Medicine: LECOM Dental