Miami Dade College (MDC) has announced the launch of a new Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Dental Hygiene, approved by the Florida Department of Education, set to start in Fall 2026. This program establishes MDC as the only public institution in South Florida to offer a complete educational pathway in dental hygiene, allowing licensed dental hygienists to further their education and career prospects.
The 120-credit-hour degree-completion program is specifically designed for working professionals. Applicants must possess an associate degree in Dental Hygiene from an accredited institution and hold a current dental hygiene license. By building on MDC’s existing Associate in Science in Dental Hygiene program, the bachelor’s degree will provide advanced coursework in areas including research methods, public health dentistry, leadership and management, healthcare education, and evidence-based clinical practice.
Graduates of the program will be equipped for expanded roles in several fields, such as clinical practice, education, public health, research, corporate dentistry, and healthcare administration. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, leadership development, and interdisciplinary collaboration, all aimed at meeting the evolving requirements of the oral healthcare profession.
With this new bachelor’s degree, MDC is addressing workforce projections that indicate continued demand for dental services and allied health professionals in Miami-Dade County through 2032. The demand is driven by a growing focus on preventive oral healthcare, increased access to care, and community health initiatives.
The B.S. in Dental Hygiene directly responds to these workforce needs by equipping graduates with advanced knowledge, leadership capabilities, and professional skills necessary for emerging opportunities within the dental and healthcare sectors. The program reflects the mission of MDC’s School of Health Sciences, which is committed to training healthcare professionals who enhance community well-being and engage in interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
Starting in Fall 2026, the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene reinforces Miami Dade College’s role in health sciences education and workforce development, promoting career mobility and shaping future leaders in healthcare.
For more information, visit www.mdc.edu/health-sciences/programs/ or call (305) 237-4103.
