Fatima Khan

What they do

Dental Hygienists in Florida deliver preventive oral healthcare in dental offices, public health programs, schools, nursing homes, and community clinics. Their core duties include scaling and removing dental calculus, polishing teeth, applying fluoride and dental sealants, taking and developing dental radiographs, performing periodontal assessments and probing, charting clinical findings, and educating patients about home oral hygiene techniques and nutritional impact on oral health.

Hygienists are often the patient's longest face-to-face contact with the dental team and play an important screening role for early signs of periodontal disease, oral cancer, bruxism, and systemic conditions that present orally. In Florida, licensed dental hygienists with additional training may administer local anesthesia and nitrous oxide under defined conditions. Many also pursue specialty work in pediatrics, orthodontics, periodontics, or public health, including school-based fluoride and sealant programs that reach children with limited access to private dental care.

Licensing in Florida

To become licensed in Florida, candidates must graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program, pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), and complete a clinical regional or state board examination accepted by Florida. Applicants also pass the Florida Laws and Rules exam, submit fingerprints, and pay licensing fees. Licenses are renewed every two years with documented continuing education that includes mandatory topics on medical error prevention and other state-required courses. The Florida Board of Dentistry regulates the profession.

How to verify or report

Verify a dental hygienist's license through the Florida MQA license search. To report unsafe practice, infection-control violations, or unlicensed activity, file through the Florida Department of Health complaint form or call 850-488-0796.