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Dental Hygiene Associate Degree Program

Fort Myers, FL

Get hands-on clinical training and individual support in the associate degree program at our dental hygienist school in Fort Myers. Our CODA-accredited Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene program offers you the foundation of science, professional knowledge and clinical skills you need to help others preserve their oral (and overall) health.

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  1. Provisionally licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education. Additional information regarding this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400; Toll-free telephone number (888) 224-6684. License No. 13285.

  2. The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (“ACCSC” or “the Commission”) has considered the Application for a Branch Campus-Part I for the proposed branch facility Concorde Career Institute (“Concorde-Ft. Myers”) located in Fort Myers, Florida as submitted by Concorde Career Institute (“Concorde- Tampa”) located in Tampa, Florida. Based upon the information submitted, it appears that the main school has demonstrated the necessary capacity for establishing a branch campus and satisfied the requirements set forth in Section VIII of the Standards of Accreditation. Thus, the school’s Application for a Branch Campus-Part I is approved effective as of March 3, 2025. As set forth in Section VIII (B) of the Substantive Standards, Standards of Accreditation, a main school is directly responsible and accountable to the Commission for its branch campus and is ultimately responsible for compliance with accrediting standards.

  3. The Dental Hygiene program is a satellite location and an extension of the Concorde Career Institute Tampa Dental Hygiene program, which is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and has been granted the accreditation status of approval without reporting requirements. CODA is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. Commission on Dental Accreditation: 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611; 312-440-4653; https://coda.ada.org/.

  4. Educational programs at Concorde Career Institute, Fort Myers are not eligible for federal financial aid. Private loans may be available for those who qualify.

  5. Branch location of Concorde, Tampa, which is accredited by ACCSC. Programs not eligible for federal financial aid.

  6. The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (“ACCSC” or “the Commission”) has considered the Application for a Branch Campus-Part I for the proposed branch facility Concorde Career Institute (“Concorde-Ft. Myers”) located in Fort Myers, Florida as submitted by Concorde Career Institute (“Concorde- Tampa”) located in Tampa, Florida. Based upon the information submitted, it appears that the main school has demonstrated the necessary capacity for establishing a branch campus and satisfied the requirements set forth in Section VIII of the Standards of Accreditation. Thus, the school’s Application for a Branch Campus-Part I is approved effective as of March 3, 2025. As set forth in Section VIII (B) of the Substantive Standards, Standards of Accreditation, a main school is directly responsible and accountable to the Commission for its branch campus and is ultimately responsible for compliance with accrediting standards.

    Provisionally licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education. Additional information regarding this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400; Toll-free telephone number (888) 224-6684. License No. 13285.
     

  7. Heartland Dental is providing a scholarship to each admitted DH student in the amount of $10,500 paid as follows: $5,250 paid at the end of each academic year to reduce the student's tuition.

  8. Federal financial aid and Veteran/Military benefits are not available at this time. Funding may be available to those who qualify through private lending sources. Concorde does not guarantee eligibility or award level.

  9. Professional certification is required to be a dental hygienist, but passage of the certification exam is not guaranteed.

17

Months

88.5

Credit Hours

210

Lab Hours

550

Clinical Hours

Program Overview

Concorde in collaboration with Heartland Dental has created a first of its kind program. The dental hygiene program is an Associate of Science degree program. The curriculum is designed to blend theory with hands-on application in both lab and clinical settings. You will learn to work within dental practices to provide cleanings, perform screenings and take x-rays. Your training will also prepare you to provide education on at-home care to patients, as well as act as an important source of information for the dentist, alerting them to problems or changes in a patients’ dental health.

  • Heartland Dental Fort Myers Scholarship: $10,500
  • Program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
  • Students pursuing the dental hygiene associate degree program may be able to earn their degree in as few as 17-months. 

Further Your Education

Graduates of the dental hygiene associate degree program may also, be eligible to further their education and pursue a  Dental Hygiene bachelor's degree through Concorde's online degree completion program. The online bachelor's degree completion program requires that applicants have earned an associate degree in dental hygiene from an accredited institution and are a licensed dental hygienist. 

Now Enrolling

Concorde's Fort Myers is seeking dedicated students who want to:

  • Learn to provide cleanings, take x-rays, and promote oral health.
  • Prepare for career opportunities in private practices, clinics, cosmetic dentistry, and more
  • Earn a Dental Hygiene Associate of Science degree in as few as 17-months 

Get started by scheduling an in-person or virtual  Career Planning Session  to explore if the dental assistant program is right for you!

  1. **Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics 2023-2033 projected job demand https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-hygienists.htm Projections are national. Local job market demand may vary.

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Curriculum

  • 210

    Lab Hours

    Practice On-Campus

    Students will complete on-campus labs including simulations and patient care settings.

  • 550

    Clinical Hours

    Real-World Application

    Taking what you've learned in the classroom and practiced in a lab will culminate with real-world application through on-campus public clinical rotation(s).

  • The cost for your certification exam as well as pre-certification exam prep coursework is covered by Concorde.

    Tuition fee for the program of study includes the cost for an eligible graduate's first attempt to sit for professional certification.

    Concorde expects all students to complete pre-certification exam prep training through the campus resources at no additional cost to the student. 

The dental hygiene associate degree program at Concorde's Fort Myers campus covers general education, dental science and practical skills. Thanks to our on-site Heartland Dental sponsored public dental clinic, you can also gain supervised clinical experience treating patients and serving the local community while you learn. You can complete this program in as few as 17-months of study,  including board certification exam review. 

  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Dental Materials
  • Dental Office Management
  • Dental Radiography
  • Periodontology
  • Dental Public Health
  • Dental Law and Ethics

Open to the public, Concorde offers low-cost dental hygiene treatments through its on-campus dental hygiene clinic. Concorde dental hygiene students, as part of their program work under the supervision of the program director and a licensed dentist to deliver affordable oral care to visiting patients.

The clinical experience provides Concorde graduates with a variety of cases and professional interactions - helping you better prepare for a career as a dental hygienist. 

Looking to further your education beyond an associate degree, then consider Concorde's online  Dental Hygiene bachelor's degree completion program. Available to licensed dental hygienists with an associate degree. The fully online post-licensure program can be completed in as few as 17-months. 

  1. Prep does not guarantee certification, employment or subsequent salary.

 

Stacey Jean Ehlers RDH, MEd.
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This unique collaboration between Concorde Fort Myers and Heartland Dental offers you ways to enhance your current skills and acquire new ones. Through this unique partnership, you have access to:

  • Support from experienced faculty and staff
  • Network of alumni spanning almost 60-years
  • Concorde's blended learning approach which combines theory with practice, so you can quickly apply your experience in real-world settings.

We invite you to tour our newest campus where you can pursue and develop the hands-on skills needed to reach your career goals. Your aim is professional growth, and through this partnership, Heartland Dental and Concorde Fort Myers are here to help.

Stacey Jean Ehlers RDH, MEd.

Program Director

Career Outlook

Where Can a Dental Hygienist Work?

Dental hygienist job openings should grow as more people seek dental services.

Private & Group Practices

Specialty Practices

Public Health

Hospital Dental Clinics

9%

National Employment Demand (2023-2033) 

National Job Growth Projected 9% 

Address and Hours

Fort Myers Campus

Campus Hours of Operation

  • Monday - Thursday 8 am - 7 pm
  • Friday 8 am - 4 pm
  • Saturday By Appointment
  • Sunday Closed
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Scholarships

Educational programs at Concorde Career Institute, Ft. Myers are not eligible for federal financial aid. Private loans may be available for those who qualify. 

Scholarships

Find the perfect scholarship for your health care goals based on your background, programs or other criteria.

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Institutional Accreditation and Licensure

Accreditation and licensure are an important part of an academic institution’s operation.

Visit our Accreditations and Licensure page for more details about our accreditations and licensure.

  • CODA: Approval without Reporting Requirements

    The Dental Hygiene program is a satellite location and an extension of the Concorde Career Institute Tampa Dental Hygiene program, which is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and has been granted the accreditation status of approval without reporting requirements. CODA is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. Commission on Dental Accreditation: 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611; 312-440-4653; https://coda.ada.org/.

  • Concorde Fort Myers Campus:

    State Approval

    Provisionally licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education. Additional information regarding this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400; Toll-free telephone number (888) 224-6684. License No. 13285.

     

    Institutional Accreditation

    The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (“ACCSC” or “the Commission”) has considered the Application for a Branch Campus-Part I for the proposed branch facility Concorde Career Institute (“Concorde-Ft. Myers”) located in Fort Myers, Florida as submitted by Concorde Career Institute (“Concorde- Tampa”) located in Tampa, Florida. Based upon the information submitted, it appears that the main school has demonstrated the necessary capacity for establishing a branch campus and satisfied the requirements set forth in Section VIII of the Standards of Accreditation. Thus, the school’s Application for a Branch Campus-Part I is approved effective as of March 3, 2025. As set forth in Section VIII (B) of the Substantive Standards, Standards of Accreditation, a main school is directly responsible and accountable to the Commission for its branch campus and is ultimately responsible for compliance with accrediting standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Dental Assistants provide both clinical and administrative support in a dental office through tasks such as managing patient charts, scheduling appointments, taking X-rays, sterilizing equipment, and many other responsibilities. Dental hygienists perform cleanings and educate patients regarding general oral care and individualized dental health plans.

The Dental Hygiene program at Concorde can be completed in as little as 17 months. However, this varies by location. Please check with an admissions representative for program length information.

Call us to find out when the Dental Hygiene program starts at a Concorde campus location near you. Program start dates can also be found in the campus catalog located at https://catalogs.concorde.edu.

According to BLS.gov, the dental hygienist job field is projected to grow 9% through 2023-2033. Dental care is a necessity to have proper oral health and to keep healthy overall. Therefore, the demand for dental services is expected to rise as the population ages.

  1. **Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics 2023-2033 projected job demand https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-hygienists.htm Projections are national. Local job market demand may vary.

Becoming a Dental Hygenist comes with many perks as well as being able to promote oral health and overall body health. As a Dental Hygenist, you'll work in a dental office, educating patients about oral hygiene, interacting with a range of patients, providing routine preventive care and early gum disease management, and much more. Dental Hygenists can enjoy a flexible work schedule and have the opportunity for career advancements.
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  1. Program length may be subject to change dependent on transfer credits and course load. Please refer to current course catalog for more information. Concorde does not guarantee admittance, graduation, subsequent employment or salary amount.

  2. Professional certification is not a requirement for graduation, may not be a requirement for employment nor does it guarantee employment.

  3. Financial aid is available to those who qualify but may not be available for all programs. Concorde does not guarantee financial aid or scholarship awards or amounts.

  4. Clinical hour requirements and delivery may vary by campus location and may be subject to change. Concorde does not guarantee clinical site assignments based upon student preference or geographic convenience; nor do clinical experiences guarantee graduation, post-clinical employment or salary outcomes.

  5. Registration and certification requirements for taking and passing these examinations are not controlled by Concorde, but by outside agencies, and are subject to change by the agency without notice. Therefore, Concorde cannot guarantee that graduates will be eligible to take these exams, at all or at any specific time, regardless of their eligibility status upon enrollment.

  6. Externships are a non-paid in-person learning experience, whose length and location may be subject to change. Concorde does not guarantee externship placement, graduation, post-externship employment or salary outcomes.

  7. Virtual externships are a virtual learning experience offered through Concorde’s learning management system. Concorde does not guarantee placement, graduation, post-externship employment or salary outcomes.