Dental Hygiene Remediation Program for International Trained Dentists (DHRP-FL, March, 2026)

This program, approved by the Florida Board of Dentistry, is a collaboration between
Palm Beach State College (CODA approved) and
Professional Learning Services, LLC.

About the Course

The Dental Hygiene Remediation Program (DHRP) from Professional Learning Services (PLS), in collaboration with Palm Beach State College, is a leading ADEX board-preparation and remediation course.
With over 38 years of proven results, this hybrid program provides personalized, hands-on training that supports exceptional ADEX outcomes and confident entry/re-entry into dental hygiene practice.

What makes this a top program?

• Recommended and approved by the Florida Board of Dentistry.
• No corporate work obligation—maintain practice independence.
• Qualify to practice statewide in Florida with competitive income potential.
• Intensive, personalized coaching from experienced dental hygiene educators.
• Enhanced employability and clinical confidence.
• Strengthens your profile for dental school admissions.

This program satisfies the Florida Board of Dentistry’s remedial course requirement for eligible internationally trained dentists who have been unsuccessful on the ADEX examination, as set forth in Florida Rule 64B5-2.0135(b). Final licensure eligibility and exam approval are determined solely by the Florida Board of Dentistry.

Professional Learning Services administers enrollment, digital coursework, and program delivery in collaboration with Palm Beach State College, which provides the CODA-accredited clinical facility and co-issues CE certificates.

Testimonials

“I wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible learning experience. The instructors were clear, thorough, and made each session genuinely enjoyable. This program is essential for anyone planning to take the Hygiene practical boards.”

— Poojita Yadavalli, FL

“Great course—every international dentist seeking a dental hygienist license should take it to refresh and regain clinical skills.”

— Pedro Campos, FL

Course Structure & Why 45 Hours

This 45-hour hybrid course includes 25 hours of online prerequisites and 20 hours of in-person lab instruction.

While the Florida Board of Dentistry requires 20 hours for ADEX remediation, PLS and PBSC have found that 45+ hours promote stronger clinical readiness, public safety, and professional confidence.

The program also accepts licensed or unlicensed dental hygienists seeking ADEX board preparation, to meet continuing education requirements, and/or to return to active practice.

Participants train in a simulation lab on manikins and periodontal instruments with individualized coaching. Current clinical philosophies, techniques, and standards of care are integrated into a focused didactic and clinical instruction.

Enrollment is contingent on qualifications and Florida Board of Dentistry recommendations. Upon successful completion of all required assignments, attendance, and participation standards, Palm Beach State College/Professional Learning Services issues a Continuing Education Certificate.

Candidates submit a new DH application to the Florida Board of Dentistry for the next step in the licensure process.  This will allow you to schedule the ADEX exam.

General Topics Include

• Infection Control, CDC Guidelines, OSHA, HIPAA, & Legal Issues
• Cultural Diversity, Medical History, Vital Signs, Medications, & Illnesses
• Oral Assessment & Disease Detection, Digital X-rays, & Data Collection
• Periodontal Health Assessment, AAP Current Staging & Grading
• Treatment Planning, Documentation, & Record-Keeping
• Computer Dental Software Training
• Digital Radiographic Technique & Interpretation
• Oral Health Education, Promotion, & Disease Prevention
• Manual & Ultrasonic Instrumentation, Care & Instrument Maintenance
• Ergonomics
• Oral & Periodontal Pathology
• ADHA Code of Ethics, Professionalism, Standard of Care, & Continual Learning Resources
• New Dental Products & Technologies

Equipment & Materials

Models for periodontal probe and calculus detection, periodontal instruments, ultrasonic inserts, and sharpening devices are loaned during the course.
ModuPRO articulators are loaned for setup and use. A ModuPRO DH mandible with calculus is provided to each student for calculus removal and may be kept by the student.

Teaching Methods

25+ hours of assigned recorded webinars and other materials must be completed independently before the class dates.

The class includes 20 hours of in-person instruction with demonstrations and hands-on practice using manikin models and periodontal instruments. Personalized attention and coaching.
The entire course (prerequisites + live practice) totals 45 hours.

Instructors

Joyce Turcotte, RDH, M.Ed., FAADH; Claudia Turcotte, RDH, MS, MSOSH, FADHA; Tanya Farfan, MS, RDH, CHC, FDN-P; Barbara Mulholland, RDH BSDH MSDH and Palm Beach State College Dental Hygiene Instructors.

Instructor Experience

Current dental hygiene educators and clinical instructors with decades of teaching and clinical practice, including experience preparing internationally trained dentists for dental hygiene practice and the ADEX exam.

Policies

Enrollment is subject to PLS’s policies and terms, including tuition, cancellation, and refund policies, as posted on the PLS website. PLS reserves the right to update its policies at any time; changes apply to future enrollments. https://www.pls.org/policies

Payment

Deposit: $750 (non-refundable) secures your seat and provides immediate access to required digital course materials. Because digital content is delivered upon enrollment, the deposit is non-refundable, as disclosed at registration.
Final payment: $2,850.00 due by February 27, 2026.  Failure to remit final payment by this date may result in loss of seat and access, subject to PLS policies.
You may also pay in full using options listed on the course registration page.

Once enrolled, prerequisites appear under “My Courses” in your PLS account and must be completed before the live class begins. Participants are responsible for verifying access to online course materials immediately after enrollment. Any access issues must be reported promptly to PLS for resolution.

Disclosures

Joyce Turcotte, RDH, M.Ed., FAADH is a key opinion leader for Hu-Friedy Group and SurgiTel.

Sponsors

May contribute to lunches and products: Hu-Friedy, Voiceworks, Kettenbach, and Kuraray.

Airport, Lodgings, Meals

1. Palm Beach International Airport (20 minutes from College).
2. Check local area hotels (Royal Inn Hotel) and Airbnb in the Loxahatchee area.
3. Lunch: deli sandwiches, salads, drinks and snacks. If you have food restrictions, please come prepared. We do not order pork.

CE Provider

Professional Learning Services, LLC (PLS)