Professional Learning Service
Professional Learning Services, founded in 1987, is a Florida-based ADA CERP-accredited continuing education provider serving U.S. dental hygienists, internationally trained dentists, and dental teams through its Dental Hygiene Refresher Program, on-demand webinars, and AHA CPR training.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1987
- HeadquartersBoca Raton, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Professional Learning Service does
Professional Learning Services (PLS), founded in 1987 by Joyce Turcotte RDH, MEd, FAADH, is a Florida-based continuing education provider serving dental professionals across the United States. The company operates as a privately held LLC with a 1-10 employee team and a Boca Raton mailing address, while delivering clinical training at facilities in Stratford, CT and Loxahatchee Groves, FL. PLS holds dual accreditation as an ADA CERP Recognized Provider (May 2011 – December 2029) and an American Academy of Dental Hygiene Approved Provider (through December 31, 2026), enabling CEU acceptance across U.S. state boards and Florida Board of Dentistry approval for its remediation program. The customer base spans dental hygienists seeking license reinstatement or re-entry, internationally trained dentists preparing for the ADEX clinical exam, dental office teams fulfilling mandatory CE, and healthcare providers needing AHA BLS CPR certification.
The core technology is a web-based learning management system that delivers live and on-demand webinars through Zoom, paired with in-person clinical instruction at simulation labs equipped with manikin models, periodontal instruments, ultrasonic units, and sharpening devices. The flagship Dental Hygiene Refresher Program (DHRP), running twice yearly since 1988, is a hybrid format combining 25+ hours of asynchronous online coursework with 20 hours of in-person clinical training and individualized coaching. PLS also delivers roughly 38 self-paced on-demand webinars covering OSHA/HIPAA compliance, infection control, medical errors, pharmacology, periodontics, and emerging topics; an AHA BLS CPR/AED line offered through an affiliated instructor; and private CE consulting for dental organizations and study clubs.
PLS generates revenue primarily through course tuition fees: $16–$50 for individual on-demand webinars, $85 for CPR, $3,300 for DHRP-CT, and $3,650 for DHRP-FL (with deposit and installment payment options). The go-to-market blends product-led self-serve enrollment on pls.org, high-touch founder-led consultation for DHRP prospects, bulk enrollment for dental offices, and community-led trust signals anchored by a 5.0-star Google rating across 96 reviews and alumni word-of-mouth. The company is bootstrapped with no external funding, no parent entity, and no disclosed revenue.
Professional Learning Service firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Professional Learning Service
- Legal name
- Professional Learning Services LLC
- Website
- https://pls.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1987
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Professional Learning Services, founded in 1987, is a Florida-based ADA CERP-accredited continuing education provider serving U.S. dental hygienists, internationally trained dentists, and dental teams through its Dental Hygiene Refresher Program, on-demand webinars, and AHA CPR training.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Professional Learning Service industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Dental Continuing Education
- NAICS
- Exam Preparation and Tutoring (611691), Professional and Management Development Training (611430)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Healthcare Clinical Professions (CME/CE for Nurses, Allied Health, Pharmacy) (EDAAALAC)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Healthcare & Clinical Professional Development (CME/CE) (EDAGANAJ)
Keywords
Where Professional Learning Service is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Boca Raton
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
Professional Learning Service business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Course Tuition Fees: PLS generates revenue primarily through course enrollment fees. Individual on-demand webinars range from free to $50+. The Dental Hygiene Refresher Program (DHRP-CT) costs $3,300 per participant with deposit and installment payment options. The DHRP-FL for internationally trained dentists is priced at $3,650. AHA BLS CPR courses are $85. Group and bulk enrollment options are available for dental offices.
- Private CE Consulting Services: PLS offers CE consulting services including speaker arrangements, course approval, speaker coaching, presentation training, and joint-sponsored CE for dental organizations, study clubs, and practices.
- CPR Training: AHA BLS CPR and AED courses offered at $85 per participant, conducted as live hands-on training in Connecticut through affiliated instructor Katie Criswell/CT CPR.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | On-demand webinars: $15–$50 per course |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Dental Hygiene Refresher Program (DHRP-CT): $3,300 |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Dental Hygiene Remediation Program (DHRP-FL) for internationally trained dentists: $3,650 |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | AHA BLS CPR and AED (CT): $85 |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | OSHA and HIPAA Update: from $16 for 3 days |
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Free course: The Future of the Dental Hygiene Profession Starts Now |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels7 records
Professional Learning Service product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Professional Learning Service delivers accredited continuing education (CE) courses for dental professionals, anchored by the Dental Hygiene Refresher Program (DHRP) that has run twice a year since 1988. The portfolio includes CE On-Demand Webinars, the DHRP-FL remediation program for internationally trained dentists preparing for the ADEX exam, AHA BLS CPR/AED training, and Private CE consulting for dental offices and study clubs. Courses are delivered via on-demand recordings, live Zoom webinars, and in-person clinical training at simulation labs in Connecticut and Florida.
Product overview
Professional Learning Services (PLS) is a continuing education provider for dental professionals offering a portfolio of courses and programs. The flagship offering is the Dental Hygiene Refresher Program (DHRP), established in 1988, which provides clinical skills remediation and board preparation for dental hygienists. PLS complements this with CE On-Demand webinars covering compliance (OSHA/HIPAA), clinical topics, and specialty areas, plus live CPR training and private CE consulting services. The company serves dental hygienists, dentists, and dental assistants across multiple states through both online and face-to-face delivery formats.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Dental Hygiene Refresher Program (DHRP-CT) A 45-hour hybrid program for licensed dental hygienists designed to update clinical skills, prepare for dental hygiene clinical boards, meet license reinstatement requirements, and fulfill CE obligations in other states. Combines 25 hours of asynchronous online learning with 20 hours of in-person demonstrations and clinical practice using manikin models at the Stratford, CT training facility. Priced at $3,300 with $600 non-refundable deposit and $2,700 balance due 30 days before start.
- Dental Hygiene Remediation Program for Internationally Trained Dentists (DHRP-FL) A 45+ hour hybrid course (25+ hours online prerequisites plus 20 hours in-person lab instruction) for internationally trained dentists who have failed the ADEX clinical exam. Approved by the Florida Board of Dentistry and delivered in collaboration with Palm Beach State College at a CODA-accredited clinical facility. Awards 45+ CEUs upon completion. Priced at $3,650 with a non-refundable deposit and second payment on completion.
- CE On-Demand Webinars Self-paced recorded webinar courses covering dental continuing education topics including OSHA/HIPAA compliance, medical errors, cardiovascular conditions, periodontal case planning, cultural competency, pharmacology, and emerging topics. Available via 3, 7, or 14-day subscription access windows with per-course pricing typically $15-$50.
- AHA BLS CPR and AED Training
- Private CE Consulting Services
- Live CE Programs
Quantifiable outcome
- 39+ years of proven results in dental hygiene refresher education
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Professional Learning Service
Customer profileNamed customers11 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Professional Learning Service technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature2 records
Professional Learning Service partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Palm Beach State College (PBSC)coreCollaboration between Professional Learning Services and Palm Beach State College (CODA approved) for delivery of the Dental Hygiene Remediation Program (DHRP-FL). PBSC provides the CODA-accredited clinical facility and simulation lab at their Health & Innovation Building. PBSC co-issues CE certificates upon successful course completion. The program satisfies Florida Board of Dentistry remedial course requirements under Florida Rule 64B5-2.0135.
- Hu-Friedy GroupminorSponsor contributing products (dental instruments) for DHRP programs. Joyce Turcotte serves as a key opinion leader for Hu-Friedy Group.
- SurgiTelminorSponsor contributing products (ergonomic equipment/loupes) for DHRP programs. Joyce Turcotte serves as a key opinion leader for SurgiTel.
- KettenbachminorProduct sponsor for DHRP programs, contributing dental materials and supplies.
- KurarayminorProduct sponsor for DHRP programs, contributing dental materials.
- VoiceworksminorProduct sponsor contributing to DHRP program lunches and educational products.
- Katie Criswell / CT CPRminorAHA BLS CPR and AED courses are offered through Katie Criswell (CT CPR), an affiliated AHA instructor and CE Provider, not directly by PLS. PLS facilitates enrollment and CE certificate issuance. The course is also offered to dental practices, study clubs, and organizations.
- American Dental Association (ADA)coreADA CERP (Continuing Education Recognition Program) recognized provider status enables PLS to offer CEUs accepted by dental boards nationwide. PLS has held this recognition since May 2011 through December 2029.
- American Academy of Dental Hygiene (AADH)coreAADH designated approved CE provider status (through December 31, 2026) enabling PLS to offer CEUs under the AADH approval system for dental hygiene professionals.
- Yale New Haven HospitalminorAHA CPR instructor Katie Criswell is affiliated with Yale New Haven Hospital. This affiliation provides credibility for AHA CPR course delivery.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Professional Learning Service competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- DALE Foundation: The Dental Assisting National Board sister organization that delivers accredited continuing education and exam preparation for dental auxiliaries. Comparable to PLS as a dental-specific accredited CE and credential-prep provider with analogous regulatory positioning.
- Colgate Oral Health Network: Colgate-Palmolive's free dental continuing education portal offering accredited CE webinars and self-study courses to dental professionals. Directly comparable to PLS as a competing ADA CERP-recognized online CE provider targeting the same hygienist and dentist audience.
- Crest + Oral-B Professional (Procter & Gamble): P&G's Dentalcare.com platform provides free ADA CERP- and AGD PACE-accredited CE courses for dental hygienists, dentists, and dental teams. Direct competitor to PLS for online mandatory and elective CE consumption, often priced at zero versus PLS's $15–$50 webinars.
- Spear Education: Private CE platform offering accredited clinical and practice-management CE for dentists and hygienists via online and in-person formats. Comparable as a premium-priced dental CE specialist with similar regulatory accreditation and clinical remediation focus.
- Penn Foster: Accredited online career school offering dental assistant and dental hygiene programs plus CE-aligned coursework. Comparable to PLS as an accredited provider of dental professional training and credential preparation in distance-learning formats.
- Academy of General Dentistry (AGD PACE): AGD's PACE program approves and aggregates dental CE providers nationally, while also offering its own CE to general dentists. Comparable to PLS as a CE provider/credentialing infrastructure body serving dental professionals seeking license renewal credits.
Broad incumbents
- Henry Schein One / dental CE partners: Major dental industry distributor and platform operator with CE offerings embedded in its broader dental supply and practice-management portfolio. Comparable to PLS as an incumbent distribution channel for CE alongside core dental products.
- 3M Oral Care: Multinational dental product manufacturer that sponsors and distributes accredited CE for dental teams via its clinical education programs. Comparable to PLS as a major dental-industry CE sponsor competing for hygienist attention hours.
Regional players
- University of the Pacific Dental CE: University-based dental school offering accredited continuing education programs to licensed practitioners in California and online. Comparable to PLS as an accredited institutional CE provider for dental professionals with clinical remediation courses.
Emerging players
- PRIME Education: Accredited healthcare CE provider offering CE across multiple clinical specialties including oral health topics for dental professionals. Comparable to PLS as a multi-vertical accredited continuing education provider with shared CE accreditation mechanics.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Professional Learning Service social profiles
Digital presenceProfessional Learning Service compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
Professional Learning Service financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Professional Learning Service leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Professional Learning Service funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Professional Learning Service M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Professional Learning Service
What does Professional Learning Service do?
Professional Learning Service delivers accredited continuing education (CE) courses for dental professionals, anchored by the Dental Hygiene Refresher Program (DHRP) that has run twice a year since 1988. The portfolio includes CE On-Demand Webinars, the DHRP-FL remediation program for internationally trained dentists preparing for the ADEX exam, AHA BLS CPR/AED training, and Private CE consulting for dental offices and study clubs. Courses are delivered via on-demand recordings, live Zoom webinars, and in-person clinical training at simulation labs in Connecticut and Florida.
Is Professional Learning Service a public or private company?
Professional Learning Service is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Professional Learning Service founded?
Professional Learning Service was founded in 1987. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Professional Learning Service based?
Professional Learning Service is headquartered in Boca Raton, United States, in the North America region.
How does Professional Learning Service make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Course Tuition Fees are the primary driver. The others are private CE Consulting Services and CPR Training.
Who are Professional Learning Service's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are DALE Foundation, Colgate Oral Health Network, Crest + Oral-B Professional (Procter & Gamble), Spear Education, Penn Foster and Academy of General Dentistry (AGD PACE). Broad incumbents are Henry Schein One / dental CE partners and 3M Oral Care. University of the Pacific Dental CE is listed as a regional player. PRIME Education is listed as an emerging player.
Does Professional Learning Service have an API?
No public API is recorded for Professional Learning Service.
What industry is Professional Learning Service in?
Professional Learning Service's product category is Dental Continuing Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAAALAC, Healthcare Clinical Professions (CME/CE for Nurses, Allied Health, Pharmacy), with a secondary code of EDAGANAJ, Healthcare & Clinical Professional Development (CME/CE). Its NAICS code is 611691 and its SIC code is 8200.