This entry-level degree program in dental hygiene encompasses two years of pre-requisite and general education courses followed by two years of dental hygiene theory and practice, community oral health, research methodology, and teaching strategies. Upon completion of the dental hygiene program, graduates are eligible to take the Dental Hygiene National Board Examination as well as the regional and state board examinations to become licensed dental hygienists. The program is offered in-person and on campus only.
Program Highlights
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Accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education.
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100% first time pass rate on National Dental Hygiene Board examinations and Dental Hygiene Clinical Board examinations.
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Prepares students for careers as clinicians, educators, researchers, and more.
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Taught by award-winning educators who are textbook authors, published in top journals, and who conduct and present research internationally.
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On campus clinic equipped with cutting-edge technology.
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Live patient and simulator clinical experiences.
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Professional autonomy (not affiliated with a dental school).
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Graduates are prepared to pursue advanced degrees with the opportunity to do so within the same institution through a linked BS-MS program.
Careers
Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Registered Dental Hygienists
Licensed preventative oral health specialists who conduct the dental hygiene process of care including dental radiography, oral exams, cancer screenings, dental hygiene prophylaxis, non-surgical periodontal treatment, laser therapy, patient education, sealants, fluoride varnish, silver diamine fluoride, as well as other adjunctive procedures. Additional professional roles include corporate positions, researcher, educator, administrator, and entrepreneur.
Alumni Careers
Requirements
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Applicants must apply separately to the Bachelor of Science Entry Level Dental Hygiene program through the online American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Dental Hygiene Centralized Application Service (DHCAS). The ADEA DHCAS application must be completed by February 1st and reach verified status by March 1st.
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All prerequisites of lower division general education and departmental requirements for dental hygiene must be completed with a minimum grade of C or better prior to starting the dental hygiene major. Grades of C- or lower will not be accepted.
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Required documents for the ADEA DHCAS application include: all post-secondary educational official transcripts, unofficial high school transcripts, 2 ODU School of Dental Hygiene Recommendation Forms, and an essay.
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ADEA DCHAS calculates grade point averages (GPAs) for all applicants. Admission to the dental hygiene program is very competitive and decisions are heavily weighted on GPAs. A minimum overall GPA of 3.00 and Science GPA of 3.30 is required. However, most accepted applicants exceed these minimums.
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For additional application details, visit our website.
Transfer
At ODU, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful...
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Cost
Estimated rates for the 2024-25 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.
Ways to Save
Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial Aid.
