About this Program

Old Dominion University's School of Dental Hygiene is committed to the preparation of dental hygienists for accountable leadership roles in today's health system. Our innovative curriculum leading to a master of science degree places emphasis on dental hygiene, with options for education, administration/management, research, marketing and community health. Through academic courses, independent study, research and practical experience, graduate candidates are prepared to meet the present demand for dental hygiene leaders, practitioners, educators, oral health promoters, administrators/managers and researchers.

Program Highlights

  • Students work one-to-one with faculty who are recognized nationally and internationally as leaders. With these faculty, students conduct research, develop theory, prepare professional presentations and manuscripts for publication, acquire a foundation for doctoral study, and are socialized to the meaning of scholarship.

  • Available online or as a hybrid of online and on-campus courses

  • Students can work at ODU’s Dental Hygiene Research Center to develop their skills

AT A GLANCE
Degree Level
Graduate
Degree Earned
Master of Science
Delivery Modes
On-Campus

Careers

Check out these ideas from ODU Career Development Services 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.

Dental Hygienists

$74,680 Median Salary

Clean teeth and examine oral areas, head, and neck for signs of oral disease. May educate patients on oral hygiene, take and develop x rays, or apply fluoride or sealants.

Clinical Research Coordinators

$133,670 Median Salary

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Dental Hygiene at ODU?
Students entering the Master of Science program in Dental Hygiene should meet the minimum university admission requirements Graduate Admission.

Persons seeking admission to the BSDH Post-Licensure Online Program must complete both an online application to Old Dominion University as a degree-seeking student and a supplemental application to the Dental Hygiene Program through DHCAS. Required documents include:

  • Transcripts for all college-level coursework from all previous educational institutions attended since high school  

  • High school transcripts  

  • Two letters of recommendation  

  • Current resume  

  • Photocopy of current RDH license

  • Photocopy of current CPR certification (upload this in the section titled "other")  

  • Photocopy of National Board Dental Hygiene Examination Results  

Cost

Estimated rates for the 2023-24 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.

Virginia Resident
Cost Per-Credit $599
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Cost Per-Credit $623
Non-Resident
Cost Per-Credit $1,439

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

ADHA Institute for Oral Health Scholarship Program

ADHA’s Institute for Oral Health Scholarship Program offers financial assistance to dental hygiene students and dental hygienists who demonstrate a commitment to advance the discipline of dental hygiene. The call for scholarship applications begin in October of each year. Visit adha.org to learn more.

Contact

Associate Professor

3100 HEALTH SCIENCES BLDG
NORFOLK, 23529