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
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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.
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Available online or as a hybrid of online and on-campus courses
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Students can work at ODU’s Dental Hygiene Research Center to develop their skills
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.
Clinical Research Coordinators
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.
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.
Requirements
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:
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Transcripts for all college-level coursework from all previous educational institutions attended since high school
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High school transcripts
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Two letters of recommendation
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Current resume
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Photocopy of current RDH license
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Photocopy of current CPR certification (upload this in the section titled "other")
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Photocopy of National Board Dental Hygiene Examination Results
Featured Courses
Cost of Attendance
We believe in providing students with transparent and accessible information about the cost of attendance.
Review the estimated tuition rates for the 2024-25 academic year (subject to change). Non-resident rates are charged for anyone who is not a current Virginia resident, including international students.
Ways to Fund Your Degree
There are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending Old Dominion University, including scholarships, assistantships, and student loans. For more details about financial aid at Old Dominion, visit the Financial Aid Office page.
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.
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