Why ODU for Dental Hygiene?

As a licensed dental hygienist, you already have training and experience. Our program can help you expand your career. 

You will gain knowledge and skills necessary for a wide range of employment opportunities and graduate study. Because this program is designed for licensed dental hygienists, there are no clinicals.

ODU's dental hygiene program is accredited by CODA, the Commission on Dental Accreditation. CODA is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education.

When you graduate, you will earn a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BSDH).

Accelerated Dental Hygiene Degree Option: Undergraduates can choose to "accelerate" from the BSDH post-licensure program to the Master of Science program by applying up to 12 graduate credit hours toward both degrees. Contact us with the form on this page to learn more about this option.

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If you are interested in pursuing an undergraduate degree, we can provide a free unofficial evaluation of your domestic transcript(s).





Ranked
#7

Best Online Dental Hygiene Programs, 2025 - OnlineU.com

Ranked
#4

Best Online Dental Hygiene Programs, 2024 - Forbes Advisor

Program Information

Minimum
30 Credit Hours
Total
120 Credit Hours

To earn a bachelor's degree from ODU, you must complete at least 30 credit hours with us. This Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene requires 120 total credit hours.

Talk with our enrollment team to determine if you have credits that will transfer. The sample curriculum can serve as a guide for planning your course of study.

Explore the Post-Licensure Major in the Catalog

Access course materials online from any location. Many classes don't have a scheduled meeting time, so you can fit class into your personal schedule. The instructor may schedule assignments and exams at specific times. All courses follow ODU's regular academic calendar.

This program is not intended to lead to a specific state-level license.

If you plan to pursue a professional license or credential, we encourage you to explore requirements through the appropriate credentialing agency or professional organization in your state. 

Learn More About State Licensure Disclosures

Minimum
30 Credit Hours
Total
120 Credit Hours

To earn a bachelor's degree from ODU, you must complete at least 30 credit hours with us. This Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene requires 120 total credit hours.

Talk with our enrollment team to determine if you have credits that will transfer. The sample curriculum can serve as a guide for planning your course of study.

Explore the Post-Licensure Major in the Catalog

Access course materials online from any location. Many classes don't have a scheduled meeting time, so you can fit class into your personal schedule. The instructor may schedule assignments and exams at specific times. All courses follow ODU's regular academic calendar.

This program is not intended to lead to a specific state-level license.

If you plan to pursue a professional license or credential, we encourage you to explore requirements through the appropriate credentialing agency or professional organization in your state. 

Learn More About State Licensure Disclosures

Cost & Aid

Smiling woman in professional attire smiles in a casual office setting
Calculating Cost
In-state Virginia Residents
$268 per credit hour*
Out-of-State Students
$444 per credit hour

Active duty military students may qualify for a discounted undergraduate tuition rate.

These tuition rates are effective Fall 2025 and subject to change. 

Explore ODUGlobal Cost & Aid
Military Cost & Aid

* In-state rate assumes residency requirements are met.

The newest class of graduates through ODUGlobal celebrated commencement in May 2024.
Scholarship & Aid

Scholarship Opportunities

Healthcare Heroes: This scholarship lifts online undergraduate transfer students who will support others’ health by entering practitioner-based health care programs or disciplines that promote community and global health practices. Recipients are awarded $3,000 for the first semester of enrollment.

Learn More about the Healthcare Heroes Scholarship

Careers in Dental Hygiene

Beyond the clinical setting, dental hygiene professionals are finding exciting new career paths in:

  • Global health
  • Public and community health
  • Higher education and research
  • Modeling and simulation
  • Marketing
  • Administration and management

Keep in mind that professional licensing requirements may vary by state.

FAQ

A bachelor's degree will prepare you for dental hygiene roles in many different health care environments. You'll take general university courses as well as courses in dental hygiene theory, research methodology and teaching strategies. You will graduate knowing how to treat diverse populations in places such as:

  • general and specialty practices,
  • public schools,
  • community settings,
  • health products industry,
  • insurance companies,
  • acute and extended care facilities,
  • federal and state-run dental clinics,
  • and dental hygiene educational programs.

Course credits from an accredited institution of higher learning are transferable if you earned a "C" or better. To determine if there is a match with the required courses for the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene, contact ODUOnline with the form above for a free unofficial transcript evaluation before you apply. In some cases, older college credits (earned in the last 20 years) may be accepted for ODU's online dental hygiene program.

No matter how many courses you transfer, you must complete at least 30 credit hours from ODU.

The official review of transfer credits happens when you apply to the university and submit your official transcripts to the admissions office to review your courses.

You can complete the BSDH Post-Licensure program entirely online. You may also take a combination of online and on-campus courses.

Yes, you can take this online program part-time or full-time. Typically, students can expect to complete the program in three to four academic semesters of full-time study. Part-time study will take longer, of course, but transfer credits can shorten that time.

Helpful Resources

Find more helpful resources

Health Sciences Enrollment Team

Our dedicated enrollment team will guide your transition to ODUGlobal.

Nikki Harris
Enrollment Coordinator
1-800-968-2638
healthsciencesonline@odu.edu
Mark Pryor
Mark Pryor
Enrollment Coordinator
1-800-968-2638
healthsciencesonline@odu.edu
Todd Marville
Todd Marville
Enrollment Coordinator
1-800-968-2638
healthsciencesonline@odu.edu

Ready to Apply?

To be accepted, you must be a registered dental hygienist. You will also:

Our enrollment team can answer any questions you have about applying and the admissions process.

Get guaranteed admission at Old Dominion University

We've partnered with the Virginia Community College System and select educational institutions to make transferring easy. By applying, you will be assured admission at ODU for the completion of your degree.

Learn more about Guaranteed Admission to ODU

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