Dental Hygiene Online Program

  • Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
  • Ellmer College of Health Sciences
  • Gene W. Hirschfeld School of Dental Hygiene

Program Overview

  • For registered dental hygienists
  • Transfer previous college credits
  • Complete at least 30 credits online from ODU
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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.

Want to learn more? Contact us!

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  • Ranked #8

    Best Online Bachelor's in Dental Hygiene, 2024 - OnlineU.com

  • Ranked #7

    Best Online Bachelor's in Dental Hygiene, 2023 - BestColleges.com

  • Required Courses

    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.

  • Online Learning Environment

    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.

  • Licensure Disclosure

    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

  • Calculating Cost

    In-state Virginia Residents
    $408 per credit hour*
    Out-of-State Students
    $439 per credit hour

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

    These tuition rates are effective Fall 2024 and subject to change. 
    * In-state rate assumes residency requirements are met.

    Explore ODUGlobal Cost & Aid

  • Scholarship & Aid

    Scholarship Opportunities

    Healthcare Heroes: This scholarship lifts 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 $1,000 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

What is the advantage of getting a bachelor's degree over a 2-year program?

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.

How do I know if Old Dominion University will accept my course credits from another school?

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.

Are all courses for the BSDH Post-Licensure program available online or will I have to go to campus?

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

Can I go part-time?

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.

Meet Your Team

Our dedicated enrollment team will guide your transition to ODUGlobal.

Ready to get started?