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Dental Hygiene Online Program

Program Options

Degree completion

  • For students with some college credits
  • Complete at least 30 credits online from ODU

Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene

A part ofCollege of Health Sciences
Gene W. Hirschfeld School of Dental Hygiene
Apply Now Request Info

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!











Ranked #6

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

Ranked #7

Best Online Bachelor's in Dental Hygiene, 2020 - BestColleges.com

two dental hygienists working with patient in dental chair

Get Guaranteed Admission at Old Dominion University

We've partnered with the Virginia Community College System and select educational institutions to make transferring easy. The Guaranteed Admission Agreement is intended to ease the transfer process between the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) and Old Dominion University (ODU).

Learn more about Guaranteed Admission at ODU

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.

Dental Hygiene Sample Curriculum

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.

Taking Classes Online

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.

Explore Career Data for Your Region at Our Career Coach Website

Calculating Cost

  • In-state Virginia Residents$374 per credit hour*
  • Out-of-State Students$407 per credit hour

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

These tuition rates are effective Summer 2022 and subject to change.
* In-state rate assumes residency requirements are met.

ODU Tuition and Financial Aid

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.

Have questions? Please contact us through the form above to talk to an enrollment coach.

Learn More About State Licensure Disclosures

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.

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How to Apply

Finish your degree with us. We offer the upper division (300 and 400 level) courses you'll need. Our enrollment team will review your credits from other higher education institutions. Then you can apply them toward a degree from ODU.

For this post-licensure program, you must:

  • Have a certificate or associate degree from an accredited dental hygiene program
  • Be accepted to ODU as a degree-seeking student 
  • Apply to the BSDH post-licensure program through the American Dental Education Association's Dental Hygiene Centralized Application Service
  • For the accelerated option, you will also need to submit a separate application to the MS program.

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

Apply Now Request Info

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

Meet Your Team

Our dedicated enrollment team will guide your transition to ODUGlobal.

Todd Marville
Name
Todd Marville
Job Title
Enrollment Coordinator
Phone Number
1-800-968-2638

Mark Pryor
Name
Mark Pryor
Job Title
Enrollment Coordinator
Phone Number
1-800-968-2638
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