Program Details
Dental Hygiene-BSDH
BS in Dental HygieneOld Dominion University
This entry-level degree program in dental hygiene encompasses two years of pre-requisite and general education courses followed by two years of dental hygiene theory and practice, community oral health, research methodology and teaching strategies. Upon completion of the dental hygiene program, graduates are eligible to take the Dental Hygiene National Board Examination as well as the regional and state board examinations to become licensed dental hygienists.
Program Overview & Guidance

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Considerations for Selecting Degree | |
Considerations When Selecting Courses |
Due to the application requirement for the BS in Dental Hygiene, students interested in pursing this major should work closely with academic advisors to plan accordingly to meet application deadlines and requirements.
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Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | A separate admissions process is required for all students pursing a major within the College of Health Sciences at Old Dominion University. Acceptance to the University does not constitute or guarantee acceptance into a health science major. Course requirements, application deadlines, and more detailed information can be found in our univeristy catalog and our transfer maps. |
Doing More With Your Degree | |
Program Successes & Highlights |
Program Credit Requirements

If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
- Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
- View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
Applicable Admissions Agreements

The table below lists admissions agreements between Old Dominion University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Completion of the general education certificate or a transfer-oriented associate degree program will guarantee completion of the University Core general education component of the ODU undergraduate curriculum but may not fulfill specific departmental requirements or prerequisites needed for the major.
With a completed transferrable Associate Degree from VCCS, students may enter ODU as a junior with lower division education requirements considered met as indicated in the pathway map. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | With a completed transferrable Associate Degree from VCCS, students may enter ODU as a junior with lower division education requirements considered met as indicated in the pathway map. Even if the Associate Degree was completed concurrently while completing their high school requirements. |
Credit for Prior Learning | The Office of Prior Learning exists to aid ODU students in translating their professional work knowledge into academic credit. Through the use of various mechanisms, we are able to offer students the opportunity to have their prior learning assessed and applied for academic credit. This path may save the students both time and money as they work toward their degree. If you have military experience, please use our course by course equivalency tool to see how your experiences will transfer. |
Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
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Is This College Right For Me? | With transfer pathways to all majors with transferable associate degrees, plus 200+ guided pathways specific for applied associate degrees, Old Dominion University is the most transfer-friendly university in Virginia. |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance |
First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | Guaranteed Admission (GAA) Submit a Letter of Intent to Transfer. Apply to ODU after completing 15 credit hours at a VCCS institution with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Apply to ODU for the term following the expected completion term of your associate degree. Follow application processes and deadline dates for special programs, i.e. nursing. https://www.odu.edu/transfer/guaranteed-admission |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
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Germanna Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree of Dental Hygiene | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Dental Hygiene - Partnership Agreement with Virginia Western Community College | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Dental Hygiene | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Virginia Commonwealth University | Dental Hygiene, Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
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29-1292.00 | Dental Hygienists | Administer oral hygiene care to patients. Assess patient oral hygiene problems or needs and maintain health records. Advise patients on oral health maintenance and disease prevention. May provide advanced care such as providing fluoride treatment or administering topical anesthesia. | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations |
25-1071.00 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
Cost To Complete
