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Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene

The entry level Baccalaureate degree program for men and women in a dental hygiene program of study encompasses 2 years of pre-requisite and general education courses preceding 2 years of dental sciences, 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.

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

Program Goals-Baccalaureate in Dental  Hygiene Degree-entry Level

Graduate competent and ethical dental hygienists who:

  • Make evidence-based decisions within the dental hygiene process of care and legal scope of practice and professional code of ethics.
  • Prevent, intercept, and treat oral diseases in diverse populations within the dental hygiene process of care, legal scope of practice and professional code of ethics.
  • Function as generalists in the five roles of the professional dental hygienist: clinician, educator/oral health promoter, researcher, advocate, manager.
  • Strive to meet the dental hygiene care needs of diverse clients in collaborative practice and interprofessional, community-based settings.
  • Promote the important link between oral and systemic health to the public and interprofessionally.
  • Advance the knowledge, values, and influence of the profession.
  • Are lifelong learners, users of technology and discriminating consumers of information.
  • Possess a foundation for graduate-level education.

Clinical Sites

Courses in basic dental, dental hygiene, and laboratory sciences are taught by School faculty. The clinical facilities used include the Sophia & David Konikoff Dental Hygiene Care Facility, the on-campus Dental Hygiene Care Facility, the Regional Naval Dental Center, the Hampton Veterans' Administration Medical Center, Portsmouth Naval Hospital, Langley Air Force Base, Fort Eustis, the American Red Cross Dental Clinic, Chesapeake Cares, and regional Public Health Departments.

Contact Information

Tara Newcomb, Assistant Professor and Director, BSDH Entry-level Degree Program
Health Sciences Bldg, room 3100
Phone: (757)683-5766
Fax: (757)683-5239
tgarlow@odu.edu

or

Sharon Stull, Lecturer and Chief Departmental Advisor
Health Sciences Bldg, room 2007
Phone: (757)683-5235
Fax: (757)683-5239
sstull@odu.edu