Program Overview

Program Overview

The online master's program in dental hygiene is designed for licensed dental hygienists who want to build on their clinical background and pursue advanced roles in education, research, administration, marketing, or community health.

Program Details

• The program is offered by the Gene W. Hirschfeld School of Dental Hygiene at the Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Ellmer College of Health Sciences at Old Dominion University.
• The program requires 34-37 credit hours, depending on whether the student chooses to complete a thesis (34 credit hours) or non-thesis option (37 credit hours).
• Courses in the program follow an accelerated 8-week format, with many classes not having a scheduled meeting time, allowing students to fit classes into their personal schedule.
• Students will access course materials and complete assignments online and will also complete an internship or practicum as part of their coursework.

Admission Requirements

• Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree in dental hygiene or a related field for consideration. If the degree is in a related field, applicants must also have an accredited certificate or associate's degree in dental hygiene.
• Non-international applicants must submit their scores from the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination.
• Detailed guidelines are available on the School of Dental Hygiene website.

Career Opportunities

Graduates with a master's in dental hygiene may find career paths in:

• Global health
• Public and community health
• Research
• Modeling and simulation
• Marketing
• Administration and management

Cost and Aid

• The cost per credit hour for in-state Virginia residents is $486, and for out-of-state students, it is $649. These rates are effective Fall 2025 and are subject to change.
• Scholarships are available to support and empower students in achieving their academic and career goals.

Licensure Disclosure

This program is not intended to lead to a specific state-level license. Students who plan to pursue a professional license or credential are encouraged to explore requirements through the appropriate credentialing agency or professional organization in their state.