Program Overview

Introduction to the Dental Hygiene Degree Completion Program

The Division of Dental Hygiene at The Ohio State University offers the only Ohio dental hygiene program that is part of a dental school. The RDH-BS Baccalaureate Degree Completion Program is designed for graduates of a CODA accredited dental hygiene program to complete a bachelors degree. This program combines general education aspects of a baccalaureate degree with advanced education in dental hygiene.

Program Overview

Dental hygiene courses are offered in a distance format, designed to be convenient for working students. Scheduling is flexible, and students may enroll part-time or full-time. Completion of this program leads to the degree Bachelor of Science (BS) with a major in dental hygiene and a specialization in Dental Hygiene Education, Public Health, or Individualized Program.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the degree completion program must have successfully completed an entry-level dental hygiene program and be licensed or eligible for licensure in dental hygiene.

Program Goals

The program aims to achieve the following goals:

• Graduates will have a good understanding of research methods and will be able to use current research in their dental hygiene practice.
• Graduates will enhance their knowledge and clinical skills in contemporary patient care.
• Graduates will be prepared for additional roles related to dental hygiene and will be prepared for leadership in the dental hygiene profession.

State Authorization

Ohio State academic programs are designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure, certification, and state licensing board contact information.