Program Overview

Dental Hygiene, Bachelor of Science

Program Overview

The Dental Hygiene program, established in 1969, offers courses leading to a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. The program requires two years of liberal arts study, with a minimum of 60 semester hours, followed by two years of study focusing on basic and dental sciences, dental hygiene science and theory, community health, and pre-clinical and clinical experiences.

Program Description

The Dental Hygiene program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible for national, regional, and state board licensing examinations.

Career Opportunities

Employment of dental hygienists is projected to grow 19 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. Ongoing research linking oral health to general health will continue to spur demand for preventive dental services, which are provided by dental hygienists.

Bachelor-Level Job Titles

• Dental Hygienist

Graduate and Professional Level Job Titles

• Dental Hygienist

Admission Requirements

• No guaranteed admission
• Review admission requirements for Dental Hygiene

Degree Requirements

• Highest level of math required: MATH 151, STAT 210
• Science required: 5+ additional science courses
• Foreign language requirements: No
• Additional tuition/fees: Yes
• GPA requirements: A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5+ based on a four-point scale and a minimum GPA of 2.7+ in math/science courses to declare; a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5+ to graduate

Recommended Courses

Virginia Community College System Courses

VCU Courses

Transfer Major Map

The transfer major map outlines the courses and requirements for transfer students. It is recommended to follow the map to ensure a smooth transition to VCU.

Year 1 and Year 2 Plans

The plans for Year 1 and Year 2 are outlined below:

Year 1

• Explore:
  • Schedule an appointment with your community college advisor to map out your associate degree course plan
  • Enroll in the SDV student success course
  • Review Dental Hygiene admission requirements
  • Complete your math and English requirements in your first year
  • Be prepared for academic challenges and utilize tutoring resources to maintain good grades
  • Explore community college financial aid resources and submit your FAFSA on time
• Get Connected with Your Community:
  • Explore the Dental Hygiene program website
  • Learn about the transfer admission process for VCU
  • Get involved with student clubs and organizations at your community college
  • Volunteer for community service projects
  • Register to vote
• Develop Cultural Agility:
  • Identify a mentor in a diversity organization
  • Attend diversity-focused events on your community college campus and in your community
  • Make friends with people with diverse perspectives and join a cultural or identity-related student organization
• Explore Careers and Develop Essential Skills:
  • Assess your preparation for a career by completing a Gap Analysis
  • Browse information about occupations and job titles associated with dental hygiene
  • Create a LinkedIn profile
  • Complete career assessments through the Virginia Education Wizard
• Preparing for Life After College:
  • Create a weekly and monthly budget
  • Prepare for a career after college by creating a brand for yourself
  • Develop personal and career goals and create SMART steps for 2-3 "dream jobs"
  • Practice independent living skills such as money and time management, self-care, and personal responsibility

Year 2

• Experience:
  • Research scholarship opportunities and explore your eligibility for the Two-Year College Transfer Grant
  • Be prepared for academic challenges; use tutoring resources to get ahead
  • Meet with your community college advisor to finalize plans to complete your associate degree
  • Submit a transfer advising request to the VCU Transfer Center
  • Consider a back-up major at VCU if you are not admitted to Dental Hygiene
• Get Connected with Your Community:
  • Apply to VCU
  • Visit the VCU campus and attend a transfer admission session
  • Research housing options for next year
  • Attend a talk or other event sponsored by the VCU Dental Hygiene program
• Develop Cultural Agility:
  • Learn about short-term, semester, and year-long study abroad options
  • Attend VCU cultural events
  • Check out the VCU Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA)
• Explore Careers and Develop Essential Skills:
  • Find out about VCU REAL and learn about VCU's REAL graduation requirement
  • Attend Career & Internship Fairs throughout the year
  • Acquire career-related experience
  • If your GPA is 3.5 or higher, consider applying for the VCU Honors College
• Preparing for Life After College:
  • Explore the types of aid available at VCU
  • Using LinkedIn, connect to at least 10 people
  • Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of career interest
  • Use the cost calculator to estimate your tuition/fees as an upperclassman at VCU
  • Consider who you would like to have serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation