Which Schools Offer Dental Hygiene Programs in Virginia?

Virginia Schools with Associate's Degrees in Dental Hygiene

Northern Virginia Community College

You must earn at least 72 credits to receive this degree. During the first semester, you're introduced to oral anatomy, neck and head anatomy, oral radiology and your first dental hygiene course. As you progress through the program, you study pharmacology, periodontics, nutrition, public health and oral pathology. You also learn how to handle emergencies as well as patient anxiety and pain management.

• Program Name: Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene
• Program Length: 2 years, with 4 full-time semesters and 1 part-time semester
• Tuition and Fees: $5,610 for state residents; $11,618 for non-residents (2018-2019)
• Prerequisites: Must be a U.S. citizen; must pass English composition, health sciences I and II and orientation to health care with specified grades prior to admission
• School Type: 2-year, public; 50,929 students (all undergraduate)

Wytheville Community College

This 71-credit program consists of classroom and laboratory instruction. Required courses include human anatomy and physiology, office practice and ethics, introduction to microbiology and practical dental materials for dental hygiene. You must receive a minimum grade of C in all major courses to receive this degree, and all dental hygiene courses must be completed at this school.

• Program Name: Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene
• Program Length: 2 years, with 4 full-time semesters and 1 part-time semester
• Tuition and Fees: $4,725 for state residents; $10,653 for non-residents (2018-2019)
• Prerequisites: High school biology and chemistry with labs, minimum GPA of 2.0, 16 observation hours, proficiency in English and math essentials demonstrated by placement test scores or completion of classes
• Admission Requirements: Health Occupations Basic Entrance Test, current CPR certification, criminal background check, medical exam, urine drug screen, immunizations, tuberculin skin test, documentation on status of hemoglobin beta and chickenpox
• School Type: 2-year, public; 2,514 students (all undergraduate)

Virginia Schools with Bachelor's Degrees in Dental Hygiene

Old Dominion University

At Old Dominion University, you spend your freshman and sophomore years fulfilling the general education requirements for this degree. The last 2 years are comprised of the dental hygiene courses. These courses cover topics such as dental hygiene theory and practices, dental sciences and community oral health as well as research methodology and teaching strategies. This program has been accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. You'll be eligible to take the state and regional exams required for licensure as well as the Dental Hygiene National Board Exam upon completion of this program. You also have the option of enrolling in an accelerated bachelor-to-master program in dental hygiene at this school.

• Program Name: Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
• Program Length: 4 years, full time
• Tuition and Fees: $10,560 for state residents; $29,460 for non-residents (2018-2019)
• School Type: 4-year, public; 24,176 students (19,372 undergraduate)

Virginia Commonwealth University

At Virginia Commonwealth University, you study courses in liberal arts for a general education background during the first 2 years and then focus on core dental hygiene courses in your junior and senior years. Topics of study include dental radiology, periodontics, pharmacology and oral pathology. This program combines traditional classroom learning with clinical laboratory experience to provide hands-on practice. After program completion, you'll be eligible to take the national, regional or state board exams to become licensed.

• Program Name: Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
• Program Length: 4 years, full time
• Tuition and Fees: $14,493 for state residents; $35,834 for non-residents (2018-2019)
• Admission Requirements: Proof of English proficiency, criminal background check
• School Type: 4-year, public; 30,697 students (23,693 undergraduate)

Virginia School with Master's Degree in Dental Hygiene

Old Dominion University

You have the option of choosing a 34-credit thesis or a 37-credit non-thesis program. You must complete 22 credits in the core subjects in addition to credits in your area of specialization for either option. Core topics include administrative leadership and professional development, research methods in the health sciences and educational concepts for the health professional. The core requirements are available onsite and online, and if you choose the online courses, you must pursue the non-thesis course of study. Completion of an internship in your area of specialization is also required.

• Program Name: Master of Science in Dental Hygiene
• Specialization Areas: Education, marketing, administration/management, research, community health
• Program Length: 34 to 37 credit hours of coursework, depending on the option you choose; part-time students may take up to 6 years to complete the degree
• Tuition and Fees: $12,552 for in-state residents; $31,260? for non-residents (2018-2019)
• Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree in dental hygiene or in an associated field in addition to a certificate or associate degree in dental hygiene; minimum undergrad GPA of 2.8; minimum GPA of 3.0 in dental hygiene major courses
• Admission Requirements: National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, 4 letters of recommendation, essay, completed self-evaluation form
• School Type: 4-year, public; 24,176 students (19,372 undergraduate)

Northern Virginia Community College and Wytheville Community College offer associate degrees in dental hygiene; Virginia Commonwealth University and Old Dominion University offer bachelor's degree programs, while Old Dominion University also offers a master's degree program.