Dental Hygiene (M.S.)
Old Dominion University's School of Dental Hygiene is committed to the preparation of dental hygienists for accountable leadership roles in today's health system. Our innovative curriculum leading to a master of science degree places emphasis on dental hygiene, with options for education, administration/management, research, marketing and community health. Through academic courses, independent study, research and practical experience, graduate candidates are prepared to meet the present demand for dental hygiene leaders, practitioners, educators, oral health promoters, administrators/managers and researchers.
Dental Hygiene (M.S.)
Description
What is Dental Hygiene at ODU like?
Old Dominion University's School of Dental Hygiene is committed to the preparation of dental hygienists for accountable leadership roles in today's health system. Our innovative curriculum leading to a master of science degree places emphasis on dental hygiene, with options for education, administration/management, research, marketing and community health. Through academic courses, independent study, research and practical experience, graduate candidates are prepared to meet the present demand for dental hygiene leaders, practitioners, educators, oral health promoters, administrators/managers and researchers.
Program Highlights
What makes Dental Hygiene at ODU unique?
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Students work one-to-one with faculty who are recognized nationally and internationally as leaders. With these faculty, students conduct research, develop theory, prepare professional presentations and manuscripts for publication, acquire a foundation for doctoral study, and are socialized to the meaning of scholarship.
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Available online or as a hybrid of online and on-campus courses
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Students can work at ODU’s Dental Hygiene Research Center to develop their skills
Careers
What are some careers in this field?
Check out these ideas from ODU Career Development Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Dental Hygienists
$74,680
MEDIAN SALARY
Clean teeth and examine oral areas, head, and neck for signs of oral disease. May educate patients on oral hygiene, take and develop x rays, or apply fluoride or sealants.
Clinical Research Coordinators
$133,670
MEDIAN SALARY
Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.
Courses
What are some courses offered in Dental Hygiene at ODU?
DNTH 514:
Educational Concepts for the Health Professional I
This course is designed to explore various educational concepts, principles and methods of teaching for adults. Students will learn to present educational information to a diverse client population, in a variety of settings, in an ethical and professional manner. Topics include, but are not limited to, objectives, planning, implementation and evaluation of instruction; instructional strategies; delivery models; presentation skills; and techniques for communicating health information. (offered fall) Prerequisites: Admission to the dental hygiene program.
DNTH 515:
Research Methods in the Health Sciences
Designed to develop skills in scientific methods, evidence based decision making, levels of evidence, and critical analysis of research findings. Emphasis on types of research, problem selection and hypothesis writing, research planning and design, data collection and measuring techniques, analysis and interpretation of data, research proposal writing and computer application. A written research proposal is required for graduate credit. (offered fall)
DNTH 604:
Clinical Administration and Teaching
The application of principles and theories of education and management to dental hygiene clinical education. Emphasis is on planning, implementing and evaluating clinical teaching, assessment of clinical competence, management of human and physical resources, and regulations affecting clinical education. This course is offered only during fall semester. Corequisite: DNTH 669.
Requirements
What are the requirements to apply for Dental Hygiene at ODU?
Students entering the Master of Science program in Dental Hygiene should meet the minimum university admission requirements (Graduate Admission)
Persons seeking admission to the BSDH Post-Licensure Online Program must complete both an online application to Old Dominion University as a degree-seeking student and a supplemental application to the Dental Hygiene Program through DHCAS. Required documents include:
Transcripts for all college-level coursework from all previous educational institutions attended since high school
High school transcripts
Two letters of recommendation
Current resume
Photocopy of current RDH license
Photocopy of current CPR certification (upload this in the section titled "other")
Photocopy of National Board Dental Hygiene Examination Results
Cost
Tuition and Fees
Estimated rates for the 2022-23 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.
Virginia Resident
Per Credit:
$ 571
Non-Resident
Per Credit:
$ 1,394
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Per Credit:
$ 595
Ways to Save
Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial aid
ADHA Institute for Oral Health Scholarship Program
ADHA’s Institute for Oral Health Scholarship Program offers financial assistance to dental hygiene students and dental hygienists who demonstrate a commitment to advance the discipline of dental hygiene. The call for scholarship applications begin in October of each year. Visit adha.org to learn more.
Next Steps
I like this program. What are the next steps?
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Contact
Need help applying?
Meet Your Enrollment Team
Our enrollment coordinators are ready to help you through the admissions process.
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
Name:
Denise M. Claiborne
Location:
3100 HEALTH SCIENCES BLDG, NORFOLK, VA, 23529
Email:
Office:
757-683-5949
Graduate Admissions
Location:
1000 Rollins Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529
Phone Office:
757-683-3685
Fax:
757-683-6512
Email:
gradadmit@odu.edu
International Admissions
Location:
2101 Dragas Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529
Phone Office:
757-683-3701
Fax:
757-683-3651
Email:
intladm@odu.edu
Related Programs
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