Academic Catalog

2024-2025

Dental Hygiene

Department website: http://www.odu.edu/dental

Ann Bruhn, Chair
Tara Newcomb, Chief Departmental Advisor

The Gene W. Hirschfeld School of Dental Hygiene offers programs leading to the degrees of Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (entry level and post-licensure) and Master of Science with a major in dental hygiene. The entry-level dental hygiene program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

International Dental Hygiene

The School of Dental Hygiene, committed to solving global oral health problems, offers a variety of service learning programs in partnership with non-governmental agencies, academic institutions, and private organizations worldwide. Faculty-led experiences offer unique opportunities for students to travel abroad, develop cross-cultural competence, experience global health challenges, and engage in projects that advance oral health. International locations are determined by the School of Dental Hygiene in conjunction with the Office of Study Abroad. Program participation requires approval from the School of Dental Hygiene and the Office of Study Abroad.

The Dental Hygiene Research Center

The focus of the Dental Hygiene Research Center is to support research through collaboration and partnerships that will provide a foundation for dental hygiene services and practice, advance the practice of dental hygiene, and improve the oral health status of the public. Multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary projects are developed with healthcare facilities, private industry, and other academic institutions. Undergraduate and graduate students are integrated into the research process, which contributes to the understanding between theory and practice.