Contact us
Email: dhinfo@vcu.edu
Phone: (804) 828-9096
The Dental Hygiene Program at VCU School of Dentistry is one of two B.S. in Dental Hygiene programs in the state and the only that trains students alongside their Doctor of Dental Surgery counterparts. The Dental Hygiene program requires two years of liberal arts study followed by two years of study focusing on basic and dental sciences, dental hygiene science and theory, community health, and preclinical and clinical experiences. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible for national, regional and state board licensing examinations.
Accreditation
The Dental Hygiene Program at Virginia Commonwealth University, which began in 1969, is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. The commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611-2678. The commission’s web address is: http://www.ada.org/en/coda.
The VCU Dental Hygiene Program Advantage
As the only dental hygiene program located within a dental school in the Commonwealth of Virginia, our Dental hygiene students have a unique opportunity to work in integrated clinical settings alongside DDS students as well as with faculty members from dental hygiene, dentistry and specialty areas. While studying at VCU, you will gain invaluable experiences as you learn the practice of dental hygiene while treating a highly diverse patient population. Academic excellence and clinical expertise are further supported by rotations through specialty areas (orthodontics, periodontics, oral surgery and pediatric dentistry) and community-based and private-practice clinics at collaborative service-learning sites throughout Virginia.
Open house dates
The VCU Dental Hygiene Program holds information sessions for all of those interested. We will go over the basics of the program, as well as admissions requirements and the application process. We will navigate through the website from beginning to end, highlighting the information that pertains to preparing for entry into our dental hygiene program. This is also a great opportunity to ask specific questions you may have. Access to the clinical areas is limited to patients, faculty, students, and staff in accordance with OSHA guidelines.
Helpful Links:
Stay tuned for Dental Hygiene Open House dates.
Employment resources
Employment of dental hygienists, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, is projected to grow 19% 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.
Follow these links to learn more about professional opportunities for dental hygienists.