Study Dental Hygiene at The Ohio State University, a Bachelor degree offered on the Columbus campus in United States of America. This Full Time program is delivered on campus in English and takes approximately 4 years to complete. Students benefit from a structured learning experience designed to build both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The next intake is scheduled for August 24, 2027.

About Bachelor of Dental Hygiene

Learn how to prevent and control dental disease and provide educational, clinical and therapeutic services to support total health.

Dental Hygiene

Degree: BS

Campus: Columbus

Division: Dental Hygiene

A dental hygienist is a preventive oral health professional that is licensed in dental hygiene. Dental hygienists provide educational, clinical and therapeutic services supporting total health through the promotion of oral health. The dental hygienist works with the dental team in the prevention and control of dental disease.

Get started

During the first two years at Ohio State, students take prerequisite courses to qualify for admission to the dental hygiene undergraduate professional program.

Required courses include the following:

First-year writing course
Intermediate Essay Writing
Basic Human Anatomy
Introductory Biology
General Chemistry
Introductory Physiology
Fundamentals of Human Nutrition
Basic and Practical Microbiology
Mathematics
General Psychology
Introductory Sociology

Students apply for admission to the dental hygiene major during autumn of the sophomore year and enter the major in autumn of the junior year.

For admission, students must complete the required course prerequisites, the general education curriculum and a minimum of 20 hours observing dental hygienists. Admission is selective and competitive and is based on overall academic performance in college with special attention given to science grades.

Curriculum

Successful applicants are admitted to the dental hygiene undergraduate professional program for the junior year. The first year of professional training includes dental sciences, dental hygiene sciences and pre-clinic. Students begin patient treatment in the dental clinic spring semester.

The senior year includes advanced dental hygiene courses and continuing patient treatment each term. Students also choose an area of specialization in restorative expanded functions, dental hygiene education or an individualized program, and all students will complete a practicum during spring semester of the senior year.

As part of the professional training in dental hygiene, students treat patients under the supervision of faculty in a variety of clinical settings. At the Ohio State Dental Clinic, dental hygiene students work side by side with dental students to provide comprehensive patient care. Other clinical experiences include specialty clinics in the College of Dentistry and the Nisonger Center on campus. A dental hygiene student will treat over 100 patients prior to graduation.

As part of the community service requirement, students are expected to participate in community health fairs, school screenings and other educational events.

A minimum of 124 semester hours are required to complete the degree requirements.

Internship

During the senior year, dental hygiene students participate in a practicum which provides additional experience in a work setting. Many of the practicum opportunities are in off-campus and/or non-traditional work settings for dental hygienists.

Honors and Scholars

The Dental Hygiene Honors Program is designed to challenge high-ability students through participation in research and enhanced leadership opportunities. While completing the pre-dental hygiene curriculum, honors students benefit from smaller class sizes and priority scheduling. Once enrolled in dental hygiene, they receive the added benefit of working closely with faculty mentors.

The Health Sciences Scholars Program includes students from a variety of programs in health sciences and health care. The Health Sciences Scholars Program encourages students to pursue a thoughtfully planned co-curricular program that will help to prepare them for success.

For more information, visit honors-scholars.osu.edu.

Possible careers

Registered dental hygienists work in a variety of professional settings. The public is most familiar with dental hygienists in the private dental office, where they perform numerous critical services designed to detect and prevent diseases of the mouth. Beyond the private dental office, dental hygienists can be found in numerous other settings: nursing homes and long-term care facilities, hospitals, corporate health facilities, school systems, and public health clinics.

In the public health field, dental hygienists conduct research studies and epidemiological surveys to evaluate the oral health needs of people in various population groups, such as the elderly, the disabled and children.

Dental hygienists also work as educators and researchersâ€”teaching in dental hygiene and dental school programs, providing continuing education seminars, conducting clinical research, or collecting and analyzing scientific data.

For additional information about the profession of dental hygiene, visit the American Dental Hygiene Association (ADHA) website at adha.org.

Salary estimates

The annual median salary for a dental hygienist is $72,330. Salaries may vary according to the hygienistâ€™s experience and responsibilities, geographic location, and the type of practice or other setting in which the hygienist works.

Program objectives

1. The dental hygiene program will prepare students for practice and licensure as a registered dental hygienist.

Students will be prepared to provide appropriate dental hygiene therapy for patients with different oral health needs utilizing assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation skills.
Students will utilize case management skills, interpersonal communication skills and practice management principles to provide quality dental hygiene care in a safe, efficient and humanistic manner.

2. The dental hygiene program will prepare students to provide quality care to patients in an ethical and professional manner.

Students will understand and practice according to the ADHA Code of Ethics.
Students will understand and adhere to state and federal laws and guidelines pertaining to the practice of dental hygiene.

3. Dental hygiene graduates will have a good understanding of research methods and will be able to use current research in their dental hygiene practice.

Students will demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of sound research design.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of statistical tools used in research.
Students will be able to interpret and apply professional research to dental hygiene practice.

4. Dental hygiene graduates will have experience providing community service and outreach and will understand the importance of continuing these activities after graduation.

Students will demonstrate social responsibility by initiating and participating in the delivery of dental health care and education in the community.
Students will understand the dynamics of and participate in a variety of interdisciplinary health care settings.

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Dental Hygiene at The Ohio State University

Entry Requirements

Criteria of our holistic review, in no particular order.

Successful completion of university preparatory courses
High school performance (class rank or GPA), including participation in accelerated programs like Honors, AP and IB; Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for class rank or GPA
Standardized test score (ACT or SAT); Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Ability and desire to contribute to and engage with a diverse campus community
Experiences that demonstrate leadership or engaged involvement (e.g., co-curricular activities, work experiences or military service)
Status as a first-generation university student
Demonstration of outstanding talent in a particular area
High school performance if adversely affected by physical, mental or learning environment factors
Eligibility for and likelihood of benefiting from organized support services at Ohio State

Enrollment in your intended major

Once it is determined that you are admissible, you will be considered for enrollment in the college of your intended major. Read about

English Requirements

IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 79

English Program Requirements

we require evidence of English language proficiency, unless you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.

Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Dental Hygiene at The Ohio State University

How to Apply for Bachelor of Dental Hygiene at The Ohio State University

How do I submit scores?

Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.

Tips for sending scores to Ohio State

Scores must come directly from the testing agency. When you register for the ACT or SAT, indicate that you want your scores sent to Ohio State.
If you already took the test but didn't send your scores to Ohio State, you can order them for a fee. Order in advance to be sure scores reach us by the application deadline.
We must receive standardized test scores by your application deadline (either November 1 or February 1 for autumn semester applicants).
October 2 (SAT) and October 23 (ACT) are your last 2021 test dates if you want your scores to be considered for our November 1 early action deadline. Important! If you plan to test on those dates, you must request that Ohio State receive scores when you register for the test. And please note: If you choose to have your scores considered, you won’t be able to review scores from these dates prior to submitting your application by the November 1 deadline.
Applicants who will have been out of high school for two or more years by their term of enrollment are not required to submit scores.

Is the essay required?

The essay is not required for either the ACT or SAT.

Should I take a standardized test more than once?

Ohio State looks at the highest composite score from a single test date. Taking the test (and having scores sent to us) more than once, while not required, may work to your advantage.

How does Ohio State look at scores?

When considering students for admission or Honors and Scholars selection, we consider the best official composite / combined score from a single test administration. Ohio State does not mix sub-scores from multiple tests.

These items plus the Common Application (STEP 3) make up a complete application. We must receive all items by the deadline to consider your application on time.

Official transcripts

High school transcripts

Request that your high school or secondary school send transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates for coursework from the final four years (grades 9-12) to Ohio State.

How to send your transcripts to Ohio State:

Your high school counselor can upload the transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates using Common App, Naviance or other secure electronic delivery service.
Your high school counselor can email the transcripts to [email protected].
If electronic submission is not possible, please mail your official transcripts to our express mail address.
Faxed transcripts will not be accepted.

Foreign language documents must be translated into English by the issuing institution, an authorized translator or a teacher of the language. Any additional requirements will be posted to your Applicant Center, so be sure to check your application status regularly after you've applied.

Official ACT or SAT scores

Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.

How do I submit my scores?

We must receive your official ACT or SAT score sent electronically directly from the testing agency. Scores from transcripts will not be considered. Read more about score requirements in STEP 1.

Optional: Recommendation from a teacher or counselor

While not required, your counselor may send a maximum of two letters of recommendation electronically through the Common Application.

If an electronic option isn’t available, your counselor may email your letter(s) to [email protected]; the letter must include your first and last name and OSU ID number, found on the email we send acknowledging receipt of your application. Letters sent via email are subject to sender verification.

Official proof of English language skills

You must request that your testing agency send official scores electronically to Ohio State demonstrating the English proficiency level outlined below:

TOEFL (internet-based test or internet-based test Home Edition*): 79 or higher
IELTS or IELTS Indicator*: 6.5 or higher
ACT: 21 or higher on the English section
SAT: 27 or higher on the Reading Test
Duolingo*: 105 or higher

You are exempt from this requirement if you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.

Ohio State has an intensive English program for students who wish to improve their language skills called the American Language Program. A separate application is required for this program. Ohio State does not offer conditional admission to students who enroll in the American Language Program.

*To accommodate applicants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Ohio State University will accept Duolingo, the IELTS Indicator and the TOEFL internet-based test Home Edition from any international student applying for spring 2022 or autumn 2022 admission. All Duolingo test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival to campus. TOEFL Home Edition and IELTS Indicator test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival unless they qualify for a TOEFL or IELTS score exemption.