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School of Dentistry

Dental Hygiene, BS

As licensed health professionals and oral health educators, dental hygienists play an important role in the overall health and welfare of the public. They're an integral part of the dental team, providing direct patient care based on the prevention of disease.

A dental hygiene degree provides the knowledge, attitudes and skill necessary to be successful in a wide variety of rewarding and challenging careers. Opportunities include:

  • Clinical/patient care
  • Administration
  • Education
  • Research
  • Advocacy

Dental hygienists are employed in diverse settings, such as private dental practices, clinics, hospitals, geriatric and special needs homes, correctional facilities, public health departments, school systems, allied dental education programs, national, state and local government agencies, and private/business industry.

Your Degree Plan The WVU Difference Learn by Doing Careers and Outcomes Admission Requirements Tuition and Aid Take the Next Steps

Your Degree Plan

Intro

Aerial view of Martin and Woodburn Halls

Our unique four-year program opens the door to many career options, from providing clinical care to research to public administration.

WVU Dental Hygiene program offers a unique integrated four-year curriculum, culminating in a bachelor of science degree.

The program is constructed in accordance with Commission on Accreditation of the American Dental Association standards and has been fully accredited by this organization since 1965.

You'll complete a minimum of 31-37 general education foundation credit hours, as well as courses in dental hygiene, dental science, biomedical sciences and dental hygiene elective courses. To graduate, you must earn a total of 133-134 credit hours.

Take advantage of special options related to this major:

  • Honors

    Expand your curiosity — and enhance your curriculum — through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: Honors Foundations for first- and second-year students and Honors EXCEL for third- and fourth-year students.

    Explore Honors

The WVU Difference

What sets this program apart from its competitors?

  • First and only four-year integrated bachelor of science degree in dental hygiene.
  • Low faculty-to-student ratio in classes, labs and clinic.
  • Students spend six semesters providing direct patient care.
  • Eight-week Rural Site Externship provides experience in a rural dental practice.
  • Team-oriented programming within the dental school.
  • Over the last decade, 74% of students were employed prior to graduation and 87% of graduates found employment within two months after graduation.
  • Facilities include an advanced simulation laboratory where students become familiarized with and acquire the skills needed before working with actual patients.
  • WVU School of Dentistry is West Virginia's only dental school. Over 80 percent of West Virginia dentists are graduates of our DDS program.
  • Many Dentistry faculty members and graduates are recognized leaders in dental education and organized dentistry.
Scholarships

Over 92% of WVU freshmen receive grants or scholarships (2022-2023).

Learn more

Learn by Doing

Learning happens outside the classroom. Get involved.

Extensive hands-on experience ensures you are confident and prepared. All WVU Dental Hygiene students complete:

  • 6 semesters providing direct patient care in the on-campus student clinic.
  • 8 weeks of patient care performed off campus (externship) in rural care area.
  • A two-year undergraduate research project.

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a residence hall community that shares your interests:

Outside of the Evansdale Crossing building.

What you learn outside of the classroom is just as important as what you learn during class. We’ll help you follow your curiosity.

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Dental Hygienists

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.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $87,530

Possible job titles include: Dental Hygienist, Dental Hygienist, Mobile Coordinator, Hygienist, Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH).

Explore Career

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to WVU's Dental Hygiene major, first-time freshmen must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements. They also must meet one of the following admission requirements. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Tuition and Aid

How much does Dental Hygiene at WVU cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

View Tuition and Fees

Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at WVU Morgantown.

Find Scholarships

Net Price Calculator

Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any WVU System campus.

Visit the Net Price Calculator

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending WVU in addition to university scholarships.

Financial Aid

The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Dental Hygiene major is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

How to Complete the FAFSA

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.

Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Learn How to Transfer Course Credits

Ready to take the next step?

Learn how to join the WVU family.

Request Info

Want to know more about Dental Hygiene at WVU? Fill out our request form to receive more information.

Request Info

Visit

​​Experiencing campus is the best way to see if WVU is the right fit. Choose from in-person and virtual options.

Visit WVU

Apply

Your first step to becoming a Mountaineer is applying for admission using our convenient online application.

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