Home > For Prospective Students > Dental Hygiene Program
Program Director
Michelle McGregor, R.D.H., B.S., M.Ed.
Description
The Division of Dental Hygiene, which began in 1969, offers courses leading
to a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree. The program requires two
years of liberal arts study, with a minimum of 60 semester hours, followed by
two years of study focusing on basic and dental sciences, dental hygiene
science and theory, community health and preclinic and clinical experiences.
The Dental Hygiene Program is accredited by the Commission on Dental
Accreditation of the American Dental Association. Upon successful completion
of the program, graduates are eligible for national, regional, and state board
licensing examinations.
Curriculum Notes
- As part of students' course of study and community education, travel
to off-campus sites is expected. Students will be required to provide their
own transportation to agencies used for clinical and community health
rotation experiences.
- Licensing/Certification: It is important for every student to
understand that, while certain curricula are designed for the purpose of
achieving registration or certification by an outside agency, completion
of such an academic program in no way assures the student of successful
registration or certification. No employee, agent, or representative of
this university is authorized or empowered to provide such assurances
either directly or by implication.
- Individuals who have a felony or misdemeanor conviction may not be
eligible for licensure in Virginia. The Virginia Board of Dentistry makes
this decision. For questions regarding this issue, call the Virginia Board
of Dentistry at (804) 662-9906.
Policy on Blood Borne and Infectious Diseases
By the nature of the profession, oral health care providers are routinely
exposed to blood and body fluids during the treatment of patients in a
clinical environment. In accordance with Section 32.1-45.1 of the Code of
Virginia, the School of Dentistry requires that if a health care provider
is exposed to body fluids in a manner that may transmit blood borne or
infectious disease, both the health care provider and the patient will be
tested for disease.