Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost
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2024-2025

Pre-Dental Hygiene

College of Humanities and Sciences

 
Program description

Students interested in the pre-health major in dental hygiene must complete the two-year program requirements (a total minimum of 60 credits) for application to the Bachelor of Science degree program in dental hygiene offered by the VCU School of Dentistry. Applications to the program are normally submitted in spring of the sophomore year. Students planning to start the program in the fall would begin the admissions process during the fall semester of the preceding year. All prerequisite coursework should be completed by the spring of the year of desired admission.

Completion of the pre-health major in dental hygiene does not guarantee admission to the junior- and senior-year program for the B.S. in Dental Hygiene nor does it result in a college degree. Students must be admitted to and complete all program requirements to earn a baccalaureate degree in dental hygiene. Admission into the program is based on both academic and nonacademic qualities (work ethic, knowledge of the profession, motivation, compassion, integrity, communication skills, leadership and desire to contribute to society, resiliency, willingness to accept responsibility, and maturity). Students are strongly encouraged to consult with a UAA pre-health major academic adviser to learn about admission requirements that are specific to the program and to speak about alternate/parallel majors. For more information about the admission requirements and application deadlines for the B.S. in Dental Hygiene, visit the program’s website.

Career opportunities

Dental hygienists provide education and clinical services to promote optimal oral health. They provide treatment to help prevent gum disease, tooth decay and other oral health problems. While they most typically work in private dental offices and clinics, dental hygienists also may find employment in health departments, hospitals, nursing homes, school districts, corporate settings, military services, correctional facilities or dental education facilities. This flexible career allows hygienists to choose to work anywhere from one to five days per week.


Dental hygienists in a clinical role assess, diagnose, plan, implement, evaluate and document treatment for prevention, intervention and control of oral diseases, while practicing in collaboration with other health professional. Corporate dental hygienists are employed by companies that support the oral health industry through the sale of products and services. Community Health programs are typically funded by government or nonprofit organizations. These positions often offer an opportunity to provide care to those who otherwise would not have access to dental care. Research conducted by dental hygienists can be either qualitative or quantitative. Quantitative research involves conducting surveys & analyzing the results, while qualitative research may involve testing a new procedure, product, or theory for accuracy or effectiveness. Dental Hygiene educators are in great demand. Colleges and universities throughout the U. S. require dental hygiene instructors who use educational theory and methodology to educate competent oral health care professionals. Corporations also employ educators who provide continuing education to licensed dental hygienists. Dental hygienists in administrative positions apply organizational skills, communicate objectives, identify and manage resources, and evaluate and modify programs of health, education and health care.

Change of major requirements

Current VCU students who wish to change their major to the pre-health major in dental hygiene must meet the following criteria to be considered for the major:


Minimum GPA of 2.8. No more than 75 credits completed. Students who do not meet these requirements may see a pre-health adviser, but they will be referred for programming and not assigned to an adviser.


Bachelor-level job titles
  • Dental hygienist
Graduate and professional level job titles
  • Educator/Instructor
  • Healthcare Administrator
  • Public Health Specialist
  • Researcher
Degree requirements in Bulletin
Plan of study in Bulletin
Highest level of math required
  • STAT 210
Science required
  • 5+ additional science courses
Foreign language requirements
  • No
Additional tuition/fees
  • Yes
GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)
  • 2.8+
Department name:
University Academic Advising
Building/room location:
Hibbs Hall, First Floor
Phone:
(804) 827-8648
Email:
prehealthadv@vcu.edu
Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):
Monroe Park and MCV

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Explore
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Remember to review the pre- or co-requisite courses for CHEM/CHEZ 101, discuss math requirements with your pre-health advisor, and review other pre-requisites on the University Bulletin.
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning for your first year, and to discuss tutoring, course electives, and degree progression.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Build a LinkedIn profile with Career Services, connect to at least 10 people, and check out the VCU alumni page.
  • Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor.  
  • Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers in your field of study.
  • Explore Career Pathways for Healthcare on Career Services’ website.

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Explore admission requirements for other Dental Hygiene programs throughout Virginia.
  • Learn about and take a service-learning class.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for the New Leaders Retreat or Alternative Spring Break.
  • Join a student organization such as Operation Smile at VCU, Global Brigades, United2heal, or the Dental Club, and connect with your campus and local community.  
  • Volunteer in the community to address a social issue (ConnectVA & HandsOnRVA).
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Get to know other VCU students from all over the world at a monthly Global Café!
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Conduct an informational interview or shadow someone in a field of career interest.
  • Create a draft of your personal statement and meet with a Career or Academic Advisor to have it reviewed. Learn how to market yourself on this document and with an elevator speech.

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Apply to the Dental Hygiene program by the February 1st deadline! Discuss all components of the application with your advisor.
  • Go to an Application Workshop with Pre-Health Advising to learn more about the Dental Hygiene Application.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Apply for I-LEAD Connect, Alternative Spring Break, and other campus-wide leadership and service events through University Student Commons and Activities.
  • Attend a Wellness Resource Center program.
  • Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions.
  • Create and complete a community-engaged research project.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Go to an Open House for Dental Hygiene to meet professionals and students in the department.
  • Take on a leadership role in a student organization or club or go deeper in your service opportunities.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Excel
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Go to your professors’ “Office Hours” to discuss research interests, picking future classes in your major, and strategies for success in your degree program.
  • Make sure you complete a minimum of 60 credit hours for entrance into the program. Reference the Pre-Dental Hygiene Bulletin for all requirements. Obtain a C or higher in all courses by the end of the semester.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost
Major map compass icon
2024-2025

Pre-Dental Hygiene

College of Humanities and Sciences

Concentration(s):
No concentration
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
Explore Semester 1
  • Remember to review the pre- or co-requisite courses for CHEM/CHEZ 101, discuss math requirements with your pre-health advisor, and review other pre-requisites on the University Bulletin.
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning for your first year, and to discuss tutoring, course electives, and degree progression.
  • Build a LinkedIn profile with Career Services, connect to at least 10 people, and check out the VCU alumni page.
  • Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor.  
  • Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers in your field of study.
  • Explore Career Pathways for Healthcare on Career Services’ website.
Experience Semester 2
  • Explore admission requirements for other Dental Hygiene programs throughout Virginia.
  • Learn about and take a service-learning class.
  • Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for the New Leaders Retreat or Alternative Spring Break.
  • Join a student organization such as Operation Smile at VCU, Global Brigades, United2heal, or the Dental Club, and connect with your campus and local community.  
  • Volunteer in the community to address a social issue (ConnectVA & HandsOnRVA).
  • Get to know other VCU students from all over the world at a monthly Global Café!
  • Conduct an informational interview or shadow someone in a field of career interest.
  • Create a draft of your personal statement and meet with a Career or Academic Advisor to have it reviewed. Learn how to market yourself on this document and with an elevator speech.
Semester 3
  • Apply to the Dental Hygiene program by the February 1st deadline! Discuss all components of the application with your advisor.
  • Go to an Application Workshop with Pre-Health Advising to learn more about the Dental Hygiene Application.
  • Apply for I-LEAD Connect, Alternative Spring Break, and other campus-wide leadership and service events through University Student Commons and Activities.
  • Attend a Wellness Resource Center program.
  • Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions.
  • Create and complete a community-engaged research project.
  • Go to an Open House for Dental Hygiene to meet professionals and students in the department.
  • Take on a leadership role in a student organization or club or go deeper in your service opportunities.
Excel Semester 4
  • Go to your professors’ “Office Hours” to discuss research interests, picking future classes in your major, and strategies for success in your degree program.
  • Make sure you complete a minimum of 60 credit hours for entrance into the program. Reference the Pre-Dental Hygiene Bulletin for all requirements. Obtain a C or higher in all courses by the end of the semester.