3 Routes: Become a Dental HygienistEveryone's pathway to become a dental hygienist is different. Common routes for OSU students include:
- OSU Bachelor's + R.D.H. Program
OSU bachelor's degree (of your choice, non-dental hygiene) then attend a dental hygiene program.
Steps:
- Earn a bachelor's degree at OSU (of your choice other than dental hygiene) and complete all of your prerequisite courses for an accredited dental hygiene professional school program.
- Apply to an accredited dental hygiene program (Bachelor's or Associate's degree level).
- If accepted, begin your dental hygiene professional school program and you will leave OSU with a bachelor's degree (other than dental hygiene).
- Both degree program levels are about 2 years to complete your dental hygiene professional school program.
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2 years at OSU + Transfer to R.D.H. Program
Complete your prerequisites at OSU then transfer to R.D.H. program.
Steps:
- Study at OSU for 2 years (or more/less depending on your academic/self-development) and complete all of your prerequisite courses for an accredited dental hygiene professional school program.
- Apply to an accredited dental hygiene program (Bachelor's or Associate's degree level).
- If accepted, begin your dental hygiene professional school program and you will leave OSU without a bachelor's degree.
- Both degree program levels are about 2 years to complete your dental hygiene professional school program.
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OSU Bachelor's + Gap Year + R.D.H. Program
Taking additional time can be to your advantage as a dental hygiene program applicant.
Steps:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree (of your choice) from OSU and complete all of your prerequisite courses for an accredited dental hygiene professional school program.
- If you feel you need more holistic development (academic or non-academic) to be ready to professionally apply, consider taking a “gap/enhancement year” to help you further develop.
- Unsure of what to do during a "gap/enhancement" year? Visit with the Pre-Professional Academic Services Office to discuss options.
- When holistically ready, apply to an accredited dental hygiene program.
- Following your R.D.H. program, you are eligible to sit for national board and state licensure exams to begin practicing as a dental hygienist.
- Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BSDH)
- After successful completion of a bachelor's level dental hygiene program, you will earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene (BSDH).
- Following your R.D.H. program, you are eligible to sit for national board and state licensure exams to begin practicing as a dental hygienist.
- Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene (A.S., A.A., or A.A.S.)
- After successful completion of an associate's degree level dental hygiene program, you will earn an Associate of Science (A.S), Associate of Arts (A.A.) of Associate of Applied Sciences (A.A.S.) in Dental Hygiene.
- Following your R.D.H. program, you are eligible to sit for national board and state licensure exams to begin practicing as a dental hygienist.