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How to Become a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)

Educational ConsiderationsDental Hygiene is a diverse and complex field with many professional roles.

  • Associate Degrees in Dental Hygiene (ADH) are offered at community colleges and may be a faster route to getting into the field.
  • A Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BSDH) typically results in more opportunities for advancement and may be required for roles in teaching, public health, research, and dental practice management. 
  • Students who have an ADH may opt to pursue a bachelors at a later time to broaden their opportunities. This could be a BSDH or in an unrelated field of interest. 


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.

 

  • 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.
  • 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.
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