Baccalaureate Degree Completion Program Curriculum
The baccalaureate program at Ohio State consists of the university's General Education (GE) curriculum, advanced dental hygiene, and an area of specialization.
Some of the GE requirements will transfer from the previous institution and the remaining GEs may be completed while enrolled in the dental hygiene program. Additional clinical courses are not required.
Students matriculate in autumn semester. Scheduling is flexible and students may enroll part time or full time. The dental hygiene courses are offered in a distance format designed to be convenient for working students. All program requirements can be met with online courses; attendance on the Columbus campus is required only for students who choose to complete the EFDA area of specialization.
Full-time students may complete the degree in as little as one year depending on the number of applicable credit hours earned at the previous institution. The part-time option allows students up to five years to complete the degree.
General Education Requirements
Requirement |
Hours |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
GE |
32-39 |
|||
|
OSU Dental Hygiene |
15 |
|||
|
DHY from Previous Program |
32-40 |
|||
|
Area of Specialization |
6-8 |
|||
|
Electives |
27-35 |
|||
|
Program Total |
120 |
Title |
Course |
Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
|
Mathematics |
Math course must be equivalent to OSU Math 1116 or higher OR Stats 1350 or higher. A grade of C- or higher is required prior to program entry. |
3 |
Title |
Course |
Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
|
Foundations: Writing and Information Literacy |
English 1110 (or Student Choice – see below) |
3 |
|
Foundations: Mathematical & Quantitative Reasoning/Data Analysis |
Math 1116 or higher or Stats 1350 or higher* (or Student Choice – see below) |
3 -5 |
|
Foundations: Literary, Visual and Performing Arts |
Student Choice |
3 |
|
Foundations: Historical & Cultural Studies |
Student Choice |
3 |
|
Foundations: Natural Science |
Chemistry 1110 (or Student Choice – see below) |
4-5 |
|
Foundations: Social & Behavioral Sciences |
Psychology 1100 (or Student Choice – see below) |
3 |
|
Foundations: Race, Ethnic and Gender Diversity |
Student Choice |
3 |
|
Citizenship for a Diverse & Just World |
Student Choice |
4-6 |
|
Theme: Student Choice |
Student Choice |
4-6 |
Course |
Title |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|
|
DENTHYG 3860 |
Critical Appraisal and Analysis of Evidence |
3 |
|
DENTHYG 3870 |
Current Concepts in Dental Care Delivery Models |
3 |
|
DENTHYG 4860 |
Advanced Dental Hygiene Science |
3 |
|
DENTHYG 3880 |
Principles of Interprofessional Practice in Dental Care Delivery System |
3 |
|
DENTHYG 4870 |
Leadership in Profession of Dental Hygiene |
3 |
Specialization
As part of the dental hygiene program, you will select an area of specialization, in consultation with your academic advisor and faculty advisor. Area of specialization requirements may not be completed prior to admission to the major.
- Expanded Functions prepares students to provide procedures utilized by advanced qualified personnel in basic and advanced restorative dentistry. If you choose this option, during the summer before your senior year you will enroll in pre-clinic laboratory which provides basic theory, procedures and clinical applications of expanded functions duties. In your senior year you will enroll in clinic and a seminar that provides clinical experience and final preparation for the Ohio Expanded Functions Qualifying Examination. Admission to this specialization requires the recommendation of clinical faculty, and the number of students admitted may be limited. Requirements: DH 4725 (4), 4740 (2), 4750 (1) and 4760 (1). *No longer an RDH-BS option, must be requested as an individualized specialization through Assistant Director – Academic Studies.
- Dental Hygiene Education introduces students to the career option of education as a profession. Dental hygiene and adult education theory and concepts are the major components of this specialization. Requirements: DH 4620 (3) and 4630 (3).
- In the Individualized Program, students are encouraged to design an area of specialization of their own choosing. Please discuss with the assistant director and forward a curriculum plan and rationale to the Dental Hygiene Curriculum Committee for approval. We encourage you to consider business, public health, research or other areas that may prepare you for graduate programs or specific career goals. Previously earned credit will not be considered as hours toward the specialization. Requirements: 6 hours of approved course work at the 2000 level or above.
- Public Health is an integral part of health care and dentistry and allows students to build upon the introductory public health and statistical knowledge that they explore in Community Oral Health, Research Application and Analysis, and Oral Health Behavioral Management. Several of the areas within public health: epidemiology, biostatistics, and health behavior promotion, fit well with the study of dental hygiene and would enhance the student’s ability to address needs in the community. Requirements: Students will complete the required DENTHYG 4880 (3)– Public Health and the Role of the Hygienist and select 3 additional hours from the approved list of classes through the College of Public Health: PUBHLTH 2010 (3), PUBHEPI 2410 (3), PUBHEPI 4410 (3), PUBHHBP 3510 (3), PUBHHMP 3610 (3), PUBHBIO 2210 (3), and PUBHEHS 3310 (3).
Course descriptions are available in the Course Catalog.