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Pre-Dental Hygiene

Dental Hygiene

What is Dental Hygiene?

OU's Dental Hygiene students get the best of both worlds during their education - a vibrant, educational campus setting in the heart of Oklahoma City and real-world training at locations across the state. Comprehensive courses in dental health, patient care and professional service prepare students for rewarding careers.

Students begin their college studies at the University of Oklahoma's Norman campus, taking classes to fulfill general university requirements and to prepare for the College of Dentistry's application process. Students typically choose from coursework in the biological sciences, humanities and mathematics before starting the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center application process in their second year of school. After acceptance into the Dental Hygiene program, students start classes at the OUHSC campus, which provides a rich atmosphere for academic development.

The job outlook for Dental Hygiene graduates is excellent, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the government also reports that the average pay scale for dental hygienists is more than $28 an hour.

So, what's my degree?

A Dental Hygiene student graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree. Graduates are prepared to take examinations for licensure to practice as registered dental hygienists.

Do my interests fit?

Dental Hygiene students typically have interests in oral health, working with people, science, technology and computers. High school preparation should include study in the biological sciences.

Notable Achievements

The College of Dentistry has gained a reputation of excellence at both the state and national level. Exit interviews of graduates have shown that students think that the Dental Hygiene faculty, who are nationally and internationally recognized as experts in their field, were one of the strong points of the program.

Program Accreditation

The College of Dentistry is fully accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and holds membership in the American Association of Dental Schools.

What kind of career could I pursue?

Types of Employers

  • Single dentist practices
  • Group dental practices
  • Dental health companies
  • Insurance companies
  • Government agencies
  • Colleges and universities

Recent Graduates Jobs

  • Dental hygienist, Cosmetic and
        Family Dentistry
  • Dental hygienist, Thorpe Family
        Dentistry
  • Dental hygienist,
        Robert Ross, D.D.S.
  • Dental hygienist,
        Jennifer Enmeier, D.D.S
  • Dental hygienist, Alfa Dental

Experienced Alumni Jobs

  • Dental hygienist, Chickasaw
        National Health System
  • Dental hygienist,
        Gary L. Dennington, D.D.S.
  • Dental hygienist, Alpine Dentistry
  • Dental hygienist, Indian
        Health Services
  • Dental hygienist,
        Kaiser Permanente

How much will I make?

Visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ website to explore the median pay for jobs you can pursue with this degree. 

Contact Us:


OU Health Sciences Center Office of Student Affairs
Phone: (405) 271-6326
Email: codwebadmin@ouhsc.edu
Website: dentistry.ouhsc.edu