Virginia Dental Schools

Top Dental Schools in Virginia: Best Colleges and Universities for Dentistry Careers

Virginia offers a range of educational opportunities for students interested in dentistry, including programs in dental medicine, dental hygiene, and dental assisting. While the state does not have a large number of dental schools offering Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) degrees, it does have strong options for those seeking high-quality dental education. Below is a list of the top dental programs in Virginia, including details about each school, their website links, and financial aid resources.

Top Dental Schools in Virginia

Top Dental Schools in Virginia

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) – School of Dentistry

Summary:
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is home to the only dental school in Virginia offering a Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree. The VCU School of Dentistry provides rigorous academic training, hands-on clinical experience, and cutting-edge research opportunities. The program emphasizes both patient care and innovation in dental medicine, preparing students for careers in general dentistry, orthodontics, prosthodontics, and other specialties.

Key Features:

  • The only dental school in Virginia offering a D.D.S. degree
  • Offers advanced specialty programs, including orthodontics, periodontics, and pediatric dentistry
  • Hands-on clinical training at the VCU Dental Care Center
  • Research opportunities in dental science and oral health care

Old Dominion University (ODU) – Gene W. Hirschfeld School of Dental Hygiene

Summary:
Old Dominion University offers one of the top dental hygiene programs in Virginia. This program is designed for students who want to become licensed dental hygienists, focusing on preventive oral health care, patient education, and clinical practice. The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree from ODU is highly respected and prepares students for work in private practice, public health, and research.

Key Features:

  • One of the top dental hygiene programs in the state
  • Offers both on-campus and distance learning options
  • Strong clinical training and hands-on experience
  • Prepares students for careers in private practice, education, and research

Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) – Dental Hygiene Program

Summary:
Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) offers an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Dental Hygiene. This two-year program prepares students for careers as dental hygienists, providing hands-on training in patient care, oral health assessment, and preventive dentistry. Graduates are eligible to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) to become licensed professionals.

Key Features:

  • Affordable and accessible dental hygiene program
  • Provides strong clinical training with real patient experience
  • Prepares students for licensure and careers in dental health
  • Excellent job placement rates after graduation

Virginia Western Community College – Dental Hygiene Program

Summary:
Virginia Western Community College (VWCC) offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Dental Hygiene. This program prepares students for careers as dental hygienists, emphasizing preventive dental care, oral health education, and hands-on clinical training. The curriculum includes coursework in anatomy, microbiology, and periodontics.

Key Features:

  • Strong emphasis on hands-on clinical experience
  • Prepares students for state and national board exams
  • Affordable tuition with financial aid options
  • High job placement rate after graduation

Wytheville Community College – Dental Hygiene Program

Summary:
Wytheville Community College (WCC) offers an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Dental Hygiene. The program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary for careers in dental hygiene, with coursework in anatomy, oral pathology, and radiology. Students receive hands-on training through clinical rotations.

Key Features:

  • Comprehensive dental hygiene training program
  • Emphasis on preventive oral health care and patient education
  • Hands-on experience through clinical training
  • Affordable tuition with strong job placement support

Thomas Nelson Community College (TNCC) – Dental Hygiene Program

Summary:
Thomas Nelson Community College (soon to be Virginia Peninsula Community College) offers an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Dental Hygiene. This program provides students with hands-on training in dental procedures, patient care, and oral health education, preparing them for careers in dental hygiene.

Key Features:

  • Offers strong clinical training in oral health care
  • Prepares students for state and national licensure exams
  • Affordable tuition with financial aid options
  • High job placement rates for graduates

Conclusion

Virginia offers excellent opportunities for students looking to enter the field of dentistry. The VCU School of Dentistry is the only institution in Virginia that offers a D.D.S. degree, making it the best option for those pursuing a career as a general dentist or specialist. However, there are multiple dental hygiene programs across Virginia, including those at Old Dominion University, Northern Virginia Community College, Virginia Western Community College, and others, which provide excellent training for students who want to become licensed dental hygienists.

If you’re considering a career in dentistry, explore these programs and their financial aid options to find the best fit for your education and career goals.

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