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Welcome to the �������� (��������) Gene W. Hirschfeld School of Dental Hygiene!  We are very proud of our fully accredited program and reputation.  As a member within the Ellmer College of Health Sciences and the Macon and Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences, we are home to three robust dental hygiene programs.  Notably, our on campus entry-level bachelorette dental hygiene program is one of the largest in the nation, we offer a fully online post-licensure bachelorette program, as well as a master’s degree granting program.

Preparing graduates for diverse practice settings and advanced professional roles in dental hygiene is increasingly essential.  Our students’ first-time pass rates on licensure examinations consistently range between 97%-100%.  At the graduate level, our coursework equips future educators, researchers, and leaders with the skills to think critically, define their own vision, and pursue goals that contribute meaningfully to the advancement of the dental hygiene profession.

Our students are the best representation of the education they receive; therefore, we prioritize a dental hygiene curriculum that is current, cutting edge, and focused.  We strive to graduate competent, ethical professionals ready to meet the oral healthcare needs of the future in both a compassionate and informed way.  Our graduates are equipped to provide high-quality oral healthcare to diverse populations using the latest technologies in a variety of collaborative healthcare settings.  Housed within the new Ellmer College of Health Sciences building, our state-of-the-art facilities offer the ideal setting for students to begin their journey of lifelong learning.  Student clinicians refine their skills in our 24-unit simulation lab.  In our on-campus Sofia and David Konikoff Dental Hygiene Care Facility (“Clinic”), our students provide oral preventive care services to nearly 2,000 patients totaling around $110,000 in services annually.  We invite you to make an appointment in our clinic to see us in action and receive the best care possible!

Furthermore, I am honored and humbled to work with our brilliant team of full-time faculty, part time adjunct faculty, staff, and supervising dentists who strive daily to establish an environment committed to student success.  Our award-winning faculty present at international, national, state, and local conferences throughout the year.  The faculty also hold authorships within numerous publications including peer reviewed journals such as: Journal of Forensic Sciences, Journal of Dental Hygiene, International Journal of Dental Hygiene, Journal of Dental Education, Dimensions of Dental Hygiene, Radiologic Science and Education, Journal of Services Marketing Quarterly, Journal of Multidisciplinary Care Decisions in Dentistry, Journal of Research in Interprofessional Practice and Education, and Journal of Nurse Education in Practice, just to name a few!  In addition, faculty in the school write textbooks and textbook chapters, obtain external grant funding for research, and are involved with many community service projects.

The �������� School of Dental Hygiene will continue to uphold its mission of academic excellence, sustain its longstanding and well-respected national reputation, and build upon its strong tradition of alumni and community engagement—all with the ultimate goal of fostering an environment dedicated to the success of faculty, students, and alumni. 

Thank you for your interest and for your support of the �������� School of Dental Hygiene!

Brenda Bradshaw, BSDH, MS, RDH

Associate Professor and Chair