Pre-Dental Hygiene

VCU offers baccalaureate degrees in four different healthcare fields. These degrees are designed to prepare students to gain professional licensure and begin work in the field as soon as they graduate. Students working on the prerequisites for the programs are advised to declare a pre-health major in the appropriate field, which will give them access to specialized pre-health advisors who help with course selection, volunteer opportunities, and preparing for the application process.

Do I have to be a pre-health major?

You can apply to the Dental Hygiene Program regardless of your major. However, becoming a pre-Dental Hygiene major ensures that you’re eligible to register for courses restricted to certain majors. You’ll be assigned a pre-health advisor who will work with you individually to ensure that you’re the most competitive candidate possible. Changing your major and registering for our newsletter is also a great way to keep track of opportunities and workshop designed to make you more competitive.

Can I get a degree in pre-health or pre-dental hygiene?


No, all the pre-health majors are non-degree granting majors. These majors are designed to make sure you get a pre-health advisor and access to the resources that will assist pre-health students while you complete the prerequisite courses for your chosen program.

Does the pre-health major make it easier to get into the programs?

The pre-major does not guarantee admission to the major for any of our baccalaureate health programs. The pre-dental hygiene major makes it easier for you to access helpful resources; however, all of the prerequisites and criteria for the programs remain.

What kinds of courses does the pre-health major require?

Prerequisite courses vary by program, but all require biology, writing, and math. Other common prerequisites include chemistry, anatomy, physiology, physics, and psychology. Program courses focus on theoretical and practical knowledge and skills you will need to be able to earn licensure and work in your chosen field. See the question below the video about pre-requisites.

How do I find my current major?


Tutorial check major2

How do I change my major?

This major has some requirements; you must have at least a 2.8 cumulative GPA and no more than 75 credits. To change to a Pre-Health major, please follow the steps below:

1) Submit a change of major form to declare.
2) You will receive an email  inviting you to complete a mandatory online orientation on Blackboard.
3) When you have completed the orientation module on Blackboard, please email prehealthadv@vcu.edu indicating it is complete.
4) Once Pre-Health Advising receives your email and verifies that the module has been completed your request will be processed.

Admissions information for VCU Dental Hygiene

The slideshow below gives a brief overview of the Dental Hygiene profession and the requirements for admittance to the VCU Dental Hygiene program. For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact VCU Pre-health Advising.

For more career information, please use these resources: Explore Health Careers website, VA Health Workforce Development Authority, and USA Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What are the prerequisite courses?

The pre-dental hygiene program requires the specific prerequisite courses (outlined below) as well as approximately 12 elective credits totaling a minimum 60 credit hours before they can begin the program. Grades of “D” are not accepted by the Division of Dental Hygiene. Science courses must be completed within 6 years of matriculation.
DentHy prereq

For more information, please see the VCU Bulletin

What are the other admission requirements?

  1. a minimum GPA of 2.5 in cumulative courses based on a four-point scale.
  2. a minimum GPA of 2.7 in math and science courses based on a four-point scale.
  3. no online math or science courses accepted.
  4. a grade of “D” is not acceptable in any prerequisite course.
  5. For more details on the above, view the Dental Hygiene Program Website

When can I apply to the program?


You can apply between September and February 1st for admittance to the next fall. While applications can be submitted, the application is not complete until the official transcript is submitted after the fall semester. Click here for more information.

Where can I apply to the program?


Once you’re sure that you’re ready, the link is here. Please meet with one of us if you have any questions!