The establishment of the Integrated Baccalaureate Degree Dental Hygiene Program in September 1961 was a milestone in dental hygiene education. 

WVU has the distinction of being the first integrated dental hygiene program in the country. The integrated liberal arts and professional curriculum has served as model for other programs throughout the nation.

WVU Dental Hygiene Faculty members are nationally recognized in their field and have received numerous awards.

The baccalaureate and degree completion programs give students the unique opportunity to participate in the Rural Health Initiative. Each student attends a Rural Site Externship for six weeks, obtaining "real world" experience in rural dental practice and the community.

The Program has always received full accreditation status through reviews by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the ADA. The last accreditation site visit was conducted in Spring 2002.

During the last CODA site visit in Spring 2002, the Division of Dental Hygiene Faculty and the Rural Health Initiative received commendations.

Students design and implement a two-year research project, culminating in a formal presentation of their research during the WVU School of Dentistry Alumni Day.

Selected students present their research project at the American Dental Hygienists' Association's annual meeting. During this national research competition, WVU Dental Hygiene students have received 25 awards over the last 24 years.

100% of graduates are employed within six months of graduation.

WVU Division of Dental Hygiene has the reputation for producing outstanding clinicians.

Graduates are very successful in post-graduate programs including medicine, dentistry, business and law.

The Program has been distinguished as a "Program of Excellence".