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Westerfield University of Virginia
Flexible, Career-Focused Degrees

Doctorate in Health Sciences — Dental Nursing Online Doctoral Dental Nursing Program at WUV

Doctorate in Dental Nursing at WUV

Credit Hours54

Total Courses9

Term Length3–5 Year Self-Paced

Program Overview Why earn your Doctorate in Dental Nursing at WUV?

The Doctorate in Health Sciences — Dental Nursing at Westerfield University of Virginia is WUV's research-intensive doctoral program in dental nursing and oral health care. Students develop advanced quantitative and qualitative research skills, prepare and defend an original thesis, and produce a substantial dissertation contributing new knowledge to dental nursing and oral health science. The Doctorate is the terminal research degree and is designed for practicing professionals pursuing academic, clinical leadership, or high-level research careers.

Skills you'll learn:

  • Advanced qualitative and quantitative research methodology
  • Thesis preparation, defense, and scholarly writing
  • Biostatistics and epidemiological analysis
  • Original dissertation research design and execution
  • Scholarly contribution to dental nursing and oral health science
  • Academic and professional leadership in dental nursing
Doctorate Dental Nursing program at WUV

Courses & Curriculum Research and dissertation curriculum

This 54-credit Doctorate program includes 9 doctoral-level courses — research methods, five preparatory thesis courses, and a final dissertation. Entry requirement: Master's degree.

Thesis Courses

Research methodology, thesis writing, and analytical foundations for doctoral study.

PHD-940Qualitative and Quantitative Research
PHD-941Preparing a Thesis
PHD-942Biostatistics and Epidemiology

Research Courses

Sequential preparatory thesis research guiding students through independent dental nursing inquiry.

ST-943Preparatory Thesis I
ST-944Preparatory Thesis II
ST-945Preparatory Thesis III
ST-946Preparatory Thesis IV
ST-947Preparatory Thesis V

Dissertation

Original scholarly research culminating in a full dissertation submitted to the WUV doctoral committee.

T-948Dissertation

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A Master's degree in Dental Nursing, Nursing, or a related discipline is required for admission to the Doctorate program. Provide official transcripts from your graduate program.
After acceptance, work with WUV's doctoral faculty to define your research focus and begin your thesis and dissertation work at your own pace.

Career Outlook What can you do with a Doctorate in Dental Nursing?

A Doctorate in Health Sciences — Dental Nursing from WUV is the highest academic credential in the field and prepares you for leadership roles in academia, clinical practice, and research:

  • Dental Nursing Professor / Faculty — Teach and conduct research at dental schools and universities.
  • Oral Health Research Scientist — Lead original dental nursing and oral health outcomes research.
  • Director of Dental Nursing Services — Oversee dental nursing departments and drive clinical quality improvement.
  • Community Oral Health Consultant — Advise health systems and public health agencies on oral health programs.