Building connection and confidence: Why Ohio State’s in-person orientation for the Master of Science in Dental Hygiene is worth the trip

When you enroll in an online graduate program, you might expect your experience to be entirely virtual—from lectures and discussions to group projects and faculty interactions. But for students in The Ohio State University’s online Master of Science in Dental Hygiene (MSDH) program, the in-person orientation at the start of the program offers something truly special: a chance to connect, prepare, and begin the journey as a Buckeye in the best possible way. 

For many students, including MSDH alumna Jennifer Barkans and current MSDH student Raina Martin, BSDH, RDH, MSDH(c), attending orientation in person created a sense of belonging and confidence that shaped their entire graduate school experience. 

A powerful start: The value of attending in person

Even before walking onto campus, Raina sensed the orientation would be helpful, but the reality surpassed her expectations. 

“Attending in-person orientation was absolutely essential to this program. Before arriving, I expected it to be helpful, but it far exceeded that. It really set the tone and made the program feel real,” shared Raina Martin. 

Jennifer echoed a similar sentiment, especially given the challenge of carving out travel time. 

“Although finding time to travel and take time off work and family commitments can be challenging, especially for those coming from out of state or, in my case, out of the country, I truly believe the experience was more than worth it,” she said. 

For many students, orientation isn’t just an introduction—it’s the moment when the online experience becomes personal, tangible, and exciting.   

Building a true cohort community 

One of the most impactful aspects of orientation is the opportunity to build connection, which is something that can feel harder to achieve in a fully online environment. 

“Meeting and connecting with my peers in person allowed me to feel part of a real cohort rather than just someone interacting online with other students,” Jennifer said. “I also developed a strong sense of connection to OSU, embracing what it means to be a Buckeye.” 

For Raina, the relationships formed on campus quickly became a cornerstone of her success and well-being in the program. 

“Meeting the staff, orienting myself to the campus, immersing [myself] in the culture, and most importantly connecting with my peers made all the difference. Those in-person interactions laid the foundation for my relationships that have already proven to be crucial to our success so far…and my sanity!” 

These connections don’t fade once orientation ends. In fact, often they continue throughout the program and beyond, offering ongoing collaboration, support, and friendship. 

Preparing for academic success

Orientation also ensures that students begin the program with confidence, understanding, and clear expectations. 

Jennifer shared that the experience immediately helped her feel more ready to begin graduate-level coursework: 

“Getting to know the faculty and recent graduates during the orientation eased my nerves about starting graduate school and gave me valuable insights into what to expect. The face-to-face interactions, engaging activities, and presentations, especially on the library resources, were well planned and gave me greater confidence and preparedness as I began the program.” 

Raina also left feeling equipped and motivated: 

“I am still beyond grateful for the opportunity I had to attend the orientation in person. It was a wonderful experience, and I truly believe it added a layer of support and confidence that would not have been possible in a fully online format.” 

This academic and emotional readiness is one of the reasons students cite orientation as a turning point in their MSDH journey. 

An experience that online alone can’t replace  

Both students agree that this experience is not something that can be replicated through virtual sessions alone. 

Jennifer reflected: 

“Overall, orientation provided a foundation that, in my opinion, could not be replicated online. As a result, the beginning of my MSDH journey was much more meaningful and successful.” 

And Raina emphasized the lasting value of being there in person: 

“It was a wonderful experience, and I truly believe it added a layer of support and confidence that would not have been possible in a fully online format.”

 Ready to take the next step?

The Ohio State University online Master of Science in Dental Hygiene program empowers hygienists to take their careers to the next level. Contact an Enrollment Advisor today to learn more about the MS in Dental Hygiene program and their unique in-person orientation or start your application today.