Master of Science in Dental Hygiene
College of Sciences
Dr. Karen Kettler, Dean
Program Advisor: Stephanie Meredith, MSDH., Program Director
The Master of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene is designed to prepare graduates for leadership roles in Dental Hygiene Education and Public Health to meet their career goals. This online program will consist of 30 hours of coursework in public health and dental hygiene education, over the course of two academic years with one summer semester between. An internship and approved thesis will be the capstone of the program.
Mission
To provide the Dental Hygiene Bachelor of Science degree student the opportunity for a high-quality graduate education in the field of dental hygiene.
Program Goals
- To prepare graduates with leadership skills and education pedagogy to assume faculty positions in all levels of dental hygiene education.
- Through research and scholarly activity, graduates will contribute to the body of knowledge in the field of dental hygiene through presentation and publication.
- To provide the educational foundation and skill sets necessary for leadership opportunities in the dental public health environment.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the MSDH program, the graduate will be able to:
- Discuss and demonstrate current technologies available in the field of dental hygiene.
- Describe current research strategies and evaluate scientific evidence that directs the standard of health care.
- Evaluate risk and develop strategies to address the specific oral health needs of individuals and populations of diversity.
- Demonstrate an understanding of epidemiology through the assessment and communication of current data representing the health of individuals and/or populations.
- Create a thesis demonstrating research skills while contributing to the body of knowledge within the discipline of dentistry and/or public health.
- Demonstrate theories to develop strategies for health promotion and disease prevention.
- Discuss and demonstrate organizational leadership skills and inter-professional collaborative efforts available to address current healthcare issues.
- Develop an individual teaching philosophy and investigate effective teaching methods for all learning.
Admissions Requirements (Priority Deadline January 1st)
The institution is compliant with requirements outlined for inter-state authorization (SARA). Students who desire admission to the MSDH program will submit evidence of the following criteria:
- An Associate of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene from a U.S. or Canadian Accredited Institution and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene or a related field.
- A minimum 3.0 overall and science grade point average.
- A current dental hygiene license in at least one state.
- One recommendation from a previous or current employer.
- A two-minute personal video statement
- Public Health and General Supervision Permits recommended (as applicable per State licensing board)
- Preference will be given to applicants with prior clinical experience.
Graduation Requirements
The MSDH program of study includes thirty semester credit hours. In addition, forty-five hours of approved field work experience are required. This field work will be in either an accredited dental hygiene program or a public health agency with a dental focus. This requirement will be fulfilled in DH 508. An approved thesis will be a graduation requirement. Students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average and a letter grade of B or higher in each course to remain in the program.
Pre - Fall Term
Fall Term
| DH 501 | Organizational Leadership in Healthcare | 3 |
| EDUC 534 | Contemporary Applications of Educational Technology | 3 |
Spring Term
| DH 505 | DH Curriculum Design & Teaching Methods | 3 |
| DH 507 | Dental Program Planning, Development & Implementation in Public Health | 3 |
Summer Term
| DH 502 | EB Research in Oral Health | 3 |
| DH 503 | Professional Writing for Healthcare Research | 3 |
Fall Term
| DH 504 | Biostatistic Applications | 3 |
| DH 506 | Grant Proposals in Science | 3 |
Spring Term
| DH 508 | Internship in Dental Hygiene Education | 1 |
| DH 509 | Dental Hygiene Thesis | 5 |
Total Credit Hours: 30