Dental Hygiene, M.S.

The purpose of the master’s degree in Dental Hygiene (MSDH) is to prepare registered dental hygienists for leadership roles in the areas of education, administration, public health, and dental hygiene practice. This commitment is met within a multidisciplinary framework that interrelates theory, research, and practical experience. The program seeks to educate its students to develop and conduct research that adds to the body of knowledge that advances the mission of dental hygiene. By providing a high level of professional education, the program will produce graduates with critical thinking and commitment to the service of others. Through academic courses, independent study, research, and practical experience, graduate candidates are prepared to meet the present demand for dental hygiene leaders, practitioners, educators, oral health promoters, administrators/managers, and researchers.

Objectives

The objectives of the master’s degree program are to:

• Develop expertise in a specialized area of dental hygiene;
• Expand knowledge and skills to support advanced dental hygiene practice and role development in preventive and therapeutic oral health services;
• Expand knowledge in oral health promotion and education related to a specific functional role in dental hygiene;
• Develop managerial and administrative skills;
• Contribute to the dental hygiene scientific body of knowledge;
• Acquire initial competence in conducting oral health research;
• Further develop and implement leadership strategies for the betterment of oral healthcare;
• Participate in graduate dental hygiene internship experiences in educational settings, rural areas, industry, and community outreach sites;
• Build a foundation for future doctoral education.

Learning outcomes

Through completion of the MSDH program, graduates will achieve the following learning outcomes:

• Utilize scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and research methodology in developing contemporary theory and best practice;
• Cultivate the incorporation of existing and emerging health informatics and technology within ones profession;
• Contribute to and facilitate development of programs based on population need, diversity, and social and cultural sensitivity;
• Promote interprofessional collaboration within an integrated delivery system of health care;
• Forge the pathway toward expanding the professional landscape of dental hygiene;
• Instill the desire to pursue doctoral level education.