Skip to main content

Dental Hygiene (M.S.)

Master Degree
Idaho State University
Program banner
Instruction Method
Online
Time to Degree
2 semesters

About the Program

A total of 37 credits, including a thesis (minimum of 6 credits), will be required for degree completion. Requirements include 10 courses (26 credits) in the core curriculum, a practicum experience (2-4 credits), and 3 credits of electives.

The core courses advance the theory and practice of dental hygiene and prepare students in research methodology to apply during the thesis process. A thesis is required because the Master of Science degree in Dental Hygiene is the terminal degree in the discipline and a research foundation is imperative to advance the theoretical knowledge base of the profession. To enhance the breadth of knowledge, students are required to complete 3 credits of electives selected from related graduate coursework offered outside the Department of Dental Hygiene.

The program is an online graduate curriculum with on-campus visitations required for DENT 5596 Graduate Seminar I (orientation) and DENT 6619 Graduate Seminar II. A maximum of 9 credits may be transferred officially to Idaho State University.

The student must fulfill the following requirements:

Graduation from an accredited entry-level dental hygiene program Bachelor's degree in dental hygiene or a related field Minimum grade point average of 3.0 in upper-division and dental hygiene coursework Current dental hygiene licensure in good standing The student must apply to and meet all criteria for admission to the Graduate School, and submit a completed application, residency form, fee payment, and transcripts. International students should refer to the "Admission of International Students" section of this Catalog for TOEFL and other requirements. Information is online at https://www.isu.edu/graduate/.
Complete the Dental Hygiene Department application form for the Master of Science degree program (available at https://isu.edu/dentalhygiene/master-of-science/). Submit two recommendation forms provided by the department. One recommendation must be completed by an individual who has personal knowledge of the applicant's clinical skills such as a faculty member from a dental hygiene program, employer, or colleague. The second recommendation must be completed by an individual who has personal knowledge of the applicant's academic and professional qualifications for graduate study such as a faculty member, an officer of a professional association, or a colleague. Submit to the Graduate School official transcripts to provide evidence of: Graduation from an accredited entry-level dental hygiene program Bachelor's degree in dental hygiene or a related field Minimum grade point average of 3.0 in upper-division courses and a 3.0 in dental hygiene coursework. Previous education in local anesthesia and nitrous oxide administration is not a requirement for admissions; however, it is preferred. If previous education in these pain control methods was completed, provide evidence of successful completion of classroom and clinical experiences in local anesthesia and nitrous oxide administration. Evidence could include transcripts, course descriptions, expanded functions, or continuing education certificates. Send a photocopy of a license to provide evidence of current dental hygiene licensure in good standing. Complete a telephone or personal interview.

Program Requirements

  • Core Requirements take the following courses, take 37 credits
    37 credits
    Take the following courses:
    DENT5596 - Graduate Seminar I
    1 credit
    DENT6605 - Prog Developmnt and Evaluatn
    3 credits
    DENT6610 - Special Care Populations
    3 credits
    DENT6612 - Admin and Man HC Organizations
    3 credits
    DENT6619 - Graduate Seminar II
    1 credit
    DENT6620 - Adv Educ Theory and Methods
    3 credits
    DENT6621 - Clinical Instruction and Admin
    3 credits
    DENT6623 - Leadership & Health Policy
    3 credits
    DENT6626 - Dental Hygiene Practicum
    2 - 4 credits
    DENT6632 - Community and Global Health
    3 credits
    DENT6646 - Health Research
    3 credits
    CSD6600 - Prin Res Comm Disorders
    3 credits
    DENT6650 - Thesis
    1 - 9 credits
Grand Total Credits
37

* Please note that you must meet with an advisor each semester in order to verify degree completion time as well as online course offerings for the program requirements.