Master of Science in Dental Hygiene

Improving the Human Condition

"A master ’s-level dental hygienist is a member of a multidisciplinary health care team who approaches the holistic care of patients from a foundation of evidence-based knowledge and theory. Advanced education and a higher level of mastery prepare the graduate to assume positions in academia, health care organizations, public health, government, research, corporate, and dental insurance arenas." ADEA & ADHA-Graduate Dental Hygiene Program Aims and Outcomes, 2021.

Designed for working professionals, the program combines 15 manageable 10-week fully online courses with a practical thesis or capstone project, providing a clear and flexible pathway to earning your graduate degree. Prepare for expanded career opportunities through engaging coursework that explores multidisciplinary health, leadership, advocacy, global health initiatives, professional practice management, teaching across a variety of learning environments, and evidence-based research.

• Apply critical thinking and innovation to evaluate multidisciplinary health care teams, dental hygiene independent practice models, and current technologies to improve the health care delivery system.
• Develop leadership and advocacy experience to support and promote diversity and inclusion in research, teaching, service, administration, and public health.
• Utilize evidence-based practices, project-based learning, and educational methodologies for didactic, clinical, and online learning environments to fulfill the role of an educator. 
• Conduct original research that supports the profession to increase the dental hygiene body of knowledge. 

Applicants to the Master of Science in Dental Hygiene program at Oregon Tech shall provide the following:

• Degree Requirements: 
  Completed a four-year college course of study and hold an acceptable baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
  Graduation from a dental hygiene program (associate's or bachelor's) accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.
• Dental Hygiene Licensure:
  Holds a current U.S. dental hygiene license or be eligible for dental hygiene licensure in the United States.
• Transcripts/GPA: 
  Overall, an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and 3.0 for the last 90 quarter credits (60 semester credits) of coursework.
• Personal Statement: 
  Applicants will be required to write a statement that addresses career goals and relevance to the program, evidence of aptitude for graduate work, and evidence of potential for success in the field. 
• Reference Letters: 
  Applicants to the program will be required to provide two letters of recommendation (professional references) that address the applicant’s preparation, abilities, and character. 
• Academic Standing: 
  Be in good academic standing at the last college or university attended.