Overview


The University of Michigan Master's of Science in Dental Hygiene Program has the faculty, facilities, and curricular options dental hygienists need for next step in their career. As the role of the dental hygienist expands through changes in education, healthcare, and rapid advances in technology continue, it is critical to educate master's-prepared dental hygienists.

U-M's Master of Science in Dental Hygiene Program is offered in two delivery formats. Students may elect to enroll in the On-Campus Master's Program, participating in a blend of classes online and on the U-M's Ann Arbor campus. The Online Master’s Program option provides the opportunity for students to earn their master’s degree in a totally online format.


Mission Statement
The mission of the dental hygiene graduate program is to provide its students with the education necessary to become oral health leaders; to conduct research in basic, behavioral, and clinical sciences; and to serve the university, the profession, and the community.

Program Aims & Outcomes

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 prepares the graduate to assume positions in academia, health care organizations, public health, government, research, corporate and dental insurance arenas. Graduates conduct translational research to improve teaching and practice, the health care industry, and oral health care delivery models. This professional is a transformational leader and advocate who drives change in the health care delivery system. Graduates are prepared for doctoral level education.

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Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Master of Science in Dental Hygiene Program, applicants should meet the following criteria:

  • Hold a bachelor's degree from a US accredited college/university or international equivalent
  • Completed bachelor-level statistics course with a grade of C or better approved by the MSDH program director
  • Hold a US dental hygiene license (or equivalent dental hygiene licensure in their country if international)
  • Completed application directly through Rackham Graduate School, including transcripts and three letters of recommendation
  • Submit iBT TOEFL score of 84 or higher that is less than 2 years old using U-M institution code 1839 (international applicants)

Internationally trained dentists, please see the School of Dentistry’s Internationally Trained Dentist Program and our Graduate Residency Programs for admissions options below:

Internationally Trained Dentist Program Graduate Program

Cost/Tuition

The University sets tuition rates in July for the upcoming academic year.

Dental Hygiene Masters Degree Tuition

Computing Requirements

AS-MS And MSDH Online Programs’ Computing Requirements
 

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How to Apply

Applicants should contact the Dental Hygiene Graduate Program Director, Iwonka Eagle ([email protected]), before submitting an application.

Applicants must submit an online application for admission to the University of Michigan Rackham Graduate School. Paper applications are NOT accepted. Follow the Rackham Application Steps.

Once the application has been received, applicants may be contacted and an admission interview scheduled. (The interview may be done by phone or in person).

Prior to the interview, applicants will be sent a supplemental admissions worksheet. They will also be asked to complete the online learning assessment and a computer skills test.

Application deadline is May 1.

Program Director

Iwonka Theresa Eagle

Director, Graduate Dental Hygiene Program. Clinical Associate Professor of Dentistry.

The Master of Science in Dental Hygiene On-Campus Program immerses students in all of the resources and opportunities available at the University of Michigan. The on-campus option offers students the opportunity to earn a master’s degree through a hybrid of online and on-campus learning. Taking classes on campus enables students to individualize their degree programs through electives, and to take advantage of all the resources available at a leading research university, including a world-class teaching hospital.

Courses are scheduled in a sequence to allow for completion of this 36-credit-hour program in a 24-month period. Full-time students will enroll in at least 9 credit hours during the fall and winter semesters over two academic years. A part-time option is also available. Transfer of credit from other graduate programs cannot be accommodated.

The Master of Science in Dental Hygiene Online Program offers students the opportunity to earn a master’s degree without having to relocate. The online program offers students flexibility, but still comprises the educational and experiential background needed to meet the challenge of today's advanced dental hygiene requirements.

Courses are scheduled in a sequence to allow for completion of this 36-credit-hour program in a 24-month period. Students will enroll in two courses each semester earning 6 credit hours during each of the six contiguous semesters of the program. Transfer of credit from other graduate programs cannot be accommodated.

Due to a national “state authorization” initiative, all colleges and universities offering online education to residents outside of their state must be authorized by each state in which students reside to take courses. Residents of some states may not eligible for our program. If you are not a Michigan resident

IS THE ONLINE PROGRAM RIGHT FOR YOU?
Before applying, you should ask yourself these questions:

  • DO I LIVE WITHIN REASONABLE DISTANCE OF AN ENTRY-LEVEL DENTAL HYGIENE PROGRAM?
    As part of this program, students will be required to student teach 1 day or more each week.
  • ARE MY WORK AND FAMILY SCHEDULES FLEXIBLE?
    In order to accommodate required individual and group study time, students should be able to commit at least 20 hours per week to the program (includes weekends).
    In order to accommodate student teaching and thesis research, students should have a minimum of one weekday day available.
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