Information related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and U-M Dentistry

Please note:
We are currently unable to accept new applications to the Degree Completion E-Learning program. Please check back later for updated information. We are accepting new applications for the Degree Completion On-Campus program for all semesters. Please contact Lisa Dodge in the dental hygiene office for more information (ldodge@umich.edu).

Learn more about the Degree Completion Program at UM at our live virtual open house!

VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE

The University of Michigan School of Dentistry offers special Degree Completion programs that can be taken either E-Learning (online) or on campus. Degree Completion programs are designed especially for students who either have an associate's degree or certificate, or who have completed some (but not all) of the coursework for a bachelor's degree. The course of study provides a broad-based education and enables graduates to expand their career options beyond clinical practice. At the completion of both the online and on-campus programs, each student will receive a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene.

Overview

The Degree Completion program provides dental hygienists the opportunity to continue their education in order to obtain the baccalaureate degree, and to prepare these individuals for leadership roles and expanded career opportunities. Graduates will have the knowledge and skills for using sound scientific methods and accessing evidence-based information for making decisions and providing patient care.

Program Goals

  • Develop leaders in the dental hygiene profession.
  • Prepare dental hygienists to work as members of multidisciplinary health care teams and in alternative practice settings.
  • Prepare dental hygienists for expanded roles and career opportunities.

DEGREE COMPLETION ONLINE

The E-Learning option is a great way to complete the remaining 36 credits needed for a baccalaureate degree. 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.

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, please contact Dental Hygiene Degree Completion Program Director, Jennifer Cullen, (jecullen@umich.edu) to determine your eligibility.

Is The Online Program Right For You?

Before applying, you should ask yourself if your work and family schedules are flexible.

  • In order to accommodate required individual and group study time, students should be able to commit at least 18 hours per week to the program (includes weekends).
  • In order to accommodate student teaching and community projects, students should have a minimum of one weekday day available.

Admissions

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

To be considered for admission to U-M's Dental Hygiene Degree Completion E-Learning program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • have graduated from an accredited dental hygiene program
  • hold a current dental hygiene license for practice in the United States
  • the Admissions Committee examines grades for consistency/improvement and for repeated and/or withdrawn courses. Currently the average GPA of our Degree Completion entering students is 3.3.
  • take TOEFL or MELAB if English is your second language. Scores must be submitted as part of the application process using the institution code 1839.

Completion of 120 semester hour credits is required to obtain the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene through the E-Learning Program. The E-Learning Program comprises 36 credit hours.

Sixty (60) semester hour credits from dental hygiene coursework will be applied. An additional twenty-four (24) credit hours (including statistics) will also be considered for transfer, and must be completed prior to beginning the E-Learning Program. We recommend that prospective students contact us early to evaluate transfer credit.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants should contact the Dental Hygiene Degree Completion Program Director, Jennifer Cullen (jecullen@umich.edu) before submitting an application.

An online application is available each fall through Undergraduate Admissions. For important directions on completing the online transfer student application (Common Application) see Tips & Tricks. Once your application has been received by U-M's Division of Dental Hygiene, you will be contacted to participate in an interview (on phone or in person) and complete an online computer skill test.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

The E-Learning Degree Completion Program starts in the fall term only. Prospective students are encouraged to complete applications early as we follow a ‘rolling admission’ process and admission decisions are considered as applications arrive.

TUITION AND EXPENSES

Students enrolled in the Dental Hygiene Degree Completion E-Learning Program are considered part-time, upper-division students in the School of Dentistry/Dental Hygiene. The University of Michigan Office of the Registrar provides information on tuition and fees.

COMPUTER SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

Each student accepted into the program is required to purchase a laptop through the E-Learning program. Laptops are delivered to students at their initial on-campus orientation, and come fully loaded to meet the program's necessary hardware and software requirements. Utilizing student and program discounts, the estimated cost of this laptop is $1,500. A high-speed, reliable internet service provider—DSL, cable, or satellite—is required for this program.

E-Learning Program Competencies

Competencies define the abilities expected of the graduate of the E-Learning Degree Completion program. These competencies reflect knowledge, skills, and attitudes.

1. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND LEADERSHIP

The degree completion graduate will:

  • 1-1. Identify career options within healthcare, industry, education, and research and evaluate the feasibility of pursuing dental hygiene opportunities.
  • 1-2. Access professional and social networks to pursue professional development.
  • 1-3. Apply principles of ethical reasoning, ethical decision making, and professional responsibility as they pertain to the academic environment, research, patient care, and practice management.
  • 1-4. Participate in self-assessment and implement changes necessary to improve professional effectiveness.
  • 1-5. Understand the need for and establish a plan for professional development.
  • 1-6. Possess the skills and knowledge for an entry-level teaching position in a dental hygiene program.
  • 1-7. Provide documentation of professional knowledge, skills, and growth.

2. PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION

The degree completion graduate will:

  • 2-1. Utilize effective communication and interpersonal skills to form partnerships with patients and communities.
  • 2-2. Possess the skills necessary to write at a professional level.
  • 2-3. Interact with others in a manner that is respectful of an individual’s culture, class, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic background.

3. HEALTH PROMOTION AND DISEASE PREVENTION

The degree completion graduate will:

  • 3-1. Recognize health conditions and interventions that promote healthy lifestyles for individuals and communities.
  • 3-2. Apply theories of health behavior and behavior change to improve the oral health of individuals and communities.
  • 3-3. Evaluate health status and risk factors related to oral diseases and develop preventive strategies across all levels of health and ability.
  • 3-4. Integrate an understanding of the oral/systemic relationships in health and disease when planning healthcare.
  • 3-5. Partner with other professionals to promote oral health for individuals and communities.

4. EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE

The degree completion graduate will:

  • 4-1. Access, analyze, and interpret research findings to assure oral healthcare is evidence-based.
  • 4-2. Evaluate the validity of information pertaining to oral health products and treatments used in dental hygiene care.
  • 4-3. Utilize the scientific method and evidence-based decision making within all dental hygiene practice settings.

5. COMMUNITY-BASED ORAL HEALTH

The degree completion graduate will:

  • 5-1. Apply evidence-based best practices when planning community preventive programs.
  • 5-2. Identify community resources to increase access to care.
  • 5-3. Support and influence legislative and regulatory efforts by individuals and/or organizations that enhance access to oral healthcare services.
  • 5-4. Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate community-based oral health programs that address health disparities and inequities for vulnerable populations or those with special healthcare needs.

Curriculum


DEGREE COMPLETION ON CAMPUS

U-M's on-campus degree completion program is designed to enable the dental hygienist who has graduated with an associate’s degree or certificate to complete requirements toward a Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene. The course of study provides a broad-based education and enables graduates to expand their career options through individualized programs. Students will have an opportunity to interact with prestigious clinical and basic science faculty in diverse research and educational activities.

Admissions

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

To be considered for admission to U-M's Dental Hygiene Degree On-Campus Completion Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • have graduated from an accredited dental hygiene program
  • hold a current dental hygiene license for practice in the United States
  • The Admissions Committee examines grades for consistency/improvement and repeated and/or withdrawn courses. Currently the average GPA of our Degree Completion entering students is 3.3.
  • Take the TOEFL or MELAB if English is your second language. Scores must be submitted as part of the application process; please use institution code 1839.

Completion of 120 semester hour credits is required to obtain the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene through the Degree Completion Program. The Degree Completion Program comprises 36 credit hours. Sixty (60) semester hour credits from dental hygiene coursework will be applied. An additional twenty-four (24) credit hours (including statistics) will also be considered for transfer, and must be completed prior to beginning the Degree Completion Program. In order for your course work to be considered transferable to the University of Michigan, it must meet certain criteria. We recommend that prospective students contact us early to evaluate transfer credit.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND QUESTIONS

Applicants should contact the Dental Hygiene Degree Completion Program Director, Jennifer Cullen (jecullen@umich.edu) before submitting an application.

The program will admit students in the fall, winter, and spring/summer terms. Students may enroll either full- or part-time.

An online application is available through Undergraduate Admissions. For important directions on completing the online transfer student application (Common Application) see Tips & Tricks.

TUITION AND EXPENSES

Students enrolled in the Dental Hygiene Degree Completion Program are considered upper-division students in the School of Dentistry/Dental Hygiene. The University of Michigan Office of the Registrar provides information on tuition and fees.

Curriculum


PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Clinical Lecturer, Director, Dental Hygiene Degree Completion Program, Division of Dental Hygiene
734-647-2770 | jecullen@umich.edu