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2010/2011 Undergraduate Catalog

Dental Hygiene (BSDH) Baccalaureate Completion Program

This program provides associate degree dental hygienists from accredited institutions an opportunity to complete a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BSDH). The program focus is to educate dental hygienist to become community-minded oral health care providers with the intention of enhancing the oral health of underserved and diverse populations. This program will also prepare students who are interested in pursuing a master's program in advanced dental therapy practice.

Program Admission Requirements

The following requirements are necessary for admission to the BSDH program in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

  • Official transcript from an accredited dental hygiene program (or letter from program director or dean if within five months of graduation).
  • Official transcripts of all other college and university coursework;
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.00 (4.00 scale - calculated from all college coursework);
  • Diagnostic assessment in mathematics (as determined);
  • Appropriate documentation of an active dental hygiene license (or letter from program director if within five months of graduation); and
  • All required immunizations; successful background check; and professional liability insurance.

If an applicant's dental hygiene license does not meet Minnesota's dental hygiene requirements, specifically with regard to the administration of local anesthesia and nitrous oxide inhalation sedation, the application will be required to complete continuing education courses to meet these requirements.

Normandale Community College offers pain management continuing education courses and BSDH students will be given priority admission. These requirements must be completed before enrolling in the Restorative Functions Clinic or Dental Hygiene Capstone courses. Students with questions regarding these requirements should contact the program advisor.

Application Process

  • Attend an Information Session
  • Complete the application form for Baccalaureate Completion Program in Dental Hygiene
  • Submit $20.00 application fee
  • Submit official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities
  • Submit a 250-300 word essay related to how the applicant's talents, experiences, opinions, and career goals will enhance the oral health of underserved and diverse populations

Program Requirements

  • A minimum of 120 semester credits are required to graduate
  • A minimum of 40 upper-division level semester credits must be completed through Metropolitan State University

Courses

Many courses in the dental hygiene curriculum employ web-enhanced or web supported format teaching/learning strategies. The following upper-division courses are required:

Choose one from the following two courses, the chosen course must be completed prior to enrollment in the Dental Hygiene Capstone course:

The Restorative Functions Theory and Lab course require significant on campus attendance for successful completion. The majority of the upper division dental "face to face" coursework takes place at Normandale Community College.

An optional one credit course leading to Restorative Functions certification by the Minnesota State Board of Dentistry is available for student enrollment the same semester as successful completion of the Restorative Functions Theory and Lab course. This optional course requires contractual agreement with a dentist for completion of he Minnesota Board of Dentistry Restorative Function Clinical requirements.

Clinical Requirements

  • Evidence of malpractice insurance
  • Evidence of current immunization
  • Background check

Background Check

Under the 1995 amendments to the Vulnerable Adults Act, individuals who provide direct contact service to patients or residents of facilities licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health must undergo a background study. Persons who participate in a clinical placement as part of an educational program are among those affected by the law.

An individual who is disqualified from having direct patient contact as a result of a negative background study is not permitted to participate in a clinical placement in a Minnesota-licensed health care facility. This could result in ineligibility to qualify for a degree.