The Department of Dental Hygiene in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences has developed learning opportunities designed to give individuals with a baccalaureate degree the theoretical and applied skills necessary for the advanced dental therapist as defined by Minnesota Statute Section 29 [150A.061].

The proposed Master of Science Oral Health Care Practitioner Program (MSOHCP) is a full-time, twenty six month graduate program. Graduates of this program will be prepared to practice as an Advanced Dental Therapist in the state of Minnesota.

Program Outcomes:

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:
Evaluate theories and concepts from dentistry and other disciplines for application in advanced dental hygiene practice;
Demonstrate critical thinking in advanced dental hygiene practice;
Demonstrate competence in oral health practitioner practice;
Apply the principles of ethical decision making and cultural competence in advanced dental hygiene practice;
Demonstrate leadership in improving the delivery of health care;
Collaborate with an collaborative management agreement dentist and other health care professionals;
Use a process of scholarly inquiry in oral health care practitioner practice.

Program Admission:

The following are necessary for admission:

B.S./B.A. from an accredited institution or a post-baccalaureate certificate program in dental hygiene;
Official transcripts of ALL college coursework;
Cumulative GPA of 3.0 (calculated from all college coursework);
Application Form and $20 fee (pay one time only);
Current dental hygiene licensure in good standing (must meet Minnesota requirements, including nitrous oxide and local anesthesia certifications);
Acceptable Goal Statement Essay;
Computer Proficiency Form;
Reference Forms (3) from specific individuals

Applications are reviewed once per year for fall semester class start. Eligible applicants will be invited for an interview as a final step in the application process. A professional portfolio must be submitted at the time of the interview.

Class size is limited to 15 students. Entrance is competitive. The selection process is based on cumulative GPA, prerequisite grades, evaluation of applicant essay, and an interview.

Pre-requisite Courses:

(Included in curriculum of the B.S.D.H. degree completion and the post-baccalaureate certificate programs)

DENH 310: Collaborative and Advanced Dental Hygiene Pracitce
DENH 320: Management of Oral Health Care Delivery
DENH 420: Restorative Functions Theory and Lab

Course Requirements:

NURS 604: Research Methodology
COMM 533: Theories and Explorations in Community-Based Intercultural Communication
NURS 605: Health Policy and Leadership
NURS 608: Epidemiology
DENH 610: Health Assessment and Oral Diagnostic Reasoning
DENH 620: Pharmacology Principles of Clinical Applications
DENH 630: Management of Dental Emergencies and Urgent Care
DENH 640: Community-Based Primary Oral Healthcare I
DENH 650: Community-Based Primary Oral Healthcare II
DENH 660: Community-Based Primary Oral Healthcare III
DENH 670: Community-Based Primary Oral Healthcare IV
DENH 680: Community-Based Primary Oral Healthcare V
DENH 690: Advanced Specialty Clinic
DENH 700: Advanced Specialty Internship
DENH 710: Comprehensive Competency-Based Capstone

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