Master of Science in Dental Hygiene

The Master of Science in Dental Hygiene (MSDH) degree program offers graduate students in-depth learning experiences in research principles and application, teaching principles and application, public health policy and promotion, leadership, and communications. The mission of this program is to develop professionals for positions of leadership in education, industry, and research. The goal of this program is to prepare dental hygienists to expand their knowledge base and skill set and to nurture the intellectual development of the professional. The Master of Science in Dental Hygiene degree prepares professional dental hygienists with specialized skills in one or more of the following areas: health promotion/education, management/administration, research, and consumer advocacy.

Admissions Requirements

This is a 100% online graduate program that typically enrolls six qualified students each fall. In addition to the academic admission requirements, non-academic factors may be considered when selecting students for admission to this competitive graduate program. International applicants currently residing in the United States or Canada may be considered if all other admission requirements are met.

Bachelor’s degree from a nationally and regionally accredited institution of higher education in the United States.
Graduation from an accredited dental hygiene program recognized by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) within the United States or Canada.
Successful completion of the Dental Hygiene National Board Examination.
Current licensure as a Registered Dental Hygienist in any state in the United States or Canada.
Satisfactory grades in undergraduate courses. The undergraduate grade point average should be no lower than a 3.0 on a 4.0 point scale system.
Complete the Graduate Record Examinations General Aptitude Test (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT). Scores on GRE and MAT tests must be within the previous 5 years. No minimum score is required.
Applicants from countries where English is not the native language, are required to submit scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimum score of 84 on the Internet based test is required.
Applicants outside of Texas MUST reside in a participating National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements NC-SARA state to be accepted into our program. To see if your state participates and get more information, please visit NC-SARA website.

Application Requirements

Transcripts containing fall courses must also be submitted by April. Contact the Program Director, Melanie V. Taverna MSDH, RDH, with questions at 210-567-3858 or Taverna@uthscsa.edu.

Degree Requirements

A Master of Science in Dental Hygiene is awarded following successful completion of the core curriculum and electives to earn a total of 36 semester credit hours. The master degree requires the student develop original research to be conducted and shared with the oral health professions.

Sample Plan of Study

Core Courses
DENH 5026	Research Principles & Application	3
DENH 5924	Biostatistics	3
DENH 5024	Professional Communication	3
DENH 5050	Educational Principles and Application	3
INTD 5023	Research Ethics	1
DENH 5022	Research Apprenticeship	3
DENH 6098	Thesis	6
All Master students are required to successfully complete all core coursework.
Course Electives ¹
Select three or four of the following:		14
Education Offerings
DENH 5003	Current Issues In Dental Hygiene
DENH 5007	Clinical Administration Practicum
DENH 5010	Teaching Internship
DENH 5017	Clinical Teaching Practicum
DENH 5080	Survey Methodology
DENH 5091	Special Topics in Dental Hygiene
DENH 5903	Organizational Leadership
DENH 5926	Preclinical Teaching Practicum
DENH 6091	Independent Study
Public Health Offerings
DENH 5015	Public Health Practicum
DENH 5027	The Summer Institute In Aging
DENH 5025	Dental Hygienist Role in the Management of Elder Abuse
DENH 5028	Public Health Policy
DENH 5036	Health Promotion
DENH 5080	Survey Methodology
DENH 5091	Special Topics in Dental Hygiene
DENH 6091	Independent Study
Total Credit Hours		36

¹: Master students should choose a minimum of 14 credit hours from the course electives. This may be accomplished by choosing courses from the Education Offerings, the Public Health Offerings, or a combination of the two.

Objectives/Program Outcomes

The objectives of this program are to promote a student-centered, online learning environment that will allow dental hygienists to further their education without relocating to San Antonio. The curriculum will allow students to gain knowledge and skills to become competent healthcare educators, become leaders in community oral healthcare centers, and conduct and design original research in industry. Independent learning, self-efficacy, self-evaluation, and self-direction are required throughout the program. Students share their experiences, knowledge, and skills, work cooperatively with colleagues, and explore resources to help them reach their maximum potential.

Outcomes:

Demonstrate proficiency in core dental hygiene educational principles—Students in the Graduate Program in Dental Hygiene will be able to define, explain, and apply key concepts and fundamental educational principles related to dental hygiene.
Critically review and interpret research literature—Students in the Graduate Dental Hygiene Program will be able to conduct a comprehensive systematic literature search, critically analyze and synthesize evidence gathered, and apply the research process to an identified problem.
Completion of required Core coursework (DENH 5026, DENH 5924, DENH 5024, DENH 5050, INTD 5023), & (DENH 5022). Plus submission of a publishable manuscript of original research to a juried journal as a thesis project (DENH 6098).
Communicate effectively in writing—Students in the Graduate Dental Hygiene Program will be able to demonstrate effective communication through writing using correct grammar, syntax, and purpose of thought.
Conduct independent research in an ethical manner—Students in the Graduate Dental Hygiene Program will be able to demonstrate ethical principles in the course of conducting research and writing a thesis.

Courses

DENH 5003. Current Issues In Dental Hygiene. 3 Credit Hours.

This course investigates trends influencing the practice of dental hygiene. The history and image of dental hygiene, career satisfaction, educational trends, and access to care, independent practice, and self-regulations are the issues addressed in this course. A closer look at the legal, political and ethical ramifications of these topic areas as they relate to the dental hygiene profession will be explored. Acceptance into the Master of Dental Hygiene Program is required to take this course.

DENH 5007. Clinical Administration Practicum. 4 Credit Hours.

The purpose of this course is to present the graduate student with an opportunity to hone administrative skills in a clinical environment. There will be interactions with second-year dental hygiene students as well as with the second-year clinic coordinator. The course includes web based interaction focusing on clinical application to expand and refine teaching and evaluation skills necessary for clinic administration. Specific topics include outcomes assessment, quality assurance, and information technology. Permission from the program director is required. The prerequisite requirement can be waived by the program director. Prerequisite: DENH 5050. Course Fees: Practicum fee $10 per hour.

DENH 5010. Teaching Internship. 3 Credit Hours.

This internship will provide graduate students with the opportunity to teach in various clinics, laboratories, and didactic courses to acquire experience in instructing undergraduate students in a variety of situations. The course is arranged on a contractual basis and tailored to meet the individual goals, needs, and interests of each graduate student, while keeping in mind background experiences. Supervision and evaluation of teaching performance are provided by the graduate faculty. Student must have prerequisite or approval by Program Director. Prerequisite: DENH 5050. Course Fees: Practicum fee $10 per hour.

DENH 5015. Public Health Practicum. 4 Credit Hours.

This course is an opportunity to gain experience with oral health care delivery or promotion in a public health area. The course will include planning and execution of a project in the student's individual area of interest .One full day per week requires the Master of Science student to work in a public health setting in San Antonio or in their community. A formal agreement must be established with the participating public health clinic prior to the beginning of class. Course Fees: Practicum fee $10 per hour.

DENH 5017. Clinical Teaching Practicum. 4 Credit Hours.

This course is an introduction to clinical instruction. The student will have the opportunity to gain experience in identifying and correcting performance problems relating to direct patient care. Instruction will include seminar and a clinical application session emphasizing the instructor's role as facilitator, role model, and evaluator. This course requires formal agreement with a participating dental hygiene program prior to the beginning of class. (The didactic portion of this course is delivered through CANVAS.) Students must have taken DENH 5050 before registering for this course or get a waiver by the Program Director. Course Fees: Practicum fee $10 per hour.

DENH 5022. Research Apprenticeship. 3 Credit Hours.

This course allows a graduate to review the literature and to design a research project under the direction of a faculty advisor that leads toward thesis research. Students are expected to design a research proposal that prepares them to collect and analyze data for their future thesis project. Prior to registering for this course requires approval from the advanced program director. This course must be completed in its entirety prior to enrolling in Thesis (DENH 6098). Successful completion of core studies for the Master of Science in Dental Hygiene program to include Educational Principles and Applications, Research Principles and Applications, Biostatistics, Research Ethics, and Professional Communication.

DENH 5024. Professional Communication. 3 Credit Hours.

This course is designed to help the student develop concepts of professional communication including verbal, visual, and writing skills using state-of-the-art communication resources. Within an interactive topic and computer laboratory format, the students is expected to produce a series of scientific writings, abstracts, annotated bibliographies, and a term paper/research report in the form of a review of the literature. Open for Cross Enrollment on Space Available Basis.

DENH 5025. Dental Hygienist Role in the Management of Elder Abuse. 3 Credit Hours.

This course will allow the learner to acquire the skills and knowledge to recognize the mistreatment of elders. First, the various types of elder abuse will be identified followed by a discussion of the prevalence of abuse. Next, case study application will direct the learner in recognizing the risk factors and signs of elder abuse. The legal requirement and major ethical dimensions for the dental hygienist to report abuse will be explored, and an explanation of required abuse documentation will be provided. Finally, techniques for the dental hygienist may work effectively with law enforcement will conclude this course.

DENH 5026. Research Principles & Application. 3 Credit Hours.

This course is designed to provide the student with an opportunity to expand research knowledge. The course will consist of an in depth study of the research process, its contexts, design, data collection and communication techniques. All students are expected to complete assigned readings and participate in on-line discussions and activities that will complement principles covered in assignments. Students must be accepted into the Master of Science in Dental Hygiene program to take this course.

DENH 5027. The Summer Institute In Aging. 3 Credit Hours.

This course is an intensive interdisciplinary service-learning study of the assessment, health promotion, disease prevention, and treatment of the aging person. The course will examine physical, mental, emotional, legal, cultural, and social aspects of gerontology. The course is also designed to encourage the learner to reflect on the impact of the elderly on society, the impact to the dental hygiene profession, and the learner on a personal level. Acceptance into the Master of Science in Dental Hygiene Program is required to take this course.

DENH 5028. Public Health Policy. 3 Credit Hours.

This course will provide the learner with and overview of American Public health policy, and the changes in policy as a result of international and national initiatives. Included in the course is the evolution of oral health public policy in the United States. Many resources will be explored to gain understanding of the process of policy development. The student will locate current event articles that discuss topics in the reading. Capstone projects vary from researching and submitting a public policy paper or white paper on a topic pertinent to the coursework. Acceptance into the Master of Science in Dental Hygiene Program is required before taking this course.

DENH 5036. Health Promotion. 3 Credit Hours.

This course is designed to provide learners a theoretical framework for defining health promotion and set the foundation for students to see potential for health promotion in their work. Topics in this course will use evidence based practice to reflect health promotion theories, prevention, risk assessment, health education, and health policy. Additionally, interventions and strategies will be used to effectively evaluate the determinants of health and the outcomes of individuals, families, groups and communities. Student must be accepted into the Master of Science in Dental Hygiene Program to take this course.

DENH 5050. Educational Principles and Application. 3 Credit Hours.

This course is designed to promote high standards of teaching excellence by providing the learner with research based methods, policies, and practices for being an effective higher education teacher. The course will focus on all aspects of teaching: learning theories, course design, teaching methods and learning experiences, course management, and assessment. Specific emphasis will be on developing significant learning experiences for students. Gaining a better understanding of the design process will empower teachers to be more creative and effective in providing significant learning opportunities for students. Through this course, students will apply information gained and ultimately develop a personal educational statement. Acceptance into the Master of Science in Dental Hygiene Program is required to take this course.

DENH 5091. Special Topics in Dental Hygiene. 1-9 Credit Hours.

Students will be given an opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of selected topics through seminars, conferences, projects, or other appropriate learning methods.

DENH 5903. Organizational Leadership. 3 Credit Hours.

The purpose of this course is to present foundational principles and theory relating to organizational leadership, communication strategies and behaviors, management of change, decision-making, and other essential elements of leadership. The course will provide students with general information relating to organizational theory, principles and styles. Additional topics will include leadership in educational organizations to include external and internal factors affecting leaders, program planning and as an elective and is open to all advanced education students enrolled in either the B.S. or M.S. Dental Hygiene Program and graduate students in other Health Professions Programs.

DENH 5924. Biostatistics. 3 Credit Hours.

This course is an introduction to biostatistics. Emphasis is upon application of statistical methods to biological problems. Topics include descriptive statistics, probability, hypothesis testing, and estimation.

DENH 5926. Preclinical Teaching Practicum. 4 Credit Hours.

This course is an introduction to concepts of preclinical instruction. Instruction will include seminar and laboratory application sessions emphasizing theories of psychomotor skill development; diagnosis of performance problems; provision of feedback; identification of cognitive, psychomotor, and affective behaviors; and faculty calibration. This course requires formal agreement with a participating dental hygiene program prior to the beginning of class. (The didactic portion of this course is delivered through Canvas.) Prerequisites: DENH 5050 and DENH 5010. Course Fees: Practicum fee $10 per hour.

DENH 6091. Independent Study. 1-3 Credit Hours.

This course includes independent reading, research, discussion, project, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. The course may be repeated for credit. Student must be accepted into the Master of Science in Dental Hygiene Program before taking the course.

DENH 6098. Thesis. 1-9 Credit Hours.

The first goal of this course is admit the student to candidacy in the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS) in order that they may begin individual research. The research is supervised by the Thesis Committee of selected faculty. The Thesis Chair will have the primary responsibility of supervising student progress. By conducting an individual research project, collecting and analyzing the data, and developing conclusions based on that data the student will understand the research process. Students will be mindful of the ethical issues associated with human subject and conduct the research under the guidelines of the University of Texas Health Science Center's Internal Review Board (IRB) guidelines. Students who successfully complete the research project with an oral presentation of their findings and submission of a manuscript to a peer reviewed journal or write a thesis will conclude their studies and graduate. The student has an option of submission of a manuscript in the form of writing a full thesis. The thesis option must meet the guidelines of the GSBS. Student must have completed 30 hours of core and elective courses, DENH 5022 Research Apprenticeship in the MS in Dental Hygiene program before taking the course.

INTD 5023. Research Ethics. 1 Credit Hour.

The goal of this course is to provide the Master's student an opportunity to gain the essential standards necessary for training and education approved by the National Institute of Health. This course links to the web-based NIH Clinical Research Training On-Line Course http://www.cc.nih.gov/training/training/crt/infor.html for Principal Investigators that is required for all individuals conducting research. This course is open to current Health Science Center students. Open for Cross Enrollment on Space Available Basis.

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