Master of Science in Dental Hygiene

 

Master's Program Director: Mary Jacks, RDH, M.S. jacks@uthscsa.edu

 

Mission

The mission of the Department of Dental Hygiene is to promote wellness by improving oral health in local, regional, national and international communities through innovative learner-centered education, quality service and patient care, and integrated research.

 

Program description

The UT Health Science Center at San Antonio Master of Science in Dental Hygiene degree prepares the graduate to assume positions of responsibility beyond those of the baccalaureate graduate and to provide a foundation for doctoral level study. The program is student-centered, individualized and flexible. The faculty is committed to facilitating the development of creative, thinking professionals who are competent to pursue careers in teaching, public/community health care, and research.  Self-evaluation and self-direction are encouraged throughout the program. Students have the opportunity to share their experiences, knowledge and skills, work cooperatively with colleagues, and explore a variety of resources to help them reach their maximum potential as health care professionals.

 

Program Goals

1. Provide graduates with the skills to assume leadership roles in academics, rural and community health settings, research, professional associations and commercial industry.
2. Prepare educators for faculty positions in entry level dental hygiene programs, thereby alleviating the national shortage of dental hygiene faculty.
3. Add to the body of knowledge of dental hygiene through student, graduate, and faculty generated scholarly activity.

About the distance education program

Distance education is learning that takes place in locations other than the traditional classroom environment.  It allows greater learner flexibility in the hours chosen to participate in gaining new knowledge.  The 36 credit hour graduate program may be completed on a full or part- time basis, and requires a minimum of 1 ½ - 2 academic years for full-time students and a maximum of 6 years for part-time students.   Six of the 36 credit hours may be transferred from another institution.

 

Program Information

For information of interest to master's of science applicants including admissions, tuition and fees, and curriculum, please see the School of Health Professions Welcome Center.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q. What are the requirements for admission?

A. There are three requirements for admission:

1. Completion of a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) approved Dental Hygiene program with a 3.0 GPA.
2. Hold an RDH license
3. Submission of satisfactory GRE or MAT scores
4. Completion of on-line application and all supporting documentation

Clearance of a criminal background check will be required following acceptance to the program.

 

Q. Where do I apply for admission?

A. UTHSCSA uses the on-line Texas Common Application.

 

Q. Do I need to be a licensed dental hygienist to enter this program?

A. Yes, a state license is required in the U.S. or Canada.

 

Q. What is the application deadline?

A. The application and all supporting documents must be received by Feb 1 for the fall term .

 

Q. Are classes offered on-line?

A.  Yes, in January 2009 the Texas Coordinating Board approved this program for on-line delivery.  While all didactic courses are offered on-line, students who wish to gain experience with clinical teaching may have the opportunity to work with other dental hygiene schools that will allow students to complete clinical teaching on their campus. 

 

Q. Will I have to travel to San Antonio?

A. Yes, occasional trips to San Antonio may be necessary.  The faculty at UTHSCSA feels it is in the student’s best interest to establish the feeling of ‘belonging’ to a program.   Therefore, you will likely be asked to visit early in the program, during the middle, and at the conclusion to explain your research project.

 

 Q.  What are the fees?

A.  Texas residents should see the list of fees posted http://shpwelcome.uthscsa.edu/.    For out of state students the cost is $200/credit hour, rather than the traditional out of state tuition. 

 

Q. What is the admission selection process?

A. Upon completion of the application, personal statement and resume, and reference letters, the School of Heath Professions Council on Graduate Studies will recommend qualifying students to the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences for admission.  Selection is a competitive process; decisions are based on a composite of the applicant's overall professional and academic ability. The University recognizes the value of diversity and is committed to providing appropriate support to its student body.

 

Q. Who will advise me regarding the application process?

A.  The School of Health Professions Welcome center was created to answer questions regarding pre-requisite courses and admissions policies.

 

Q. Who will advise me during my studies?

A. It is the responsibility of the program director of offer advising sessions during the course of study.

 

Q. Do I have to attend full-time?

A. You can take course work on either a full-time or a part-time basis.

 

Q. Can graduate courses from other programs be transferred?

A. Yes, you can transfer up to 6 credit hours from other programs.