Dental Hygiene


The mission of the Master of Science in Dental Hygiene program is to educate and graduate dental hygienists who are technically, intellectually and ethically prepared for the upcoming challenges facing the dental profession.

Master of Science in Dental Hygiene


For licensed dental hygienists with a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (or an approved BASDH, BA, or BS degree) seeking a Master of Science in Dental Hygiene.

Earn your graduate degree from the comforts of your home with only two required campus visits!

No additional cost for out-of-state tuition!

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MSDH Program Overview

Applicants must have the following requirements to be eligible for admission:

  • Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • BS in dental hygiene or related area from an accredited dental hygiene program in the U.S. or Canada
  • Successful completion of the Dental Hygiene National Board examination or its Canadian equivalent
  • A current dental hygiene license in the U.S. or Canada

Graduates of the Master of Science in Dental Hygiene program will be able to:

  • Create an electronic portfolio that validates successful attainment of the Eastern Washington University Master of Science in Dental Hygiene Core Competencies.
  • Create an electronic leadership portfolio that demonstrates the skills needed as a leader in the profession and community.
  • Complete a thesis using a scholarly inquiry approach to original research of their own choosing.
  • Use a global perspective to reflect on their ability to meet their full potential as a graduate dental hygienist.

 

Is Online Learning Right for You? Our students find the flexibility of online learning an appealing way to learn from the comfort of their own home. It is an ideal option for dental hygienists who want to continue working. You can expect to spend 2-3 hours per credit, doing homework, taking part in online discussions and completing assignments/projects.

Personal Time Commitment: How much time do you actually have in your schedule to devote to online learning? Use this calendar to evaluate the time you have available to study and participate in class activities. (Used with permission from the University of Michigan Dental Hygiene Program.)

Are You Ready for Online Learning? Online learning requires a high degree of personal motivation and discipline. Complete the Test of Online Learning Success to help determine if you meet the profile of a successful E-Learner.

Technology Skills: E-Learning courses require participants to have a certain level of technology skill. A scheduled online computer skill test is a required component of the admission process. Before applying, take the Technology Pre-Assessment Quiz to help determine if you are ready to participate in an E-Learning program. If you fall short in any areas, local community colleges and adult community education programs offer a variety of computer courses.

The MSDH curriculum is offered ONLINE over four semesters (no summer semester). Students may begin in August or January. The MSDH program can be completed on a part or full-time basis with in-state tuition rates.  Courses are offered online, with two required visits to the EWU Spokane Campus, in Spokane WA.  The first visit is 3 days in the fall and involves patient treatment using advanced clinical techniques and technology. The second visit is required for the thesis defense typically near graduation.  Students are always encouraged to attend the commencement ceremonies, however, this is not mandatory.

Course Catalog | MSDH Curriculum Layout Full Time (PDF)

Students taking the online MSDH program through Eastern Washington University pay the same tuition rate regardless of where they live.

Applicants with questions about eligibility and availability of financial aid are invited to visit the EWU Financial Aid and Scholarships:

Aid & Scholarships

EWU tuition page

Deadlines for application for financial aid are strictly adhered to!

The online Master of Science in Dental Hygiene is for the dental hygienist who wishes to pursue a graduate degree from the comfort of their home.  Our graduates are leaders in academia, administration, public health, corporate, and advocacy.

When comparing a Master in Dental Hygiene degree and a Master of Science in Dental Hygiene degree, the “science” in naming the degree means there is a research component where the student conducts original research. Our graduates with faculty guidance have completed thesis work and published on topics including conducting clinical research, examining educational methodologies, interprofessional projects, and survey studies.

Our graduate faculty are nationally recognized for their contributions as educators, researchers, public health advocates, and leadership to the profession.

 

 

Application Process

Contact the MSDH Program Specialist for advising before applying!

Kasey Clark
Program Specialist
509.828.1317
kclark56@ewu.edu

Advising Tips
  • Please tell us what dental hygiene school you graduated from and when.
  • What state you currently reside in.
  • Please provide unofficial or official transcripts from ALL schools attended for review. You must have university-level English proficiency completed (English 201 equivalent and a minimum of college algebra).
For Canadian applicants

Should apply as domestic students (follow the directions below) well in advance of the semester they intend on starting. However, official transcript evaluations for all courses taken at non-U.S. colleges and universities with English translations of course descriptions are required before they are submitted to EWU.

Complete your graduate application and pay the $125.00 application fee to EWU.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early for financial aid and scholarship consideration.

Please follow the steps included in the acceptance letter from EWU Graduate Studies including:

  • Confirm intent to enroll by logging back into your application (please use the same Login and PIN used to create your application) and click on the confirm attendance button on the review application page. Declare your intent as soon as possible following the date of this letter.
  • Students must use an EWU student email address while they are enrolled. Visit EWU’s iTech website and follow the instructions on the page.
  • Contact the Program Specialist for registration information and for assistance in creating individual program plans.

Supplemental Documents and payment receipts should be sent from your EWU Student Email. Emails from non-EWU student emails will be returned.

  1. Copy of Current Dental Hygiene License
  2. Copy of National Board Scores (visit the American Dental Association website to obtain your National Board Scores)
  3. Pay Liability Insurance (Steps for Paying the 2018-19 Insurance)

Email Supplemental Documents to Kasey Clark at kclark56@ewu.edu.

The Program Specialist sends out course registration information 4-6 weeks before the semester starts via EWU student Eagles email.

It is the policy of EWU when communicating through email to only use student’s EWU Eagles email. Please be aware our program does not send any emails to non-EWU emails once a student’s EWU email account has been set up. NOTE: The Eagles email is easily forwarded to a preferred email account.

CANVAS: Once students register for courses they receive an email from CANVAS to see their online classroom.

CANVAS courses are open on the first day each semester.

Fall Semester Applications (starts in August) are due June 1, 2019.

Spring Semester Applications (starts in January) are due November 15, 2018.

Campus visit dates for Fall 2019 are: September 12-14, 2019.