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Graduate Programs

Dual-Degree Program (BSDH/MPH)

This program is offered to BSDH students after their first semester in the entry-level BSDH program and requires application and acceptance by the UTHealth School of Public Health (SPH) and approval by the Dental Hygiene Program Director. Concurrent with their dental hygiene coursework, students may take up to five online courses through the SPH that are required to earn a certificate in public health. Once accepted into the MPH program, the student can apply the courses to the MPH degree. Additional information regarding application to and requirements for this program will be presented once students are accepted into the BSDH program.

Master of Science in Dental Hygiene (MSDH)

If you are a dental hygienist with a bachelor’s degree and ready to advance your career, this program will allow you to do so. An MSDH degree opens  opportunities for dental hygienists to teach in dental hygiene programs (especially at universities or dental schools) and prepares graduates for positions in teaching, administration, management and oral health research. The American Dental Education Association reported that 75% of dental hygiene faculty teaching in 2016 were over the age of 40, and that over 50% would be approaching retirement age within 5-10 years, creating a significant need for dental hygiene educators.

The MSDH program consists of 33 credit hours of upper-level course work, and it is a hybrid program that allows students to complete 73% of coursework online. The on-campus courses may be taken at UTSD or at another participating dental hygiene program campus as approved by the Program Coordinator. Students may enroll full- or part-time, but must complete the program within five years. Faculty will work with students to accommodate their individual interests and needs. Click here to read a news story about the new MSDH program.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree (in any field) from a regionally accredited university or college
  • Certificate or associate degree in dental hygiene from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program
  • GPA of 3.0 or higher in your dental hygiene coursework
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (Recommended)
  • License to practice dental hygiene
  • 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, or to get more information, please visit NC-SARA.

Application Deadlines
The application process opens November 1st and closes June 1st, 2024 for entry in August of the same year. Applicants will be notified of their standing by July 1.

Application Requirements
Applications will be processed upon receipt of the following:

  • All official college transcripts
  • One letter of recommendation from your dental hygiene program faculty or employer using the institutional form.
    • Print and fill out your portion of the form and give it to the person writing the recommendation. The person completing the recommendation should send the completed recommendation form to the registrar. The official university form must be submitted.

                            Office of the Registrar
                            UTHealth
                            P.O. Box 20036
                            Houston TX 77225-0036

Dental Hygiene Courses

M.S.D.H. Program

2023-2024

Course Title MSDH Course Number Credit Hour Format

Fall 1

Graduate Seminar in Education 1 DHMS 6501 3.0 Online
Introduction to Educational Research DHMS 6502 3.0 Online

Spring 1

Academic Leadership & Communication DHMS 6503 3.0 Online
Clinical Teaching DHMS 6506 3.0 Online

Summer 1

Biostatistics for Dental Professionals DBPG 5352 3.0 Online
Graduate Seminar in Education II DHMS 6505 3.0 Online

Fall 2

Clinical Teaching Practicum* DHMS 6507 4.0 Online
Graduate Seminar in Education III* DHMS 6508 3.0 Online

Spring 2

Education Practicum* DHMS 6509 4.0 Online/Campus
Capstone DHMS 6510 4.0 Online

Summer 2

Capstone Extension DHMS 6510 1.0 Online
*The semester these courses are taken will vary according to the dental hygiene program where the practicum is completed.

Program Costs

For a detailed breakdown of tuition and fees, please visit the Bursar's Office. For a summary of the program cost estimated by Financial Aid, click here.

MSDH Program Cost Estimate 2023-2024

Credit Hours Living Expense Tuition & Fees Resident Tuition & Fees Non-Resident
First Year 12 $26,950 $8,299 $18,235
Second Year 20 $32,340 $11,824 $31,949
Total 32 $59,290 $20,123 $59,184

Financial Aid

The School of Dentistry has a variety of loan and scholarship funds. Funds may be available based on proven financial need and/or academic excellence. More information on financial aid may be obtained from:

Office of Financial Aid

UTHealth
P.O. Box 20036
Houston TX 77225-0036
713-500-3860

Information Session FAQ

Contact Us

Office of the Registrar
UTHealth
P.O. Box 20036
Houston TX 77225-0036
E-mail: [email protected]
Dental Hygiene Program
7500 Cambridge St, Suite 6470
Houston, TX 77054
Phone: 713-486-4084
Fax: 713-486-0410
Email: [email protected]
Office of Student Affairs
School of Dentistry
713-486-4151