Dental Education
Undergraduate Programs
Description
The dental hygiene curriculum is designed to provide opportunities for the student to develop a sound clinical and theoretical foundation for the practice of dental hygiene. The graduate is prepared to work in a variety of settings and roles including clinical practice, corporate, public health, research, education, and administration as put forth by the American Dental Hygienists’ Association.
The Dental Hygiene BS has two options. A clinical on-campus program and an online program. See department admission standards for details.
Majors |
Program | Locations | Major / Total Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Hygiene BS | BS - Bachelor of Science |
|
81 / 120 |
Policies & Faculty
Policies
ON-CAMPUS CLINICAL PROGRAM
Admission to Program
This clinical on-site program helps students achieve their Bachelors of Science in Dental Hygiene. Application for admission to the Dental Hygiene program is a separate process in addition to being admitted to the University. It is highly recommended to meet with an academic advisor to formulate a plan of study early on in your education. Requirements for application for admission to the dental hygiene program include:
- A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.9 or above on a 4.0 scale is required. Applicants without at least a 2.9 GPA will not be eligible for program admission.
- Minimum of a “C” letter grade in all prerequisite courses
Contact the department or Dental Hygiene advisor for application procedures
The application is due January 15 for acceptance in the fall. Qualified applicants are accepted primarily based on academic achievement in prerequisite courses with an emphasis placed on the science prerequisites. Selection is given to qualified persons regardless of their race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, qualified disability or military involvement. Equal opportunity for admission is given to all qualified applicants.
Upper-Division Courses: Registration for 300-level and 400-level courses are restricted to students admitted to the program.
P/N Grading and GPA Policy: All prerequisite courses required for Dental Hygiene must be taken for a letter grade with the exception of DHYG 100. Students must receive a letter grade of “C” or higher in all prerequisite courses. A grade of “D” or “F” in any prerequisite courses will disqualify a student’s application and will result in academic suspension from admission to the program in which the student’s placement will be forfeited and given to an alternate qualified applicant. Once accepted to the program, a grade of “D” or “F” in any Dental Hygiene course will result in academic suspension from the program.
Transfer Students: It is possible for students to complete required prerequisites for the Dental Hygiene program at another college or university and transfer to Minnesota State University, Mankato. Please contact an academic advisor to develop a transfer pathway prior to applying for the Dental Hygiene program.
Costs: At the beginning of the program students will be required to purchase scrubs and lab coats, two kits of instruments and specialized supplies for use during the program. The first installment of the kit fee is attached to DHYG 313 in the fall of the junior year. The second installment of the kit fee is attached to DHYG 331 in the spring of the junior year. Upon acceptance to the program a deposit towards the first kit fee is required. Students are required to pay for mandatory CPR certification training at the beginning of the first semester of the Dental Hygiene program.
Health Considerations: Dental hygienists are at risk for exposure to blood borne pathogens (BBP). Accepted students are highly encouraged to be vaccinated against Hepatitis B and will also to have their blood tested following any exposures to BBP through needle sticks, cuts or splashes that occur at the Minnesota State Mankato Dental Clinic or any off-site clinical sites. Accepted students are required to have a tuberculosis test (Mantoux) prior to starting the fall semester.
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ONLINE DENTAL HYGIENE (BS)
This program is for licensed dental hygienists or students currently enrolled in a 2-year degree dental hygiene program in order to earn their bachelor’s degree. All dental hygiene course credits from a program accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA) Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) will apply for the degree.
Admissions Requirements:
- Successful completion of a Dental Hygiene program accredited by CODA or current enrollment in such a program.
- Submit copy of a current dental hygiene license - either at time of application or upon completion of an accredited 2-year degree Dental Hygiene program.
- A minimum grade point average of 2.0
Student must work with the Online Dental Hygiene Coordinator to develop a plan to meet program requirements.
Contact Information
120 Clinical Sciences Building
Main Department (507) 389-1313Online Dental Hygiene (BS) Coordinator (508) 389-1041
https://ahn.mnsu.edu/academic-programs/dental-education/
Faculty
Chair
- Brigette Cooper
Online Dental Hygiene (BS) Coordinator
- Julie Dittrich
Administrative Assistant
- Laura Cardwell
Clinic Manager
- Kasey Golombiecki
Faculty
100 Level
Credits: 1
This course will give the student an introduction to Dental Hygiene as a profession and career. Exploration of dental hygiene practice and an overview of the dental hygiene curriculum and conceptual framework will be covered.Prerequisites: none
200 Level
Credits: 2
Head and Neck Anatomy is the study of the hard and soft tissues of the head and neck including bones, muscles, nerves, blood supply, glands and how they function. Oral Histology is the study of cells and cell layers which compose basic tissues, oral mucosa, gingival and dentogingival tissues, orofacial structures, enamel, dentin and pulp.Prereq: Admission into the Dental Hygiene ProgramPrerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Pharmacology is the study of drugs used in dentistry or medicine for the treatment, prevention and diagnosis of disease.Prerequisites: BIOL 220, CHEM 106 or CHEM 111
Credits: 2
This course includes the study of the permanent, mixed and primary dentitions including each individual tooth's morphology, function and occlusion.Prerequisites: none
300 Level
Credits: 3
This course includes an introduction to dental terminology and clinical aspects of dental hygiene treatment including care and use of equipment/instruments, infection control and preparation of patient records.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
This course will teach the operative techniques needed to perform oral prophylactic procedures and health education through laboratory/clinical practice.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
This course includes production of dental radiographs, physics of x-radiation, biologic effects, interpretation, processing, mounting, and laboratory practice on mannequins and patients. Special attention is given to infection control, safety precautions, and patient selection.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 2
This course is the first of two courses that studies the fundamental elements, purposes and uses of dental materials in the modern dental office. In addition it will give the dental hygiene student a fundamental understanding and skill level of basic dental assisting techniques utilized in the dental office.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 2
This course is the second of two courses that studies the fundamental elements, purposes and uses of the materials used in the modern dental office. The student will develop laboratory or clinical competency in functions using dental materials that are legal duties for Minnesota dental hygienists.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 2
This course will include a study of supporting tooth structures, identification, classification, etiology, progression and treatment of periodontal diseases.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 2
This course will study the normal anatomical features from intraoral and extraoral radiographs. Students will then use this knowledge to intrepret what is seen on radiographs to discern normal from abnormal. Intrepretation of dental caries, periodontal disease and pathology are among the topics this course will cover.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Oral Embryology encompasses development of human body from conception through birth, with a focus on development of the face and hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity. Oral Pathology addresses the causes and mechanisms of disease with special emphasis on common oral lesions and neoplasms, stressing their etiology and clinical manifestations.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 2
This course provides an opportunity for dental hygiene students to develop their roles as educators, clinicians, consumer advocates, change agents, researchers, and administrators in a clinical setting.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 2
This course is designed to reinforce topics covered in DHYG 311 through the use of advanced case studies. Emphasis will be placed on evidence-based decision making. Also designed to collaborate with clinic needs as identified in DHYG 331.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 2
This course offers the student continued practice of dental hygiene treatment procedures in the Minnesota State Mankato Dental Clinic.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 1
This course is designed to equip the dental hygiene students with the skills necessary to manage a dental computer software program. A focus on networking, dental resourse codes and insurance protocol will also be covered.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Concepts of Global Citizenship and Intercultural Competency are desired attributes of future health care professionals. Students will self-assess their cultural knowledge in preparation for international travel. Interacting with individuals from different cultural backgrounds will provide the opportunity for students to become aware of their own cultural understanding and improve critical thinking and interpersonal skills. Through travel and experiential learning, the students will begin to develop the capacity to identify, discuss and reflect upon the ethical challenges presented in political, social, and personal lives to understand diverse world views of social justice and common good.Prerequisites: none
Diverse Cultures: Gold
400 Level
Credits: 1
This course is designed to be a study of the fundamental elements, purposes, and uses of local anesthesia for the dental hygienist.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
This course offers the student continued practice of dental hygiene treatment procedures in the Minnesota State Mankato Dental Clinic. It includes several mandatory off-campus experiences.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 1
This course focuses on clinical procedures, educational techniques and legal and ethical issues as they apply to the patient- dental hygiene provider relationship.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 1
The course is designed to be a study of the fundamental elements, purposes and uses of nitrous oxide sedation in the practice of dental hygiene. This course meets the educational criteria established by the Minnesota Board of Dentistry.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
This course introduces second year dental hygiene students to the disciplines and basic principles of community dental health, epidemiologic methods and biostatistical measurement analysis. Preventive oral health measures and program development is included to provide a background for the practical application of dental public health methods to the community.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
This course introduces second year dental hygiene students to the disciplines and basic principles of community dental health, epidemiologic methods and biostatistical measurement analysis. Preventive oral health measures and program development is included to provide a background for the practical application of dental public health methods to the community. This course is an upper division writing intensive course for the traditional dental hygiene program.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 1
This course focuses on legal and ethical issues as applied to the patient dental hygiene provider relationship.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 2
Didactic and clinical study of etiology, diagnosis, preventive and therapeutic procedures involved with periodontal disease.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 1
This course is designed to prepare the dental hygiene student in the use of new technologies in the modern dental office. Students will learn to integrate these new technologies into the teledentistry model.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
This course offers the student continued practice of dental hygiene treatment procedures in the Minnesota State Mankato Dental Clinic. It includes several mandatory off-campus experiences.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 2
This course focuses on the development of a personal sense of responsibility for the well-being and development of one's workplace from an employee perspective.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 2
This course focuses on the role of dental hygiene practitioners in promoting optimal oral health at the individual level and in the community.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 2
The course is designed to provide the dental hygiene practitioner with a survey of common medical disorders that may be encountered in a dental practice. The medical problems are organized to provide a brief overview of the basic disease process, etiology, incidence, prevalence, behavior characteristics, medications and oral manifestations commonly presented by the dental patients. As a result of the accumulation of evidence based research, the dental hygiene practitioner will be provided with an understanding of the disease, recognize the severity of the common medical disorders and make a dental management decision providing the patient with the highest possible level of oral health.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 1
The first of two clinical courses designed to utilize the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation process in a community based setting. This course will address efforts to reduce incidence and severity of oral diseases resulting in improved access to community oral health in complex cases.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 1
This is the second of two clinical courses designed to utilize the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation process in a community based setting. This course will address efforts to reduce incidence and severity of oral diseases resulting in improved access to community oral health in complex cases.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 4
This course meets the requirements of the Minnesota Board of Dentistry for dental hygienists and assistants to legally perform new expanded duties including the placement, contouring and adjustment of amalgam, glass ionomer and composite restorations and the placement and adjustment of stainless steel crowns.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Identify clinical skills and knowledge needed to improve effectiveness as a dental hygienist. Areas addressed: ultrasonic implementation using multiple types of devices, risk factor analysis, comprehensive treatment planning, Periscope (endoscope), carbide/diamond files, advanced instrumentation techniques, patient management, case presentation.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Topics included but not be limited to: advanced practice models to expand oral health services, including restorative procedures; counseling regarding smoking cessation; recent medical advances in the field of dentistry and legal and policy issues currently impacting dental hygiene.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of the impact of emerging dental technology. Topics include dental practice software management, digital radiography, intro-oral cameras, patient education software, lasers in dentistry, and internet information sources for both practitioners and patients.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Leadership preparation in the delivery of oral health care in the public health model. Emphasis will be placed on defining oral health problems and solutions, community planning, implementation and evaluation based on the oral health objectives of Healthy People 2010.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Leadership preparation in the delivery of oral health care in the public health model. Emphasis will be placed on defining oral health problems and solutions, community planning, implementation and evaluation based on the oral health objectives of Healthy People 2010.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Examines educational methods needed for effective dental hygiene instruction. Topics addressed within this course will include learner and context analysis, performance objectives, assessment instruments, instructional strategies, formative and summative evaluations. Emphasis will be placed on competency based instruction.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to first hand experience in providing dental hygiene services through a study abroad opportunity. This course centers on an international week long service learning project in a foreign country. Most of our time and effort will be spent providing dental hygiene treatment. This course will also address ethics, cultural issues, standard of care issues, as well as challenges in providing dental hygiene care in a foreign country.Prerequisites: none
Diverse Cultures: Gold
Credits: 3
Evidence based dental management of patients with medical disorders encountered in dental practice. Provides an overview of basic disease processes, epidemiology, pathophysiology, and accepted medical therapies utilizing human needs model to formulate a dental hygiene care plan.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Combines the sciences and knowledge in the discipline of dental hygiene that permits systhesis and application of periodontal treatment techniques. Surgical and aggressive management of medically compromised periodontal patients will be addressed in this course.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Provides student awareness of the American Dental Hygienists' Research Agenda and prepares students on the methodology of research. Includes strengths and limitations of quantitative and qualitative research methods while developing methodological skills and proficiencies related to research.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Demonstration of oral health delivery in community based clinics embracing oral health promotion efforts as a methodology. Increasing demand for care, dental services and prevention resulting in reduction of oral diseases and improved community oral health.Prerequisites: DHYG 444
Credits: 3
Applies content from Principles of Educational Methods to support the role of dental hygiene educator in didactic and clinical instruction. Active participation in course design, delivery and evaluation in classroom, on-line or clinical format with emphasis on competency based instruction.Prerequisites: DHYG 445
Credits: 2
This course is designed to facilitate critical thinking skills related to drugs used in dentistry and medicine with emphasis placed on the impact of the dental hygiene diagnosis.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 1-6
.Prerequisites: none
