Dental Hygiene Post Licensure (BS)

Summary

A program 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. Program is restricted to licensed dental hygienists and students in a 2-year dental hygiene program. See admission policy for details. 

Catalog Year

2024-2025

Degree

Bachelor of Science

Major Credits

76

Total Credits

120

Locations

Online

Career Cluster

Health Science

This program satisfies licensure-to-practice standards for Minnesota and may satisfy standards for other states or US territories.

Licensure/Certification Disclosure

Update Your Major

Program Requirements

Major Common Core

* a minimum of 16 credits from previous dental hygiene program are transferred and counted toward the major

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

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

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

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

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

This course provides a framework for comprehensive patient-centered care using the Human Needs Conceptual Model to prevent oral disease and to promote health and wellness.

Prerequisites: none

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

Students will discover research and writing careers for dental hygienists. Course will provide awareness of the American Dental Hygienists' Association research agenda. Various research methods will be explored and students will develop skills related to locating and evaluating scientific literature to make evidence-based decisions. Professional writing skills will be developed throughout the course.

Prerequisites: none

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

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

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

Minor

A minor is not required.

4-Year Plan

The 4-Year Plan is a model for completing your degree in a timely manner. Your individual 4-Year plan may change based on a number of variables including transfer courses and the semester/year you start your major. Carefully work with your academic advisors to devise your own unique plan.
* Please meet with your advisor on appropriate course selection to meet your educational and degree goals.

Third Year

Fall - 12 Credits

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

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

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

Students will discover research and writing careers for dental hygienists. Course will provide awareness of the American Dental Hygienists' Association research agenda. Various research methods will be explored and students will develop skills related to locating and evaluating scientific literature to make evidence-based decisions. Professional writing skills will be developed throughout the course.

Prerequisites: none

Spring - 11 Credits

This course provides a framework for comprehensive patient-centered care using the Human Needs Conceptual Model to prevent oral disease and to promote health and wellness.

Prerequisites: none

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

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

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

Fourth Year

Fall - 9 Credits

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

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

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

Policies

  1. Admission Requirements
    1. Successful completion of a program in dental hygiene accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA) Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) or current enrollment in such a program.
    2. A current dental hygiene license – copy submitted at time of application or once obtained if currently enrolled in a dental hygiene program to obtain licensure.
    3. A minimum grade point average of 2.0.
  2. Students will complete a separate application to the program to ensure they meet program admission requirements. Students can start the program fall, spring, or summer semesters.
  3. For the purposes of this program, the 16-credit limit on technical credits will be waived and all previous dental hygiene credits will be accepted. These credits will be applied towards program credits.
  4. The program is a broad major and does not require a minor.
  5. All students in this program must meet university graduation requirements. The program coordinator will review transcripts to evaluate credit for prior learning (CPL) that may be used to meet graduation requirements.
  6. Program policies will apply only to students who meet the admission requirements at Minnesota State University, Mankato, and are admitted into and graduate from this dental hygiene program. Any student who initially starts this program and changes to another program at Minnesota State University, Mankato will forfeit any benefits of these policies.
  7. Courses in the program at Minnesota State University, Mankato must be completed with a grade of C- or higher; courses cannot be taken pass/fail.