Graduate Program

Degree Offered

Master of Science in Dental Hygiene (M.S.)

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Dental Hygiene program is intended to develop dental hygienists to teach and develop dental health programs in a variety of settings, conduct research, and provide care as collaborative dental hygiene practitioners throughout the country. The purpose of this program is to educate students by developing their intellectual and creative skills and capabilities so students may be well-equipped to participate in the world as productive and enlightened individuals.

Master of Science in Dental Hygiene

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Dental Hygiene program follows a four-semester graduate-level curriculum, which begins each year during the fall, spring, or summer semester. Students have the option to enroll on a full- or part-time basis. The program is completed online. The M.S. in Dental Hygiene is offered under Plan I (thesis) and Plan II (non-thesis) options according to the general requirements as specified in the Graduate Program section of this Catalog.

Admission Requirements

Formal admission to UNM is an initial requirement for admission to the M.S. in Dental Hygiene. Application for the program is available through the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) and must be submitted through the ADEA Dental Hygiene Centralized Application Service (DHCAS). The Division of Dental Hygiene recommends acceptance to the program. Graduate Studies offers final determination of admission. The following documentation must be submitted with the program ADEA DHCAS application:

Application to Graduate Studies.
A copy of the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination score.
Proof of a bachelor's degree in dental hygiene or a related field. In the latter case, proof of having completed a certificate or associate dental hygiene program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and a regional accrediting agency is required. Proof should be provided by official college transcripts.
Evidence of an undergraduate overall quality point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Three letters of recommendation.
Interview with Admissions Committee.
A copy of a current American dental hygiene license.
Application fee, payable on the Division of Dental Hygiene Web site.

Deadline: Admission to the M.S. program is rolling, with three application cycles per year. All applicants are notified of their admission status. Selection is given to qualified persons regardless of their race, color, religion, national origin, age, qualified disability or military involvement. Equal opportunity for admission is given to all qualified applicants. For the next admissions deadline, visit the Division of Dental Hygiene Web site.

Advisement sessions are available from the Division of Dental Hygiene. Call the office at (505) 272-8147 for an appointment.

Program Requirements

Satisfactory completion of all courses as listed below.
Students who have completed graduate-level coursework (at a grade of "B" or higher) at an accredited institution other than UNM may apply for the credit(s) to be transferred.
Students must maintain a 3.00 GPA or higher.
Student must complete the Thesis and/or Master’s Examination.
All work toward a Master's degree including transferred coursework must be completed within a seven-year period.
Students must inform their graduate unit and Graduate Studies in writing of their intention to graduate at the end of a particular semester by submitting a “Notification of Intent to Graduate” form.
Unanimous recommendation for graduation by the full-time faculty of the Division of Dental Hygiene and School of Medicine.

Plan I: Thesis

		Credit Hours
Semester 1
DEHY 502	Dental Hygiene Instructional Strategies	3
DEHY 505	Clinical Teaching and Administration	4
DEHY 510	Dental Hygiene Research Methodology	3
Semester 2
DEHY 501	Dental Hygiene Administration	3
DEHY 503	Oral Medicine	3
DEHY 538	Statistics in Dental Hygiene Research	3
Semester 3
DEHY 500	Current Issues in Dental Hygiene	3
DEHY 599	Dental Hygiene Thesis	3
Semester 4
DEHY 504	Dental Hygiene Internship	6
DEHY 599	Dental Hygiene Thesis	3
	Total	34

Plan II: Non-Thesis, Specialty

		Credit Hours
Semester 1
DEHY 502	Dental Hygiene Instructional Strategies	3
DEHY 505	Clinical Teaching and Administration	4
DEHY 510	Dental Hygiene Research Methodology	3
Semester 2
DEHY 501	Dental Hygiene Administration	3
DEHY 503	Oral Medicine	3
DEHY 538	Statistics in Dental Hygiene Research	3
Semester 3
DEHY 500	Current Issues in Dental Hygiene	3
DEHY 560	Nonthesis Project	3
	(Graduate Course from Specialty)	3
Semester 4
DEHY 504	Dental Hygiene Internship	6
	(Graduate Course from Specialty)	3
	Total	37

Plan II: Non-Thesis, Dental Hygiene Practitioner Option

		Credit Hours
Semester 1
DEHY 502	Dental Hygiene Instructional Strategies	3
DEHY 505	Clinical Teaching and Administration	4
DEHY 510	Dental Hygiene Research Methodology	3
Semester 2
DEHY 500	Current Issues in Dental Hygiene	3
DEHY 501	Dental Hygiene Administration	3
DEHY 503	Oral Medicine	3
Semester 3
DEHY 538	Statistics in Dental Hygiene Research	3
DEHY 561	Advanced Dental Hygiene Clinic	6
Semester 4
DEHY 504	Dental Hygiene Internship	6
DEHY 562	Primary Dental Care	3
	Total	7