Application Deadline: May 1
Credit hours: 38
Next Term Start Date: August 26
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Overview
Academic Calendar
Admission Criteria
Career Outlook
Curriculum
Faculty
Testimonials
Advance your career in dental hygiene education through this industry leading graduate program.
Ohio State’s online Master of Science in Dental Hygiene program focuses on individualized educational and field experiences, combined with a substantive core curriculum that gives dental hygienists the knowledge and experience to teach in a dental hygiene program. This online master’s program is designed for students who are licensed dental hygienists and who have earned an undergraduate degree in dental hygiene. The courses expand on dental hygiene knowledge, education methodology, and research analysis, and provide the theory and practice of laboratory, pre-clinical, and clinical dental hygiene instruction. Students are provided with a very personalized experience throughout this program that includes close faculty attention and support, beginning with an on-campus, in-person orientation to get to know their instructors, peers, and available resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers we hope you find helpful. Please know that our team of Academic Enrollment Advisors are always ready to connect and answer any questions that are specific to your unique needs.
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"Because of the courses that I took in this master’s program, I got a great foundation for how to teach dental hygiene and was able to get an adjunct teaching position at a local college."
Amy Shah Master of Science in Dental Hygiene Graduate
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"Making oral health matter through learning, discovery, and innovative patient care and service."
The Ohio State University College of Dentistry – Vision Statement
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"As one of the largest public dental colleges in the United States, Ohio State offers broad and unique opportunities for hygiene students."
Piper Sullivan Dental Hygiene Program
Related Content
Related Content
Academic Calendar
The Ohio State Online Master of Science in Dental Hygiene program accepts new students for the Autumn term every year.
Academic Calendar
The Ohio State Online Master of Science in Dental Hygiene program accepts new students for the Autumn term every year.
Autumn 2025
Application Deadline
May 1, 2025
Term Start Date
August 26, 2025
Apply
Application deadline if applying for funding
U.S. applicants:
February 15, 2025
International applicants:
November 30, 2024
Learn More
Special Information
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed by our admissions committee.
Additional Test Score Requirements: Successful licensure as a registered Dental Hygienist in the United States required.
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Admission Criteria
- Baccalaureate degree in dental hygiene, or an associate degree from an accredited dental hygiene program and a baccalaureate degree in a related field
- Overall GPA of 3.0 or higher in undergraduate education and a minimum of 3.0 in the dental hygiene major
- A current dental hygiene license
The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement, also known asSARA, establishes uniform standards for distance education for all participating states and institutions. Ohio State joined SARA in 2015, which means Ohio State can offer most online and on-ground courses and programs inSARA member states,districts and territories without seeking authorization in each state.
Career Outlook
A Master of Science in Dental Hygiene opens up various career opportunities beyond traditional clinical practice. Graduates can pursue roles in education, research, administration, public health, and industry. Here are some potential career paths and job prospects for someone with a Master of Science in Dental Hygiene:
1. Education:
- Dental Hygiene Educator/Instructor: Teaching dental hygiene students in academic settings, such as colleges, universities, and dental schools. Responsibilities include lecturing, clinical supervision, and curriculum development.
- Program Director: Overseeing dental hygiene programs, including curriculum design, accreditation processes, faculty management, and student recruitment.
2. Research:
- Dental Hygiene Researcher: Conducting research on oral health, dental hygiene practices, preventive care, and patient outcomes. This role may involve working in academic, governmental, or private research settings.
- Clinical Research Coordinator: Managing and coordinating clinical trials related to dental health and hygiene products or interventions.
3. Administration and Management:
- Healthcare Administrator: Managing dental clinics, community health programs, or other healthcare facilities with a focus on oral health services.
- Public Health Program Manager: Leading public health initiatives focused on oral health promotion, disease prevention, and community education.
4. Public Health:
- Public Health Dental Hygienist: Working in public health organizations to promote oral health, develop community outreach programs, and address disparities in access to dental care.
- Health Policy Analyst: Analyzing and developing policies related to oral health, dental hygiene practices, and public health initiatives.
5. Industry:
- Dental Product Developer/Consultant: Working with dental product companies to develop, test, and promote new dental hygiene products. This may include roles in product development, clinical trials, and marketing.
- Corporate Educator/Trainer: Providing education and training for dental professionals on behalf of dental product companies or healthcare organizations.
6. Advocacy and Consulting:
- Oral Health Advocate: Working with non-profit organizations, government agencies, or advocacy groups to promote oral health initiatives and influence public policy.
- Consultant: Offering expertise to dental practices, healthcare organizations, or educational institutions on improving dental hygiene practices, curriculum development, or patient care.
7. Advanced Clinical Practice:
- Specialized Dental Hygienist: While clinical roles are typically associated with undergraduate degrees, those with a master’s may focus on advanced or specialized areas of practice, such as periodontics or geriatric oral health.
8. Writing and Communication:
- Dental Health Writer/Editor: Writing or editing content related to dental health and hygiene for textbooks, professional journals, online platforms, or patient education materials.
- Continuing Education Provider: Developing and delivering continuing education courses for dental hygienists and other dental professionals.
Curriculum
The MS program consists of courses in education, research and leadership, and includes a thesis and internship. In total, this MSDH program requires 38 semester hours and typically takes four semesters (approximately 2 years) to complete. Campus Requirements:Courses are 100% online however, students are required to attend one on-campus, in-person orientation prior to the start of the programtypically near the end of July or early Augustto meet the cohort and faculty, as well as connect with university and college resources.If coming to campus to connect with the new cohort of students presents an exceptional hardship, exceptions can be made.
Understanding Online Course Types
As you research the right online program for you, you likely will come across the terms “asynchronous” and “synchronous.” Learn what these terms mean and how they’re important to consider when understanding how a program will fit into your life.
Learn More
Program Faculty
The Ohio State University College of Dentistry is proud to offer the only dental school-based dental hygiene program in Ohio.
Rebecca P. Henderson, BSDH, MS
Interim Chair & Associate Professor – Clinical
Rebecca Henderson began a full-time faculty appointment in 2016, but originally joined The College of Dentistry faculty part-time in 2006 as an assistant professor. In addition to her time as an educator, from 2001-2016 she practiced clinical dental hygiene and facilitated the marketing and continuing education programs in a private specialty Periodontics and Dental Implant practice.
Irina A. Novopoltseva MS, BSAs, RDH
Assistant Professor – Clinical
Rachel Kearney, BSDH, MS
Associate Professor
Jamie Bishop, BSDH, MDH
Assistant Professor
Testimonials
Don’t just take our word for it. Hear what Master of Science in Dental Hygiene alumni are saying about Ohio State Online’s MSDH program.
"The graduate courses I took were designed to get an early start on [my thesis] research and to continue working on the thesis process in subsequent courses until I had a finished product. I loved so much how this process worked that I’ve replicated it with the capstone groups I mentor."
Holly Erenfeld Master of Science in Dental Hygiene
"Personally, my master’s degree has helped me reach my goals in academia and gain leadership positions. One of my coworkers was interested in getting her master's degree and I’ve talked so much about the online program at Ohio State that she’s currently enrolled!"
Holly Erenfeld Master of Science in Dental Hygiene
Get Started
Speak with a knowledgeable Enrollment Advisor who can help answer your questions and explain different aspects of the more than 70 online degrees and certificates offered at Ohio State.
Contact an Enrollment Advisor
