Graduate Degree Programs

Dental Hygiene Education Facts

Master of Science in Dental Hygiene

Offered through a Partnership Between
University of Missouri - Kansas City
Missouri Southern State University

About the Program

This unique program is the product of a partnership between University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC) and Missouri Southern State University (MSSU). Participating students will enroll in classes from both institutions in a fixed rotation. Students can choose to complete the degree either as a full-time and part-time student.

Admissions Qualifications and Requirements

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements for admission to the Master of Science in Dental Hygiene:

• Graduation from an accredited school or program of dental hygiene
• Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
• Satisfactory academic record
• Affiliate with the MSSU Dental Hygiene program

Applications are available online from University of Missouri Kansas City School of Dental Hygiene

Additionally the supplemental application to the Division of Dental Hygiene is available online

Deadline for application is February 1 of each year.

Application Process

Students must complete the following steps:

• Submit application for Graduate Admission to UMKC.
  • Once admitted to UMKC the Graduate Admissions office at UMKC will contact MSSU admissions so the student can be entered into the graduate student system.
• Submit the Division of Dental Hygiene Supplemental Application.
• Submit non-refundable Graduate Dental Hygiene Application fee of $35 to UMKC Department of Dental Hygiene with the supplemental application to the Division of Dental Hygiene.
• Forward official copies of transcripts from all previously attended institutions to the UMKC Graduate office.
• Submit a typed narrative statement (see supplemental application)
• Submit a copy of current dental hygiene license

Mailing address for all of the above items:

UMKC School of Dentistry
Graduate Dental Hygiene Director
650 E. 25th Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64108

Upon review of the required application materials, selected applicants will be contacted for a personal interview with the Graduate Dental Hygiene Admissions Committee. The Admissions Committee will be comprised of faculty from UMKC and one faculty member from MSSU. In the event the applicant is not applying for the Collaborative UMKC/MSSU Master of Science in Dental Hygiene Degree Program only, UMKC faculty on the committee will conduct the interview.

The deadline for application is February 1, for classes beginning in the Fall semester of each year. Basic knowledge and experience in conducting research is gained through related course work in the program and the completion of a research project for both the thesis and non-thesis option. Teaching experiences may be gained through clinical and classroom teaching responsibilities with dental hygiene and /or dental students. The opportunity for a teaching externship at another dental hygiene institution is available to graduate students who meet the established criteria

Tuition and Fees:

Students accepted to the Collaborative UMKC/MSSU Master of Science in Dental Hygiene Degree Program will pay UMKC Graduate tuition and fees.

• Non-resident students who take six (6) credit hours or less will pay the Resident tuition rate.
• Non-resident students who take over six (6) credit hours will pay Non-resident tuition rate.
• Current Tuition and fees can be accessed online
• Current estimated tuition costs for the Graduate Dental Hygiene program

Students will pay tuition and fees to the University in which they are enrolled in a given semester. Enrollment is subject to the drop policy of the respective University. Students with questions about payment of tuition and fees should contact :
Missouri Southern 417-625-9841 or email hughes-a@mssu.edu.
University of Missouri - Kansas City 1-800-499-UMKC.

Financial Aid

Students who wish to apply for financial aid for graduate programs offered in coordination with UMKC should complete the free application for federal student aid (FAFSA) and list the Missouri Southern University school code (002488). Students may access the FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Following is the rate at which financial aid will be distributed:

5 to 8 hours  part-time aid
9 or more hours full-time aid

For more information about financial aid for the Collaborative UMKC/MSSU Master of Science in Dental Hygiene Degree Program , please contact the MSSU Financial Aid Office.

MSSU will process financial aid for students even in those semesters that they enroll strictly with UMKC. A consortium agreement will be used between the Universities to maintain financial aid status for the students.

UMKC students who take a course offered by MSSU will have their financial aid processed through UMKC and are responsible for paying MSSU for courses taken.

Registration and Records

Students enrolled in the Collaborative UMKC/MSSU Master of Science in Dental Hygiene program will enroll for courses through UMKC or MSSU depending on institution offering the course. Enrollment will take place through consultation with each respective Graduate Dental Hygiene (UMKC or MSSU). Students should contact 417-625-9328 or spurlin-b@mssu.edu.

Records of academic work completed are kept by both UMKC and MSSU. Students may visit the MSSU Registrar’s Office in Hearnes Hall 200 or request a transcript online.

MSSU students with questions about records and transcripts should contact Cheryl Dobson at 417-625-9389 or Dobson-c@mssu.edu.

Degree Audits for graduation from the Collaborative UMKC/MSSU Master of Science in Dental Hygiene program will be done by the Graduate Dental Hygiene Advisor on the MSSU campus.

As required by statute and MOU the diploma issued for the Collaborative UMKC/MSSU Master of Science in Dental Hygiene program this joint cooperative degree program will contain the names and seals of both institutions.

Curriculum/Degree Requirements:

The Collaborative UMKC/MSSU Master of Science in Dental Hygiene program is a total of 36 credit hours. The 36 hours for either the thesis or the non-thesis option may be completed on a full or part-time basis. A minimum of two academic years is required for full-time students. In addition, a professional scientific table clinic presentation at the Midwest Dental Conference is required for graduation. Due to the uniqueness of this program, prospective applicants will need to contact the School of Health Sciences, Public Safety and Technology Dean’s office for advising.

Requirements for Graduation:

1. A minimum of a 3.0 GPA
2. Successful completion of 36 credit hours with a thesis or non-thesis option.
3. Successful completion of a project of original research.
4. All other requirements for graduation as stated in the General Academic Regulations and Information section of the UMKC General Catalog.
5. Prepare and present a table clinic at the Midwest Dental Conference during the Spring semester.

Advising procedures/information:

Students enrolled in the Cooperative MSSU / UMKC program will have enrollment for courses that take place through MSSU Graduate Dental Hygiene Advisor.
Students should contact Dr. Tia Strait at 417-625-3155 or strait-t@mssu.edu.

Miscellaneous Items:

If MSSU is closed due to inclement weather then there will be no classes. Likewise if UMKC is closed, there will be no classes. MSSU will post their closings on the MSSU web site. UMKC will post their closings on the UMKC web site

Students in the Collaborative UMKC/MSSU Master of Science in Dental Hygiene program will have an email address from both institutions as well as access to both institution’s Blackboard sites.

Graduates from the Cooperative Master of Science in Dental Hygiene will participate in the commencement ceremonies on Missouri Southern State University campus.

All students affiliated with MSSU will be required to have their research projects approved by a member of the UMKC dental hygiene graduate faculty. Faculty at MSSU will serve as the primary mentor(s) of the research project for their affiliated students.

3950 Newman Road
Joplin, MO 64801-1595
(417) 625-9300
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