Admission to the program is limited.

At Missouri Southern State University the program in Dental Hygiene is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation [and has been granted the accreditation of “approval without reporting requirements”]. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at 312.440.4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago IL 60611.

Upon successful completion of the program, a student receives an Associate of Science degree in Dental Hygiene and is eligible to sit for the National and Regional Board examinations.

Admission Requirements
Admission to Missouri Southern does not automatically grant admission to the Dental Hygiene Program. In addition to meeting admission requirements for the University, candidates must apply for admission to the Department of Dental Hygiene. Applications are reviewed by the Selection Committee for Dental Hygiene. Applicants must submit the necessary information by January 31. Applicants must have an overall GPA of 2.75 to apply or a GPA of 2.50 with an ACT composite score of 25 or better.

Credentials to Apply:

1. Application for admission to dental programs
2. High school transcript (high school seniors should send seventh semester transcript)
3. University transcript(s)
4. ACT Score
5. Evidence of satisfactory completion of the following prerequisites with a  C  or better must be presented:
   • Bio 121 Human Anatomy & Physiology I
   • Eng 101 English Composition
   • Math 030 Intermediate Algebra (or higher)
   • Chem 100 Introductory Chemistry
   • Bio 231 General & Medical Microbiology
   • Bio 221 Human Anatomy & Physiology II
   • Comm 100 Oral Communications
   • Kine 103 Lifetime Wellness

Enrollment is limited by selection and all applicants are admitted contingent upon a criminal record check, random drug testing, and the completion of physical and dental examinations and the rendering of an acceptable health status. Students are admitted to the dental hygiene program only in the fall of each year.

Interested individuals are encouraged to contact the Dental Hygiene Program site you are interested in attending - Joplin (417.625.9379), Rolla and Sikeston (573.472.3710 ext 2157) for more specifc information regarding admissions criteria.