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Admission Criteria

program overview

The Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) Dental Hygiene Program provides the education and clinical experience needed to prepare graduates for licensure as dental hygienists.

  • Program length: 2 years (including summer classes)
  • Class size: 30 students admitted each fall semester
  • Schedule: Courses meet five days per week


Test Requirements

NEW REQUIREMENTS – Please review carefully before applying.

  • TEAS Exam: Composite score of 50 or above required.
  • TOEFL Exam (for applicants whose first language is not English):
    • Minimum score: 600 (paper) or 200 (Internet‑based).
    • Offered only at select sites/dates in Missouri.
    • Applicants must arrange their own testing.
    • Contact the ACTS office for scheduling assistance

Admission Requirements

Applicants must complete all prerequisites with a grade of C or better by the end of the spring semester prior to program entry.

    • Prerequisite Courses:
      • COMM 100: Oral Communications
      • ENG 101: College Composition (WI)
      • MATH 030: Intermediate Algebra (or higher)
      • BIO 121: Human Anatomy & Physiology I (or BIO 201/BIO 301)
      • BIO 221: Human Anatomy & Physiology II
      • BIO 231: General & Medical Microbiology
      • CHEM 121 & 122: Chemistry for Allied Health Sciences (or CHEM 140/141)
    • Additional Requirements
      • Minimum GPA: 3.00
      • TEAS exam score: 50+
      • TOEFL score (if applicable): 600 paper / 200 iBT
      • Clinical job shadowing: Minimum of 16 hours
      • Application submission deadline: March 31

Note: Science prerequisites must have been completed within 5 years of applying. If a passing grade is not achieved after two attempts in any prerequisite course, the applicant will not be considered.


Application Criteria