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.
- Unlimited attempts allowed.
- Prep materials available online.
- Schedule through the ATI Testing site or contact the Student Success Office 417‑625‑9577.
- 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.
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- 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: Anatomy & Physiology I & II must have been completed within 5 years of applying. Prerequisite courses can only be taken a maximum of 2 times, and MSSU will accept the higher grade. If a student withdraws ("w") from any course listed in prerequisite courses, it will not count as an attempt.
Application Criteria
