Application & Admission Requirements

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

Admissions Requirements

To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00
• Completion of all prerequisite courses with a grade of C or higher
• Minimum of 16 hours of clinical job shadowing experience
• Completion of all prerequisite coursework by the end of the spring semester prior to program entry
• TEAS exam score of 50 or higher
• Review Candidate Technical Standards Requirements

After Acceptance into the program

Students accepted into the Dental Hygiene Program must complete additional requirements prior to enrollment, including:

• Medical consultation with Willcoxon Health Center
• Completion of a physical examination and required health records
• Dental examination
• Required immunizations
• CPR certification at the Healthcare Provider level
• Proof of malpractice and health insurance
• Signed Communicable Disease Policy acknowledgment
• Criminal background check and drug/alcohol screening (at student expense)

Accepted students must also review and submit the Applicant Acceptance of Position Criteria form. A formal acceptance letter and orientation fee must be submitted by the stated deadline.

Transfer Students

Transfer students should consult MSSU Transfer Guides to determine course equivalencies prior to applying.