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Dental Hygiene Program

about the program

MSSU’s Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene prepares you to become a licensed dental hygienist through hands-on clinic experience, rigorous science coursework, and close mentorship from expert faculty. The accredited program offers modern facilities, small class sizes, strong licensure exam pass rates, and opportunities for community outreach and service. Graduates are ready to provide preventive care, patient education, and clinical services in dental offices, public health clinics, and other healthcare settings.


Is the Dental Hygiene Program Right for You?

This program is a great fit for students who are passionate about oral health, enjoy working directly with people, and want a hands-on healthcare career.

This program may be a good fit if you:

  • Are interested in becoming a licensed dental hygienist or working in oral health care
  • Prefer hands-on clinical learning in a supportive environment
  • Want preparation for licensure, public health roles, or advanced study in dental hygiene

What You'll Learn

Dental hygienists are licensed oral health professionals trained to provide preventive care, patient education, and clinical services in dental offices, public health clinics, and other healthcare settings. In this program, you’ll gain hands-on experience with:

  • Oral health assessments
  • Taking radiographs
  • Patient education and counseling
  • Non-surgical periodontal therapy
  • Removal of deposits and stains from teeth
  • Application of sealants and fluoride treatments
dental hygiene student

Careers with a Dental Hygiene Degree

A degree in Dental Hygiene, AS/BS prepares graduates for careers in oral health care, patient education, and preventive dentistry.

Graduates of MSSU’s Dental Hygiene program often work as:
  • Dental hygienist – Provide preventive dental care and patient education
  • Public health dental hygienist – Work in community health settings to promote oral health
  • Clinical educator – Teach and mentor future dental hygiene students
  • Dental office manager or coordinator – Oversee operations in dental practices

Curriculum & Courses

To become a licensed dental hygienist, you must complete an accredited program. MSSU provides two pathways:

Dental hygiene student working with a patient in the MSSU on-campus clinic

Steps to Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Missouri

MSSU student in dental hygiene lab
MSSU student
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Tuition

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Scholarships

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Frequently Asked Questions

Related Programs You Might Like 

  • Nursing (RN): Explore a broader healthcare career while still focusing on patient care and wellness.
  • Radiologic Technology: Learn imaging and diagnostic skills in a hands-on healthcare environment.
  • Respiratory Care: Work directly with patients in breathing and critical care — another hands-on healthcare career.

Contact the Department

Jill Pyle

Program Director
Phone: 
417-625-9600
Fax: 417-625-3078
Email: pyle-j@mssu.edu