Accelerated Degrees in Dental Hygiene
Accelerated Dental Hygiene B.S. to M.S.
This program is taken while completing the B.S. Degree in Dental Hygiene degree on the Pocatello Campus
Students accepted into the accelerated BS to MS pathway may take departmentally approved graduate coursework as part of their undergraduate curriculum. These credits will count towards both their bachelor's and master's degrees and can fulfill major requirements, upper-division requirements, and/or free electives. For details on accelerated programs at Idaho State University, please see Degree Requirements.
For a complete curriculum, refer to the Undergraduate Catalog.
Once accepted into an accelerated degree program, it is strongly recommended for students to stay in close communication with their advisor regarding the pursuit of acceptance into the Graduate School and the master's degree program at Idaho State University. Acceptance into an accelerated program during the bachelor's degree program is the first step in the admissions process. A separate application to the Graduate School is necessary for all accelerated programs. For more information regarding application and admission to the Graduate School at Idaho State University, please see the Graduate Admissions section of the graduate catalog.
This accelerated program provides an opportunity for outstanding bachelor's degree dental hygiene students to complete a fast-track program during the summer and last two semesters of the bachelor's degree program. Students who have a cumulative 3.0-grade point average in their dental hygiene courses and senior standing may complete up to 12 online graduate credits. These credits may be applied to both the undergraduate and graduate programs. Students must be in good academic standing with the Department of Dental Hygiene and Idaho State University and have demonstrated successful completion of upper-division courses in the bachelor's degree dental hygiene program. Please contact the Graduate Program Director regarding acceptance into the Graduate School and the Master of Science Dental Hygiene program.
Graduates of the MSDH program at ISU are prepared to work as educators, leaders, and administrators in academia, public health, corporate settings, alternative work settings, and research development.
Accelerated Dental Hygiene A.A.S./A.S. to M.S.
This accelerated bridge program from an entry-level dental hygiene program to a Master of Science with an emphasis in Dental Hygiene (MSDH) is for registered dental hygienists who have already graduated from an accredited entry-level dental hygiene program and are licensed as Registered Dental Hygienists. This program is offered 100% online. Twelve credits in this program are dual credits meaning they count for both undergraduate and graduate course work creating an accelerated path to the MSDH. Students must be in good academic standing with the Department of Dental Hygiene and Idaho State University and have demonstrated successful completion of upper-division courses in the bachelor's degree dental hygiene program. Please contact the Graduate Program Director regarding acceptance into the Graduate School and the Master of Science Dental Hygiene program. Students who are accepted into the BS Degree Completion program can choose to continue their degree progression to the accelerated M.S. program and follow the GPA requirements of 3.0 once they enter the M.S. accelerated pathway.
For a complete curriculum - refer to the Undergraduate Catalog.
Program Admissions Requirements
Admissions for the program is “open enrollment", students can apply at any time. Applicants must have a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0. Dental hygiene program information regarding current admission criteria and procedures can be obtained from the Dental Hygiene website at https://isu.edu/dentalhygiene/, or directly from the department. Admission to Idaho State University and the AAS/AS to MS Accelerated Pathway is a separate procedure and must be completed prior to submitting an application to the MS in dental hygiene graduate program. The graduate application must be completed prior to starting the dual credit courses listed at the 5000-6000 level. A 3.0 cumulative GPA is required for admissions to the MS in dental hygiene program.
Academic Standards
To enroll in upper division courses with a dental hygiene prefix (DENT), students must be accepted for admission to the dental hygiene AAS/AS to MS accelerated program. To be eligible for graduation and progression in the dental hygiene master’s program, the student must maintain a 3.0 GPA in all course work. Course work for which the student receives a grade below 3.0 will not be accepted as fulfilling requirements for the Master of Science in Dental Hygiene program.
Accelerated Dental Hygiene Graduate Dual Credit
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| DENT 5596 | Graduate Seminar I | 1 |
| DENT 6605 | Program Development and Evaluation | 3 |
| DENT 6610 | Special Care Populations | 3 |
| DENT 6623 | Leadership & Health Policy | 3 |
| Elective Course at the 5000/6000 level (Online) | 2 | |
| Total Credits | 12 | |