Smiling dental hygiene student.

Master of Science in Dental Hygiene (MS)

Location: Online | Start Term: Fall

Advance your career beyond clinical practice with this science-based master’s degree.

Move Beyond Clinical Practice

The Master of Science in Dental Hygiene program is designed for licensed dental hygienists ready to advance their careers in academia, administration/management, public health, and research. The part-time, online format offers the flexibility to balance your work and personal life while completing the program in just two years, culminating in original research and an opportunity to submit work for publication. Graduate prepared to take on leadership roles, regardless of your career path.

Your Journey to Leadership and Impact

Our comprehensive curriculum blends advanced theory with practical application, preparing you for diverse professional roles. The program aligns with the American Dental Education Association Graduate Dental Hygiene Aims and Outcomes, ensuring you receive a high-quality education focused on critical skills:

  • Educational Methodology: Learn to teach and mentor the next generation of dental hygienists.
  • Community Health: Gain the skills to plan and implement public health initiatives that address oral health disparities.
  • Leadership: Develop the leadership skills needed to drive change and work effectively with interprofessional teams.
  • Creation & Dissemination of New Knowledge: Engage in research and contribute to the professional knowledge base through scholarly writing and disseminating new findings.

The program culminates with a Dental Hygiene Practicum, providing you with real-world, hands-on experience in an area of interest. This final experience, combined with the mastery of education, public health, and leadership skills, ensures you graduate ready to make a significant impact on the profession.

The Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene at MCPHS

Ours is the longest continually running dental hygiene program in the country.
two dentist hygiene students working on a patient in the MCPHS dental clinic..

Doing well while doing good

Professional success and personal satisfaction go hand-in-hand for MCPHS dental hygiene graduates.

Ranked #35 / 100 Best Jobs

U.S. News & World Report ranks dental hygienist as one of the best jobs in 2023

#2 Best Master's for Dental Support Services

In the U.S., as ranked by College Factual.

$78k median salary

for dental hygienists according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. News & World Report

Other Pathways to Advance Your Career in Dental Hygiene

Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene — Degree Completion

Part-time online program.

AS to MS in Dental Hygiene Bridge Program

Part-time online program.

Graduate Certificate in Oral Health Professions Education

9-credit online program.

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Download a Program Fact Sheet

Download a program fact sheet for a snapshot of the Master of Science in Dental Hygiene.