Master of Science in Dental Hygiene (MS)

Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene

Location: Online
Start Term: Fall

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

Move Beyond Clinical Practice

This part-time, online master’s degree program is specifically designed for practicing dental hygienists. The program consists of coursework that totals 36-credit hours and culminates in original research and an opportunity to submit your work for publication. As you work towards your master’s, you will build on the knowledge and experience you achieved with your bachelor’s degree. Upon graduation, you will be prepared to advance your career as an educator, administrator, researcher, or public-health professional in a high-demand realm.

Your Master of Science Journey

Core Content

  • learn essentials in public health, health education, health behavior, program planning and evaluation, and health policy
  • study research design, methodology, and data analysis as well as how to prepare a manuscript for publication

Choose between two concentrations:

Education Concentration

  • study adult learning theory and curriculum and course design for health professionals (including a practicum for application of coursework)

Public Health Concentration

  • learn essentials in epidemiology and advanced dental hygiene practice (including a practicum for application of coursework)

Review the curriculum.

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

The MCPHS Dental Hygiene Clinical Experience

Work with a diverse patient population from MCPHS and surrounding communities in one of the nation’s preeminent dental clinics.

Discover Dental Hygiene

$78k median salary

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

Allison Leader

Dental Hygiene Student Donates Stem Cells to Patient in Need

During a stem cell biology class, Allison Leader, DH ’21 learned about bone marrow transplants. When she had the opportunity to donate, she undertook the arduous journey.

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.

Download a Program Fact Sheet

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