Master in Dental Hygiene by Top Schools

The field of dental hygiene plays a critical role in promoting oral health, preventing disease, and ensuring access to quality dental care. A Master’s degree in Dental Hygiene offers advanced education and specialized training for licensed dental hygienists who aim to assume leadership roles in clinical practice, education, research, administration, or public health. The programs are designed to equip dental hygienists with the advanced skills and knowledge necessary to address the evolving demands of the oral health care system.

Several leading institutions are recognized for their innovative Master in Dental Hygiene programs, offering specialized curricula, flexible learning options, and unique opportunities for specialization. Among the most prestigious schools offering Master’s programs in Dental Hygiene are Eastern Washington University, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC), Idaho State University, West Virginia University, and the University of Bridgeport.

Eastern Washington University (EWU) offers the Master of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene program, which is designed to educate and graduate highly trained dental hygienists equipped to address modern challenges in oral health care. EWU’s program holds the distinction of being the first approved Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) program for dental hygiene in the United States, reflecting its commitment to innovation and excellence in advanced dental education. As a well-respected institution, Eastern Washington University has also earned recognition from U.S. News & World Report, which has ranked EWU among the top 10 public master’s degree-granting universities in the West. This ranking highlights the university’s strong reputation for quality education, affordability, and academic rigor. The Master’s program at EWU provides students with both the advanced clinical and theoretical foundation necessary to advance in their careers, combining leadership development with evidence-based practice. The program is particularly noteworthy for its focus on leadership and interdisciplinary approaches to dental care, ensuring that graduates are equipped to meet a variety of professional demands in diverse settings.

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) offers a Master in Dental Hygiene (MDH) program specifically tailored for licensed dental hygienists with a baccalaureate degree. The program provides an advanced pathway for dental hygienists to expand their clinical knowledge and leadership abilities, focusing on advanced practice and evidence-based decision-making. UTHSC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), ensuring that its academic programs meet the highest standards of quality and excellence. The MDH program at UTHSC is designed to support dental hygienists seeking career advancement through specialized training, whether their goals are clinical practice, education, or administrative leadership. The emphasis on advanced coursework, research, and practical training allows students to gain the expertise necessary to excel in the dynamic field of dental hygiene, addressing both clinical and public health needs.

Similarly, Idaho State University (ISU) offers a distinctive online Master of Science in Dental Hygiene (MSDH) degree program that prepares students to assume leadership roles in a variety of settings. The online format offers students the flexibility to balance their advanced education with personal and professional commitments, making it accessible to a diverse population of working dental hygienists. ISU’s MSDH program focuses on preparing graduates for roles as advanced practitioners in rural and community oral health settings, educators, administrators, and researchers. The curriculum emphasizes leadership development, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice. Idaho State University is regionally accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, adding credibility to the program’s reputation and its graduates’ qualifications. Through its emphasis on flexibility, advanced leadership, and specialization, ISU’s program allows students to make meaningful contributions to dental hygiene practice, particularly in underserved and rural populations.

West Virginia University (WVU) offers a Master of Science in Dental Hygiene through its School of Dentistry, Division of Dental Hygiene. This program offers advanced study opportunities that combine both clinical and administrative competencies, preparing graduates for a wide range of professional roles. WVU’s program is unique in that it provides students the option of pursuing a joint Master’s degree in Dental Hygiene and Public Administration with a Health Care Administration emphasis. This dual-degree option allows students to expand their professional qualifications by integrating health care administration knowledge with advanced clinical expertise, preparing them for leadership roles in public health administration, policy development, and organizational management. The WVU program offers an interdisciplinary approach, emphasizing both clinical excellence and administrative leadership. This combination ensures that students are equipped to address systemic health care challenges while leading evidence-based interventions in public health settings.

The University of Bridgeport, through its Fones School of Dental Hygiene, offers another flexible and innovative Master’s program in Dental Hygiene. The Master of Science (M.S.) in Dental Hygiene program is offered entirely online, allowing students to learn at their own pace and from any location. The University of Bridgeport’s program emphasizes flexibility and accessibility, catering to the needs of working professionals seeking advanced education without disrupting their careers or personal commitments. The M.S. in Dental Hygiene program at Bridgeport is fully accredited by the State of Connecticut Department of Higher Education, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), and the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association (ADA). These accreditations underscore the program's commitment to quality, academic rigor, and professional preparation. The University of Bridgeport provides students with the opportunity to advance their careers through evidence-based coursework, practical application, and leadership development. Its online delivery method ensures that the program is accessible, flexible, and convenient for dental hygienists across the United States and beyond.

These institutions—Eastern Washington University, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Idaho State University, West Virginia University, and the University of Bridgeport—represent some of the best options available for dental hygienists seeking to advance their careers through a Master’s degree. Each program offers distinct advantages, from flexible online learning formats to joint degree options, leadership development, and evidence-based advanced practice. The programs emphasize clinical excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, leadership development, and research opportunities, all of which prepare students for dynamic roles in clinical practice, education, public health, administration, and research.

As the demand for advanced-trained dental hygienists continues to grow—particularly in underserved areas and communities—these programs are addressing this need by producing highly skilled graduates equipped to lead, innovate, and improve oral health care outcomes. Graduates from these programs are not only advancing their own careers but also contributing to the advancement of the dental hygiene profession and the delivery of high-quality oral health care to diverse populations. With flexible learning options, interdisciplinary programs, and opportunities for specialization, these institutions continue to lead the way in training the next generation of dental hygiene leaders.