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Bachelor of Science - Dental
Hygiene
Degree Completion Program
for Dental Hygienists
Degree Completion Program
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
The primary goal of the Bachelor of Science degree completion program is to provide the opportunity for the dental hygienist to develop expertise in several areas. These areas include: clinical and classroom education, program administration, community dental health program planning, expanded functions, institutionalized patient care and research.
Frequently Asked
Questions (FAQs)
Q. What are the admissions
requirements?
A. The basic requirements and credentials required
for admission to the degree completion program are:
The Degree Completion Program Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene is designed for the students who have completed a dental hygiene degree program from another accredited (American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation) dental hygiene educational institution and desire to continue their education toward a baccalaureate degree.
Formal applications for admission to this program must be submitted by February 1 for the class beginning in August of each year. The program may be completed on a full or part-time basis. Basic requirements and credentials for admission are as follows:
• Graduation from an accredited dental hygiene program
• Results and successful completion of the National Board Examination for dental hygiene
• Complete college transcripts
• Satisfactory academic GPA (a cumulative college GPA of at least 2.5)
• Application for admission to the University of Missouri-Kansas City plus a $35.00 nonrefundable application fee
• Supplemental application for admission to the Division of Dental Hygiene
• Interview with the Degree Completion Dental Hygiene Admissions Committee
• Three reference forms (including one from the director of the dental hygiene program attended).
• General Education Worksheet
In addition, acceptance is contingent on submission of a criminal background check.
Q. Is there financial aid available?
A. There are various awards and honors available specifically
for dental hygiene students. More details and additional information
on financial aid can be obtained from:
Financial Aid Office
4825 Troost Avenue
Kansas City, MO 64110
816/235-1154
Or use this link –
Financial Aid
Find
Scholarship information for Dental Hygiene Students with this
link -- Dental Hygiene Scholarships
Q. Can I go part-time?
A. Yes, it is possible to go through the Degree Completion
Program part-time and we have had several students choose
this option. Attending part-time will lengthen the period
of study.
Q. How many credit hours do I need to graduate?
A. The student must complete 30 credit hours in residence
and have a minimum of 124 semester hours for a baccalaureate
degree in dental hygiene.
Q. Are any courses offered on-line?
A. Check out the options with this link - Distance
Education Degree Completion Option.
Q. How do I know if on-line courses are a good
option for me?
A. Check out these links to find out more.
Fast Facts on the Degree Completion Program
for Dental Hygienists
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Licensed dental hygienists with Bachelor
of Science degrees are in demand by many types of employers
from expanded function in the dentist’s office to education,
program administration or community dental health. And
graduates from the Division of Dental Hygiene are at the
leading edge of their profession because of their intensive
training allows them to move freely in a wide range of
settings or to pursue an advanced graduate degree.
-
Admission to the degree completion B.S. in
Dental Hygiene program is designed for students who completed
formal dental hygiene programs at other institutions but
now desire to continue their education.
-
The goal of the program is to provide opportunity
for dental hygienists to develop expertise in expanded
clinical duties, institutionalized patient care, clinical
and classroom education, oral health care program administration,
community dental program planning, and gerontology.
-
Applications must be submitted by February 1 for admissions
to begin the coursework in August. Coursework may be completed
on either a full-time or part-time basis.
-
The Curriculum is individualized to meet
the requirements of the degree completion program and
the specific needs of the student.
B.S. – Degree Completion
Curriculum
For Dental Hygienists
UMKC DEGREE COMPLETION PROGRAM
We share our mission and goals as constant reminders of what we are striving to achieve.
To enrich dental hygienists through a collaborative challenging experience resulting in competent graduates able to pursue alternative career opportunities.
Research
- To be knowledgeable in utilizing and applying research to dental hygiene practice.
- To realize the importance of dental hygiene/dental research.
Career Opportunities
- To provide graduates the credentials to explore a variety of alternative oral health careers.
Community
- To take an active role in effecting solutions to community problems and needs that will improve the health of all citizens.
This program is designed for students who have
completed formal dental hygiene programs at another accredited
educational institution and desire to continue their education
toward a baccalaureate degree.
Because of their diverse academic backgrounds,
a customized curriculum is designed for each student depending
on the number of college credits completed prior to admission.
The general guidelines are:
-
Students enrolled in this program must have
completed the General Education Requirements prior to
completion of the baccalaureate degree. If these courses
have been completed prior to admission, the student will
be excused from the courses. Courses not previously completed
will be included as part of the student’s individualized
curriculum.
-
The student must complete 30 hours in residence
at UMKC. The 30 hours includes the UMKC Division of Dental
Hygiene core curriculum and any incomplete general education
requirements and have earned a minimum of 124 semester
hours for a baccalaureate degree in dental hygiene.
-
Electives may be taken in the in the School
of Dentistry, the College of Arts and Sciences, the School
of Education and/or School of Business and Public Administration.
The specific choice of study is made by each student in
consultation with the Director of the Degree Completion
Program.
Application Process
The application packet for the Degree
Completion Program Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene can
be downloaded by using this link
or you may contact Lorie Holt, Director Degree Completion Studies, Division of Dental Hygiene by phone at (816) 235-2057 or e-mail at holtla@umkc.edu to request an application packet.
Please also complete a UMKC Application found at this link.
Once the application packet has been completed,
including the transcripts, mail to:
Lorie Holt
Director, Degree Completion Studies
Division of Dental Hygiene
UMKC School of Dentistry
650 east 25th Street
Kansas City, MO 64108
Application deadlines:
Students meeting the admissions requirements
will be mailed an interview invitation.
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Policy related to individuals
with bloodborne infectious disease
It is the responsibility of all health
care workers (HCW) who perform exposure prone procedures
to know their bloodborne pathogen status, specifically
related to hepatitis B virus (HbV) and the human immunodeficiency
virus (HIV). Further, it is the responsibility of
the faculty, staff or student who tests positive for
HIV or HbV to report test results to the Chair of
the UMKC Infection Control Committee. An expert review
panel will review the circumstances, if any, under
which the individual may continue to perform exposure
prone procedures.
For more information on the policies and procedures
related to the presence of a bloodborne infectious
disease, please contact the Dental Hygiene Program
Director. |
General Education Requirements
All students enrolled in the degree completion program must complete the general education requirements of the Division of Dental Hygiene prior to completion of the baccalaureate degree (refer to general education worksheet enclosed in packet). If a student has successfully completed all of the general education requirements prior to the degree completion, the student will be excused from these courses. Courses that the student has not completed will be included in the individual program of study for that student.
General education courses: communication skills courses, mathematics, higher-order thinking, managing information and valuing, humanities and fine arts, social and behavioral sciences, biological and physical sciences and electives may be taken through The University of Missouri Center for Distance and Independent Study.
In addition to the core curriculum required by the Division of Dental Hygiene, The University of Missouri – Kansas City stipulates that all degree candidates must complete the following general education requirements:
Communications Skills......................................................................9
credit hours
Mathematics (*College Algebra) ......................................................3
credit hours
Higher-Order Thinking Managing Information and Valuing.........6
credit hours
Humanities and Fine Arts. .................................................................6
credit hours
Social and Behavioral Sciences........................................................9
credit hours
Biological and Physical Sciences ....................................................13-19
credit hours
Electives.................................................................................................10
- 15 credit hours
All Bachelors of Science Dental Hygiene candidates must complete and submit a General Education Worksheet documenting courses completed/required to meet the institutional general education requirements. General education required courses not transferred in can be taken at UMKC and will count towards the required 30 hours.
The University of Missouri Center for Distance and Independent Study (CIDS) offers many educational courses via online and in a correspondence format. A copy if the CIDS catalog can be obtained at http://cdis.missouri.edu or by calling 1.800.609.3727.
*While most general education courses can be successfully completed via distance education, College Algebra is one class that candidates often prefer taking in a traditional classroom setting. College Algebra is offered through CIDS, however the University system does not offer math placement testing. If you desire a placement evaluation or perceive you will need foundational coursework prior to College Algebra, you may wish to complete this course at a local institution and transfer these credits to UMKC.
You are also required to complete the core curriculum for the Degree Completion Program. You must have 124 hours for a baccalaureate degree in dental hygiene. The last 30 hours must be taken in residence at UMKC (distance learning through UMKC is considered in residence)..
Overview of the Curriculum
All students enrolled in the degree completion program Bachelor of Science in dental hygiene must complete the general requirements of the Division of Dental Hygiene and at least 30 semester hours at UMKC. * The 30 hours include the UMKC Division of Dental Hygiene core curriculum and any incomplete general education requirements. Courses that the student has not completed will be included in the individual program of study for that student. The Director will conference with each student individually to develop a program of study, which will assist the student in reaching his or her educational goals. An individual curriculum will be developed for each student on the college hours completed previously.
Many of the courses are offered only on-line. UMKC has designed computer - mediated distance learning through two learning methods, Asynchronous and Synchronous learning.
Asynchronous learning means that learning can take place at any location and at any time. It virtually means access to learning is available 24/7.
The second learning method, Synchronous learning, is delivered in real time through such technology as weekly Internet – based formats using chat rooms.
 = denotes online courses
The following courses are required through the Division of Dental Hygiene:
Core Curriculum For Degree Completion
Courses Credit Hours
DH4020 Local Anesthesia and Pain Control ....................................................2
DH4040 Introduction to Research and Instruction.................................. 1-2
DH4080 Introduction to Research Design .................... ..............................2
DH4500 Special Issues in Higher Education ..........................................1-2
DH4600 Advanced Clinic Concepts and Practicum................................2-4
DH4620 Principles in Dental Hygiene Education.......................................3
* DH4680 Dental Hygiene Clinical Instruction I.......................................2-4
DHGR595 Scientific Writing.........................................................................1-2
Total Credit Hours: 14 - 21
= denotes online courses
* Requires a half - day per week in clinic as student instructor.
It is highly recommended that the student take
the following:
DH4640 Student Teaching and Conference I...................................................2-4
hours
An individual curriculum will be developed for
each student on the college hours completed previously.
Elective Courses
The following courses may be taken as electives
in the degree completion curriculum:
DH4320 Special Patient Care Practicum ..........................................................2-4
DH4330 Oncology Practicum ..............................................................................2-4
DH4350 Periodontics Co-Therapy Practicum...................................................3
DH4340 Community Dentistry Practicum..........................................................2-4
DH4380 Research Practicum .............................................................................2
DH4625 Dental Hygiene Administration............................................................2
DH4630 Practicum in Dental Hygiene Administration....................................2-4
DH4635 Practicum in Clinical Supervision ......................................................2-4
DH4650 Student Teaching and Conference I ............................................2-4
DH4650 Student Teaching and Conference II ...........................................2-4
DH4660 Independent Study................................................................................
1-4
DH4685 Dental Hygiene Clinical Instruction II.................................................1-4
DH4750 Geriatric Oral Health Promotion and Education..............................
1-5
DH537 Oral Oncology...........................................................................................
1-2
The student must have a minimum of 124 hours
for a baccalaureate degree in dental hygiene. The last 30
credit hours must be taken in residence at the University.
Electives may be taken in the School of Dentistry, the College
of Arts and Sciences, the School of Education and /or School
of Business and Public Administration. The particular choice
of study will be determined by each student in consultation
with the director of the degree completion program. Typically,
degree completion students spend part of their time at the
School of Dentistry and part of their time on main campus.
Subject to change - updated 10/06
Complete information on the
courses can be viewed on-line by using this
Course
Descriptions link.
Gerontology Certificate Programs - follow this link* for more information about both the graduate and undergraduate programs.
Tuition and Fees
Estimated school tuition costs can be obtained
by using this link.
There is also a $100.00 non-refundable advance deposit required
upon admission to the program. This payment is credited to
the student's education fee upon enrollment.
There are numerous opportunities for qualified
applicants to receive different forms of financial aid. Take
a look at Financial Aid. |
