Oregon Tech Launches New Fully Online Master of Science in Dental Hygiene

Oregon Institute of Technology (Oregon Tech) is proud to announce the launch of its new, fully online Master of Science in Dental Hygiene program, officially approved to begin this summer. The program is the first of its kind in Oregon, reflecting Oregon Tech's continued commitment to meeting evolving workforce and professional needs.

The Master of Science in Dental Hygiene program is designed to provide current and future dental hygiene professionals with the advanced knowledge, leadership skills, and research experience needed to expand their impact across the field. Delivered entirely online, the program offers flexibility for working professionals while maintaining Oregon Tech's rigorous, applied approach to learning.

Graduates of the program will be prepared for expanded career pathways in research, education, administration, public health, and business. With an emphasis on evidence-based practice, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration, students will develop the skills needed to advance the profession and improve health care delivery systems.

Students will complete 15 courses, including 30 credits of required coursework and 15 credits of electives. The program also offers a streamlined pathway for current Oregon Tech dental hygiene students and degree-completion students, who may take graduate-level courses that count toward both undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Oregon Tech Associate Professor Darlene Swigart helped create the program and will serve as Program Director.

"This program creates new opportunities for dental hygienists to grow as leaders, educators, and advocates," said Swigart. "Our goal is to expand access to advanced education while strengthening the profession through research, innovation, and a focus on improving patient care outcomes."

The program will begin offering new courses this summer, with additional coursework rolling out throughout the upcoming academic year.

For more information about Oregon Tech's online Dental Hygiene program, email [email protected].

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