The Master of Science in Advanced Dental Therapy (ADT MS) provides dental hygienists who have a baccalaureate the opportunity to take their degree to the next level. Advanced dental therapists provide basic treatments under the supervision of a dentist, and often work in settings where there is a need for increased access to dental care.
What Is a Dental Therapist?
Virtual Tour
What our students say
“I was nervous going back to school again in my mid-40s but feel I still have years to give back and make a difference to our community. My hope with becoming an ADT is to help people not only get out of pain, but to manage their dental health. I also hope to encourage other dental hygienists to pursue this route and look at becoming a dental therapist". – Cindy (pictured on right)
“As a dental therapist, I will be able to provide additional dental services to communities with insufficient insurance or inconsistent access to dental care. I am proud to see my alma mater add an ADT program, which will be a tremendous asset to the dental workforce in Minnesota, and to our communities who deserve to have the best dental care available.” – Rachel (pictured in center)
About the Program
The Master of Science in Advanced Dental Therapy (ADT MS) program at Minnesota State University, Mankato provides dental hygienists who have a baccalaureate degree the opportunity to take their expertise to the next level. Lecture, laboratory and clinical components will prepare dental therapy students with the skills and expertise to provide limited dental services including therapy to remove diseased and faulty tooth structure, relieve pain, and restore function and esthetics for both adult and pediatric patients.
Growing Demand
Because ADTs provide oral health services including limited restorative dental care, dentists are able to focus on complex care. This is critical in communities where the need for dental care is highest—in rural, low-income, underserved, and underinsured settings—and creates a demand for ADTs in these areas.
What to Know
- The program at Minnesota State University, Mankato is the fourth of its type in the country.
- Up to 12 qualified students will be admitted.
- Students will need to be on campus for this program. ADT MS students are encouraged to work as a licensed dental hygienist in private practice on no-class days.
- The ADT MS program has received Minnesota Board of Dentistry Approval.
- The ADT MS at Minnesota State University, Mankato is the only institution offering the degree in Greater Minnesota.
- Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible for licensure as dental therapist and credentialing as an ADT in the state of Minnesota.
Application and admission information
Questions? Please email MSADTinfo@mnsu.edu.
About the Program
The program goal is to provide dental hygienists who have a baccalaureate degree with the theoretical and applied skills needed to be eligible for licensure as a dental therapist and credentialing as an advanced dental therapist in the state of Minnesota.
