Application Details
Master of Science in Advanced Dental Therapy (MS: ADT)
REGULAR TRACK
Please check the website periodically for program updates, which may include changes to the start date, duration, and course sequence. For specific inquiries, please contact the ADT program director at msadtinfo@mnsu.edu.
Program Application for SUMMER 2027 Start
ADT MS applicants submit materials and apply to the College of Graduate Studies and Research. The College of Graduate Studies and Research reviews the University Graduate Application for completeness and forwards the student transcript and supplemental material to the ADT Application Selection Committee (Department of Dental Education) for review and admission decisions.
Application Deadline
The priority application deadline for the regular track is March 13. Applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed until all seats are filled by qualified candidates.
Please note, all applicants must be licensed dental hygienists and meet all criteria specified below. The program is not intended for foreign-trained dentists who do not hold a Minnesota dental hygiene license.
Application Requirements:
- A baccalaureate degree from an accredited university (must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher based on undergraduate coursework)
- Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended
- A current Minnesota dental hygiene license without encumbrance, including nitrous oxide and local anesthesia certifications (new graduates of dental hygiene programs and out-of-state applicants are encouraged to apply but must attain a Minnesota dental hygiene license prior to enrollment)
- Evidence of completed or in progress DHYG 460 Restorative Functions or equivalent training/education
- Evidence of required immunizations specified by Minnesota Law (M.S. 135A.14)
- Evidence of current CPR certification (must be through the American Red Cross or American Heart Association)
- A portfolio or resume showcasing your work and volunteer experience. Evidence to support this must also be submitted (pay stub, letter from employer, etc.). The ideal candidate will have accumulated a minimum of 1,000 hours of clinical dental hygiene experience as a licensed dental hygienist. However, new graduates of dental hygiene programs are encouraged to apply if they will be able to accumulate a minimum of 300 hours practicing as a licensed dental hygienist prior to beginning the program.
- A Personal Statement describing your reasons for wanting to pursue the MS in Advanced Dental Therapy degree. Limit your statement to 500 words or less.
- A signed Technical Standards Form
Disclosure
Due to the nature of the clinical experiences in the ADT-MS program, students will be participating in a work environment that has the potential of exposure to blood borne pathogens. All students accepted into the ADT program are provided with written policy and instruction on infection control protocol to reduce the risk of disease transmission. The program complies with all institutional, local, state, and federal policies. Policies and procedures of the department’s infection control protocol are available to all applicants upon request.
Interviews
Top applicants will be invited to a virtual interview on Friday, March 26, 2027. Students will be notified of admission status by early to mid-April and will have approximately two weeks to submit acceptance or denial of admission.
Application Evaluation Criteria
During the virtual interview, the admissions committee will review the candidate’s
- Reasons for wanting to pursue the ADT MS degree
- Professionalism
- Teachability
- Critical thinking scenario
- Social justice and community service
