Application Details – Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BS)
Minnesota State University, Mankato is committed to providing access to education and fostering an inclusive learning environment. Our admissions criteria for this highly competitive program are under regular review to ensure compliance with institutional and legal standards.
The admission committees will consider for admission applicants who demonstrate the ability to perform, or to learn to perform, the essential skills listed in the Technical Standards. The department strives to see that students with impaired intellectual, physical, or emotional functions do not place patients in jeopardy.
Dental Hygiene Program Technical Standards and Disclosures
Click here to read about the Technical Standards for the dental hygiene program and risks related to the dental hygiene profession.
Background Check
Current licensure requirements for dental hygienists in the state of Minnesota require all applicants to submit to a criminal background check. Students enrolled in the dental hygiene program are required to submit to a background check prior to any off site clinical rotations.
Dental Hygiene Program Application for Fall 2026 Start
Application Deadline
Applications must be submitted by January 15, 2026 at 11:59 pm to be considered. Late applicants will not be accepted for any reason.
Application Requirements
- Accepted to Minnesota State University, Mankato
- Completed minimum prerequisite courses (see below)
- Minimum Cumulative GPA of 3.2.
- Acknowledgment of Profession Risks, including Blood Borne Pathogen Statement, and Technical Standards (included in application)
- Submit Degree Audit Report (DARS) from MSU for the dental hygiene program with all Fall 2025 prerequisite grades posted – verify all transfer credits have been added (will submit in application).
- Accessing and downloading degree audit as PDF
- For a transfer course, if your grade in the degree audit is different than your grade in the transcript, please submit copy of unofficial transcript from the school you are transferring the course from (will submit in application).
- If applicable, submit additional documentation for (will submit in application):
- Proof of formal training/licensure as a dental assisting or foreign-trained dental provider (dental hygienist/therapist/dentist)
- Proof of radiology or expanded functions certificate/licensure (for unlicensed dental assistants)
Minimum Course Prerequisites Completed at Time of Application
- DHYG 100 / DHYG 101 completed
- 4 of the following prerequisite courses completed:
- ENG 101
- COMM 100 / COMM 102
- FCS 140 / FCS 242
- PSYC 101
- SOC 101 / SOC 150
- SOC 202 / STAT 154
- 3 of the following science prerequisites completed:
- BIOL 201*
- BIOL 202*
- BIOL 271
- CHEM 106 / CHEM 111
(*both BIOL 220/330 or both BIOL 325/330 can be substituted for both BIOL 201/202)
- 1 of the following DHYG prerequisites completed or in progress:
- DHYG 219
- DHYG 223**
- DHYG 225
Failure to meet minimum requirements will result in disqualification.
All remaining prerequisites must be completed prior to the start of the program (prior to fall start). If courses are not completed with the minimum grade required, you will forfeit your position in the program and your spot will be given to another candidate. **NOTE - DHYG 223 is not offered in summer and must be either completed or in-progress at time of application.
You must resubmit an updated degree audit from MSU for any prerequisite courses not completed at the time of application – due no later than August 10, 2026. Failure to submit this will forfeit your position in the program and your spot will be given to another candidate – send to Laura Cardwell at laura.cardwell@mnsu.edu.
Link to online application will be available here by November 1, 2025.
There is one application to complete for the dental hygiene program and for those interested in the dual-track Advanced Dental Therapy (ADT) Program.
For details on the dual-track Advanced Dental Therapy Program, visit the ADT program website.
Application Evaluation Criteria
- Prerequisite GPA
- Repeat applicant
- Points for taking CHEM 111 versus CHEM 106
- Past dental experience – as licensed dental assistance, foreign trained dentist/dental therapist/dental hygienist; unlicensed dental assistant with restorative functions certificate and/or radiology certificate
- Communication skills
- Professionalism
- Critical thinking
Interviews
Top applicants will be selected for interviews. Candidates selected for interviews will be notified by March 3, 2026. In-person interviews will occur March 16–17, 2026.
Required Items for Accepted Students
- Orientation: All accepted students must attend in-person orientation on Monday, April 20, 2026, from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Failure to attend will result in forfeiture of admission.
- CPR Training: All accepted students must attend in-person CPR training on Friday, August 28, 2026.
Helpful GPA Calculator: https://gpacalculator.net/college-gpa-calculator/
Important Details for the 2027 Application to the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BS) and Dual Track Advanced Dental Therapy (ADT) Program
Repeat Science and Dental Hygiene Prerequisite Course Policy
Science and Dental Hygiene prerequisite courses may only be repeated one time each (two overall attempts), regardless of letter grade. The Dental Education department will use the highest grade from the two attempts to calculate the Science and Dental Hygiene prerequisite GPA for admission ranking. A withdraw from a Science or Dental Hygiene prerequisite course is considered one attempt.
This repeat policy applies to the Science prerequisite courses CHEM 106, CHEM 111, BIOL 201, BIOL 202, and BIOL 271 (including equivalent or substituted courses). It also applies to the Dental Hygiene prerequisite courses DHYG 219, DHYG 223, and DHYG 225.
Any student in violation of the Repeat Science and Dental Hygiene Prerequisite Course Policy, prior to university admission or declaration of the Dental Hygiene major at MSU, are not eligible to pursue admission to the MSU Dental Hygiene program. This applies to incoming first-year students, transfer students, current students, and returning MSU students regardless of prior major.
CHEM 111: We will no longer give preference for taking CHEM 111 versus CHEM 106. Both are still options.
Repeat Applicant: We will no longer give preference for repeat applicants.
