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Advanced Dental Therapy (MSADT)

College of Nursing and Health Sciences / Dental Hygiene
Graduate degree / Master of Science

About The Program

NOTE: The Advanced Dental Therapy (ADT) program will resume accepting applications for its next cohort to begin summer 2025. The priority deadline for applications will be Friday, December 13.

The Master of Science in Advanced Dental Therapy (MSADT) program is the first of its kind in the country with Minnesota recognized as a national leader in oral health care. The dual licensed graduates of Metro State’s Advanced Dental Therapy program have created a meaningful solution to the problem of dental access for underserved communities by providing care in both the dental hygiene and dental therapy scopes of practice for diverse populations.

Program accreditation

Metro State's Master of Science in Advanced Dental Therapy Program, part of the Department of Dental Hygiene, is approved by the Minnesota Board of Dentistry.

All Dental Hygiene Department educational programs are based on academic excellence, and the values of community involvement, ethical conduct and social responsibility. The MSADT program provides the theoretical and applied skills necessary for licensure as a dental therapist and certification as an advanced dental therapist as defined by Minnesota statute. This graduate program for students studying advanced dental therapy and dental hygiene requires a full-time commitment for five semesters and prepares baccalaureate educated, licensed dental hygienists for advanced practice to enhance the oral and general health of underserved communities.

Pew Center on the States reports the demand for oral health care services is increasing due to the Affordable Care Act, which expands dental insurance to millions of children in the United States. This demand is coupled with Pew's prediction that the new dental team member with dual licensure as a dental hygienist and a dental therapist can boost the productivity and profits of private dental practice settings. In essence, the employment of dual-licensed providers makes good business sense while improving the oral and general health of underserved Minnesotans.

The MSADT program is a full-time graduate program combining classroom-based, web-enhanced courses with simulation and clinical learning environments. This program engages students in interprofessional educational experiences with members of the broader health care team as well as members of the dental care team.

Program mission

The mission of the Metro State Advanced Dental Therapy program is to prepare licensed dental hygienists for advanced dental therapy jobs and to enhance the oral health of underserved and diverse populations. The program is built upon academic excellence and supports the value that advanced education is essential to the delivery of quality, safe, accessible, cost-effective oral healthcare. The program is committed to collaborative community involvement, emphasizing ethics and social responsibility.

Curriculum

The program includes advanced dental therapy and interprofessional coursework which focuses upon three primary educational phases for a total of 44 graduate credits:

The science of health care delivery phase focuses on:

  • Working within diverse communities
  • Communication across cultures
  • Understanding health care needs and the incidence of disease across populations
  • Advancing safe, quality oral health care

The clinical practice development phase focuses on:

  • Advancing assessment and evaluation skills and knowledge
  • Simulation and clinical experiences
  • Collaborative care provision skills unique to advanced dental therapy

The leadership and synthesis phase concentrates on:

  • Extending health system and public policy knowledge
  • Developing leadership skills
  • A capstone project focused on the evaluation of a relevant clinical question

Student outcomes

Graduate students studying dental hygiene and dental therapy learn to demonstrate:

  • Critical thinking in dental therapy and advanced dental therapy
  • Competence in dental therapy and advanced dental therapy practice
  • Leadership in improving the delivery of health care

Students also learn to:

  • Apply principles of ethical decision making and cultural competence in dental therapy and advanced dental therapy practice
  • Work in partnership with a collaborative management agreement dentist and other health care professionals
  • Use a process of scholarly inquiry in dental therapy and advanced dental therapy practice

Thinking an Advanced Dental Therapy degree is right for you?

If you are ready to become a full-time graduate student studying advanced dental therapy and dental hygiene, Metro State can provide you with the necessary skills and curriculum to receive licensure as a dental therapist and certification as an advanced dental therapist in the state of Minnesota, which opens a bevy of dental therapy job opportunities.

How to enroll

Program eligibility requirements

The Dental Hygiene Department evaluates applications for evidence of undergraduate scholarship, professional experience, and commitment to the program mission. Class size is limited to six students, and the admission process is competitive.

The following requirements are necessary to be considered for admission to the MSADT program.

  • Completed online Graduate Programs Admission Application to Metropolitan State University and paid Application Fee
  • Completed baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. Applicants whose degrees are from a non-US college or university shall have their degrees evaluated by a credentials evaluation service to determine equivalency to a US baccalaureate degree
  • 2,000 hours of clinical dental hygiene experience or a combination of dental hygiene and dental assisting experience totaling at least 2,000 hours
  • Official Academic Transcripts from all institutions attended after high school including transcript(s) reflecting completion of an accredited dental hygiene program and a bachelor’s degree from any field. This includes credit for prior learning transcripts for Advanced Placement (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST), International Baccalaureate (IB), etc
  • Goals Essay
  • Two Professional References
  • Evidence of current unencumbered Minnesota dental hygiene license and nitrous oxide and local anesthesia certifications
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 (calculated from all college coursework)
  • Successful completion of DENH 420 Restorative Functions (4 credits) or documentation of its equivalent

Completion of the prerequisite course does not guarantee entrance into the program. The program has limited enrollment and Metropolitan State reserves the right to determine admissions status.

Application instructions

Metro State University is participating in the common application for graduate programs (GradCAS). Applications are only accepted via the CAS website.

CAS steps

  1. Select the term for which you are seeking admission (below), and navigate to the CAS website. Open applications include:
  2. Create or log in to your account and select the Advanced Dental Therapy (MSADT) program.
  3. Carefully review all instructions and complete all four sections of the application.

Specific application requirements for individual programs can be found on each program page in CAS. Carefully read the instructions that appear throughout the application pages. You can only submit your application once. If you need to update information you have submitted, please notify graduate.studies@metrostate.edu

Application fee

A nonrefundable $38 fee is required for each application.
Applications will not be processed until this fee is received.

Active-duty military, veterans, and Metro State alumni can receive an application fee waiver. Contact graduate.studies@metrostate.edu.

Courses and Requirements

SKIP TO COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Before MSADT students begin clinical dental courses, the following must be provided:

  • Appropriate documentation of an active Minnesota dental hygiene license;
  • Evidence of required immunizations;
  • Evidence of current CPR certification;
  • Evidence of HIPAA training;
  • Evidence of successful background study; and
  • Evidence of current health insurance.

Program orientation

Once you have been fully admitted to the program, you will be required to attend a graduate program orientation session.

Academic Standing

You must maintain satisfactory academic progress to continue in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. To remain in good standing, you must maintain a term and cumulative GPA of 3.0.

You will be admitted as part of a cohort for the MSADT competency-based dental courses and must adhere to the program progression published at the time of your admission. If you are unable to progress with the assigned cohort, you may make a written request to join a subsequent cohort, provided you have made satisfactory academic progress to date and space is available. Permission to join a subsequent cohort is determined by the MSADT Program Coordinator and Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

Student licensure

Before beginning patient care in spring semester of year one, you will be required to apply for resident dental therapy provider licensure through the MN Board of Dentistry. More information will be presented prior to the start of spring semester. Licensure to Practice as a Resident Provider

Prerequisites

Or equivalent transfer course with minimum 3 semester credits, or non-credit certification course.

+ Requirements (44 credits)

DENH courses are taught in sequence using a cohort model. Clinical courses with community practice components require students to travel to clinical sites throughout the greater Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area for course completion.

This course investigates foundational knowledge critical for success as an advanced dental therapist including principles of biology and chemistry, fundamentals of oral and biological structures, function and inter-relationship of body systems as well as basic concepts in sociology and psychology. Students are introduced to critical thinking and problem-solving practices to aid in decision-making regarding oral health care within the context of total body health. Competence Statement: This course investigates foundational knowledge critical for success as an advanced dental therapist including principles of biology and chemistry, fundamentals of oral and biological structures, function and inter-relationship of body systems as well as basic concepts in sociology and psychology. Students are introduced to critical thinking and problem-solving practices to aid in decision-making regarding oral health care within the context of total body health.

Full course description for Foundational Concepts in Dental Therapy

This course focuses on the effect of systemic and oral diseases related to ADT care. Students learn to prioritize and modify treatment plans to meet patient needs. Students implement a comprehensive, patient-centered, problem-solving approach to clinical assessment and treatment planning. Students develop critical thinking and clinical judgment in consideration of socio-cultural, familial, environmental, and developmental influences across the lifespan. Topics include epidemiology, health-promotion, disease-prevention, and the management of common oral health problems. Case-based studies and initial exposure to clinical patient care are incorporated

Full course description for Assessment and Treatment Planning

This blended/hybrid course is designed to prepare the Masters of Science Advanced Dental Therapy (MSADT) student with the pharmacology knowledge and skill necessary to think critically when providing patient-centered care. Effective care begins with sorting through the patient's medical/dental health status and pharmacological report. Based on a comprehensive analysis, the student will discern appropriate treatment modifications and necessary drug prescriptions/interventions to ensure optimal and safe patient care. Drug classes, pharmacologic effects, adverse reactions, drug contraindications and interactions will be addressed practically and reinforced through case-based learning.

Full course description for Principles of Pharmacology and Medical Emergencies

This course provides the advanced dental therapy practitioner with tools to critically identify and evaluate quality research needed inform evidence-based practice decisions. Topics addressed include research methods, research question development, ethics, and epidemiology. Emphasis is placed on incorporating research and evidence-based data into diagnostic decisions, patient care, and patient education.

Full course description for Evidence-Based Decision Making in Dentistry

This course focuses on theoretical and laboratory principles of operative dentistry utilizing direct placement restorative materials in the permanent dentition for adults. In a simulation laboratory setting students practice operative dentistry techniques that restore form, function, and esthetics to teeth with the purpose of contributing to both oral and general health. Emphasis is placed on the basic principles of cavity preparation and restoration design, as well as the appropriate selection and application of direct restorative materials. Students complete at least 150 hours in simulated restorative practice.

Full course description for Restorative Dentistry I

This course builds upon the concepts and skills learned in Restorative Dentistry I. Emphasis is placed on restorative procedures for the pediatric and adolescent patient carried out in a simulation laboratory setting. Course concepts and strategies include comprehensive pediatric ADT dental care within the context of the collaborative agreement. Focus is also placed on the recognition and indications for professional referral/consultation to provide comprehensive patient care.

Full course description for Pediatric Dentistry

This course focuses on the provision of primary preventive and restorative Advanced Dental Therapist services in a laboratory and clinical setting. Concentration is on development of assessment and patient-centered treatment planning and care to an advanced beginner level. Students implement the full advanced dental therapy scope of practice under the supervision of faculty providers. Students complete approximately 180 hours in clinical restorative practice.

Full course description for Restorative Dentistry II

This course focuses on further refining skills in providing primary preventive and restorative services to patients across the lifespan in a clinical setting. Concentration is on competency in assessment and patient-centered treatment planning and care. Students implement the full advanced dental therapy scope of practice in consultation with faculty providers. Students complete approximately 190 hours in clinical restorative practice.

Full course description for Restorative Dentistry III

This course will address health literacy and cultural competency within the context of providing oral health care for individuals, families and communities representing diverse backgrounds. The dental therapy student will be able to recognize barriers and implement appropriate strategies to provide equitable care for populations that may have experienced barriers to receiving care.

Full course description for Oral Health Literacy and Communication

This course provides the Advanced Dental Therapy student with their first offsite clinical experiences in delivering restorative and preventive oral healthcare services to underserved and under-represented patients across the life span. The student will provide primary preventive and restorative Advanced Dental Therapy services in various specialty dental settings in collaboration with dental preceptors. Students will complete approximately 100 hours in clinical restorative practice

Full course description for Community-Based Externship I

In this course students will demonstrate sound clinical judgement while providing oral health care services to underserved patient populations across the life span at partner clinics. The focus of this course is competent, professional dental treatment requiring in-depth understanding of comprehensive patient-centered management of oral health problems within the scope of advanced dental therapy practice in collaboration with preceptor providers.

Full course description for Community-Based Externship II

This course is the culmination and synthesis of the educational and clinical experiences for the Advanced Dental Therapy student. Students provide primary preventive and restorative dental care in order to demonstrate integration and application of independent critical thinking, problem solving skills, professional attitudes, and sound clinical judgment. This course includes planning and preparation for dental therapy board licensure exams. Competence Statement: The student will demonstrate the integration and application of independent critical thinking, problem solving skills, professional and sound clinical judgment in the provision of primary preventive and restorative advanced dental therapy skills in collaboration with supervising faculty.

Full course description for Advanced Dental Therapy Clinic

This course focuses on the integration and application of independent critical thinking and problem solving in oral health care. The student will develop a research topic on a subject relevant to advanced dental therapy practice which will culminate in one of the following: a scholarly research review paper, an original demonstration project or original research project. A public presentation of the research topic will demonstrate the student's knowledge of their subject, provide an opportunity to define their scholarly process and offer peer and professional project evaluation.

Full course description for Scholarly Seminar