A public institution, the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry is in Minneapolis. The college trains more than 95 percent of the state's dentists, reports its website. and also grants bachelor's and master's degrees in dental hygiene. The school's baccalaureate degree program began in 1919, becoming the fourth dental hygiene program established in the United States. To enroll in the program, students must first receive admission to the University of Minnesota and complete classes in anatomy, biology, chemistry, English, nutrition, psychology, physiology, sociology and speech. All students have the opportunity to work in the school's dental clinic, but also to participate in innovative special learning opportunities. These include providing dental care to the children of migrant workers, assisting in summer faculty research projects, giving dental cleanings at the Union Gospel Mission homeless shelter in St. Paul and studying abroad in Europe or other parts of the world.
University of Minnesota School of Dentistry
Room 15-209 Moos Tower
515 Southeast Delaware St.
Minneapolis, MN 55455
612-625-5954
dentistry.umn.edu/
Founded in 1867, Minnesota State University at Mankato is in a rural area 85 miles south of Minneapolis. The school is home to more than 12,800 undergraduate students, 84 percent of whom are Minnesota residents, reports the 2009 Barron's Profiles of American Colleges. The college admits only 24 students into its bachelor of science in dental hygiene degree program. Before applying for admission, students take courses in social and physical sciences, mathematics and the humanities and must meet certain minimum grade point average requirements. Students admitted to the program study radiography, dental practice software management, anesthesia, periodontology, community health, teledentistry and restorative dentistry and spend clinical practice time at the college's dental clinic. In addition to the traditional bachelor's program, Minnesota State offers a program for licensed dental hygienists who have associate degrees. These professionals complete 44 credits entirely online and receive a bachelor of science degree in dental hygiene.
Minnesota State University at Mankato
228 Wiecking Center
Mankato, MN 56001
507-389-1822
mnsu.edu
Founded in 2001, Argosy University is a for-profit, private institution with branch campuses nationwide. The Twin Cities campus in the suburban community of Eagan offers a two-year associate of science degree program in dental hygiene. The school does not have any prerequisites, but students must have a high school diploma or GED to be considered for admission. The required curriculum includes five clinical rotations at locations throughout the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Among the required classes for the program are ethics, interpersonal communication, critical thinking, pain management and community dental health. The school's career services program helps graduates with job searches, resume writing and interview preparation.
Argosy University at the Twin Cities
1515 Central Parkway
Eagan, MN 55121-1756
651-846-2882?
argosy.edu