Master of Science in Medical Sciences - Dental Hygiene

The Department of Dentistry offers the degree of MSc in Medical Sciences - Dental Hygiene as a research-based program. This is not a clinical training program.

Entrance Requirements

The Department’s minimum admission requirements include: an undergraduate degree, in any discipline, an admission GPA of at least 3.0 on a four-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution, (see: Academic Requirements for details on Graduate GPA calculation).

Where applicable, applicants must provide proof of English Language Proficiency (refer to English Language Requirement ). Any one of the following is acceptable:

TOEFL (internet-based) minimum score 95 with at least 21 per section or equivalent;
CAEL minimum score of 70 with at least 70 on each subtest;
or an IELTS (Academic) minimum score of 7.5 with at least 6 on each band.

Applicants are also required to submit the following:

a current curriculum vitae
a statement of intent
three letters of recommendation (two must be professional)
Applicants must identify a willing faculty supervisor
Applicants must identify a potential thesis topic
Applicants must identify potential research funding in their application.

Admission is dependent upon the approval of the Department of Dentistry Graduate Studies Committee and the Medical Sciences Graduate Program Committee.

The application portal is open from January 1 to May 1 for September admission and May 1 to July 1 for January admission.

Program Requirements

Students are required to complete a minimum of 9 units in graded coursework, consisting of 6 units in required courses and 3 units in elective courses. The program of study is determined by the supervisor.

Student progress will be monitored through an oral and written assessment and an interview with the Graduate Program Director in the Spring term.

Required courses (6 units)

DENT 542 - Research Methodology OR an equivalent research methods course
DENT 543 - Introduction to Research Methods and Data Management
DENT 635 - Seminars in Oral Health Sciences I OR an equivalent seminar course.
DENT 636 - Seminars in Oral Health Sciences II OR an equivalent seminar course.

Elective courses (3 units)

Students must complete 3 units in graduate-level courses chosen in consultation with their supervisor.

Thesis

Registration in 900-level THES. Students are required to complete and defend a thesis.

Seminars

Students have an attendance requirement for the Discover Dental Sciences seminars and to participate in the Graduate Student Research Day.

Length of Program

The time required to complete the MSc will vary according to the previous training of the applicant and the nature of the research undertaken; however, a maximum of three years is considered normal. The maximum time permitted to complete the program as set by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research is four years.