MSc in Medical Sciences (Dental Hygiene) - Thesis-based in Edmonton Canada | University of Alberta

The MSc in Dental Hygiene is an intensive research program where students must undertake a series of academic courses, conduct supervised original research, and develop a thesis. The Dentistry Department provides both MSc and PhD degrees in Medical Sciences (refer to Medical Sciences) for candidates holding a DDS or equivalent, or those advancing from a BSc degree. Students can pursue research across various dental specialties where department faculty maintain active research initiatives.

The University of Alberta established its dental education program in 1917 within the School of Dentistry under the Faculty of Medicine. The inaugural degree program launched in 1923, with the first graduating class in 1927. Dr. H.E. Bulyea, the school's founding dean who arrived from Harvard University in 1917, modeled the curriculum after Harvard's program.

In 1944, the school evolved into the Faculty of Dentistry and remained Western Canada's sole dental school until 1958. The U of A's dental faculty educated practitioners for western provinces, advancing community and school dental health. Their research on preventing dental diseases contributed to Edmonton's water fluoridation efforts.