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The Master of Science in Dental Hygiene represents a vital step toward achieving excellence in this dynamic and diverse field. The program aims to provide students with advanced scientific knowledge and practical skills, enabling them to meet the increasing challenges in dental care. This program has been established under the coursework and thesis track (available exceptionally in the second semester of the academic year 1447H / 2025–2026). Starting from the academic year 1448H / 2026–2027, the program will be open for admission in the first semester of each year. The program is delivered in English and is open to both male and female students.

To graduate dental Hygienists equipped with knowledge, skills, and competencies to practice the profession to contribute significantly to community services and to scientific research, thus improving oral and dental health and quality of life in Saudi society.

1. To provide students with an advanced and comprehensive understanding of dental Hygiene practices in terms of theoretical knowledge, practice, and skills used for the construction of fixed and removable dental prostheses as well as orthodontic and maxillofacial appliances. 

2. To enhance capabilities in scientific research through active student participation in scientific research, contributing to the development of effective solutions for modern challenges in dental Hygiene. 

3. To develop practical and technical skills for efficient dental Hygiene practice by providing rich practical experiences and training opportunities to develop necessary practical skills. 

4. To develop communication skills and improving the work environment, such as effective communication skills, knowledge transfer, problem-solving, evaluation, time management, and dental clinic management. 

5. To promote commitment to quality standards and professional ethics by enhancing students' awareness of the importance of professional ethics and adherence to quality standards in dental Hygiene practice. 

6. To enhance interaction with the community and healthcare institutions by contributing to improving healthcare services and developing training and industrial programs in healthcare institutions.

• A bachelor's degree in regular attendance in Dental Hygiene from King Saud University or a recognized institution with at least a “Good” grade (GPA ≥ 2.75 out of 5 or equivalent). 

• An Academic IELTS score of ≥ 5.0 (or equivalent).

DEH 511: Clinical Teaching in Dental Hygiene

3 hours (2+1) Theory/ Clinical

The course aims to familiarize students with the concepts of education and theories related to dental health education. The course covers topics such as curriculum development and design, goal and outcome setting, teaching in the laboratory and clinic, principles of learning, learning styles and motivation, learning through cases, and the use of teaching aids and educational software. The course focuses on providing the fundamental concepts for educational planning, development, and assessment.

DEH 512: Oral Health Services

3 hours 3 (2+1) Theory/ Clinical

This course teaches the foundations of oral health services including medical care in traditional and non-traditional clinical settings, and the services provided to individuals and the community. This course also sheds light on the problems and responsibilities in oral health services in the government and private sectors. The course also gives an overview of the transformation in oral health services at the present time in order to achieve transparency, comfort and flexibility for the patient.

DEH 513: Biostatistics in Dental Health

2 hours

The course includes fundamental concepts, statistical data, community and random sampling, survey methods, data collection methods, surveys, data presentation in tables and graphs, measures of central tendency, measures of dispersion, probability definition, probability axioms, probability space, conditional probability, laws of addition and multiplication of probabilities, random variables and probability distributions, correlation and simple linear regression, time series with application using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) for managing and analyzing clinical information.

DEH 514: Comprehensive Dental Hygiene Care

3 hours 3 (1+2) Theory/ Clinical

 This course is designed to give the students a chance to practice within interdisciplinary dental settings, such as periodontal surgery, orthodontics, and prosthodontics.

DEH 521: Advanced Periodontology for Dental Hygiene Professionals

3 hours (1 Theory + 2 Clinical)

This advanced course provides dental hygiene students with a comprehensive understanding of periodontal disease, its etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management. Emphasizing evidence-based practice, the course will equip students with advanced knowledge and skills required for the assessment and treatment of patients with periodontal conditions. Students will explore contemporary research and clinical methodologies to enhance their clinical practice and patient care in periodontology.

DEH 522: Seminar in Dental Health

2 hours (2 hours theory)

The main purpose of the course is to provide dental hygiene students with the opportunity to explore and discuss advanced topics, research, and emerging trends in the field.

DEH 523: Administration & Leadership for Dental Hygiene Professionals

3 hours (1+2) Theory/ Clinical

This course prepares the student for healthcare facility and dental clinic leadership by empowering them with knowledge of various healthcare management methods within health systems and preparing them for the development of advanced leadership skills.

DEH 598: Thesis proposal preparation

1 hour

The Research Methodologies course is designed to equip students with the fundamental skills and knowledge necessary for planning and conducting scientific research in various academic and professional settings. This course will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of health-related research, focusing on different models of research designs used in the basics of scientific research. It will cover the methods, theories, concepts, and relevant tools in research design. The course will address research ethics related to the design and conduct of studies involving humans and animals, qualitative research methods, quantitative research methods, critical evaluation of published literature, scientific research methodology, problem selection, and hypotheses. In this course, students are required to choose a research topic and prepare a research proposal that includes a comprehensive study plan. The proposal must then be submitted to the supervisor for approval.

DEH 600: Thesis

6 hours 

The Scientific Thesis course is an academic course that requires students to write a research paper or an independent study on a specific topic in the field of dental technology or dental health. This course serves as an opportunity for students to apply what they have learned in their academic path and allows them to delve into a topic of interest. In this course, students are required to work on the research project defined in the syllabus, prepare a research plan, and then proceed to gather the necessary information and data. Subsequently, they analyze this data during the term or semester. The course assists students in developing their skills in critical thinking, scientific research, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and academic report writing. It's noteworthy that the scientific thesis is highly esteemed by universities and workplaces as it reflects the ability for independent learning and solving complex problems. Ultimately, the student presents the final scientific thesis and may need to defend it before an academic committee

DEH 551: Advanced Oral Biology

3 hours (2 hours theory + 1 hour practical)

This course presents the embryonic development of various oral structures and their associated structures, teeth and their associated structures, and the sequence of tooth eruption and loss. The course also includes a detailed study of the embryonic development of teeth and salivary glands.

DEH 552: Advances in Head and Neck Anatomy

3 hours (2 Theory +1 Practical)

A study of anatomical and morphological features of the head and neck. Emphasis is on the skeletal system, muscular system, nervous system, vascular innervation, glandular tissues and lymphatic system.

DEH 553: Advanced Oral Pathology

3 hours (2+1) Theory/ Clinical

This course is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of various diseases, conditions, and abnormalities affecting the oral cavity. Diseases unique to the oral regions as well as oral manifestations of systemic disease will be covered. The course will also cover the etiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of oral pathologies, emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment. 

Students will learn how to formulate appropriate clinical and radiographic differential diagnoses for common soft and hard tissue abnormalities of the oral and perioral region via case-based discussions.

Cases which illustrate a variety of clinical signs and symptoms will be presented with clinical histories. Students will be given the opportunity to develop a differential diagnosis and discuss the implications of this relevant to the patient’s treatment.

DEH 554: Pain Management and Medical Emergencies

3 hours (1+2) Theory/ Clinical

This course provides advanced training in recognizing, preventing, and managing medical emergencies that may arise in dental practice settings. Emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking skills and practical strategies to effectively respond to emergencies and ensure patient safety. Topics include common medical emergencies, emergency protocols, pharmacological interventions, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

DEH 555: Advanced Oral Medicine and Radiology

3 hours (1+2) Theory/ Clinical

This course delves into advanced concepts and techniques in dental radiology, equipping students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills necessary for advanced clinical practice in dental hygiene. Topics include advanced imaging modalities, radiographic interpretation, radiation safety, digital radiography, and current trends in dental radiology.

DEH 556: Pharmacology in Dental Health Applications

3 hours (2+1) Theory/ Clinical

In this course, students are required to acquire knowledge in pharmacology and its applications, integrating information related to clinical usage and the clinical limitations of drugs. This includes understanding the chemical composition of drugs, their absorption, distribution, and metabolic processes within the body based on the physical properties of the drug. Additionally, comprehension of organ functions in the body is essential to ensure therapeutic concentrations reach the targeted sites. The course covers how to determine drug concentrations in plasma, liver, and kidneys, as well as establishing safe dosages during pregnancy, lactation, and for elderly patients. Furthermore, it addresses the approach to handling medical emergencies in the field of dentistry. 

1. What is the application process and admission procedure? 

Applications are submitted online through the Deanship of Graduate Studies website during the announced application periods. The process is fully electronic, with no paper applications. The Deanship conducts the initial screening, after which applications are reviewed by the program committee. Final admission is granted upon the approval of the department and college. 

2. Is the program offered in the regular (morning) system or the extended (evening) system? 

Currently, the program is offered only in the regular morning system, and all courses are scheduled in the morning. 

3. What is the study track available in the program? 

The program follows the coursework and thesis track (available for the academic years 1447H–1448H / 2025–2026). The coursework and research project track is not available at present. 

4. What are the admission requirements? Are there additional requirements beyond the official announcement? 

The basic requirements are published on the Deanship’s website. In addition, the program considers the following criteria when ranking applicants: Undergraduate GPA. Ranking of the university granting the bachelor’s degree. English language proficiency test score. Admission test and interview performance. Possession of a professional license from the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (recommended). Relevant work experience. Published research. 

5. Is employer approval required for admission? 

Employer approval is not required for admission. However, admitted students must attend courses during the morning period. 

6. Are sponsored (government-funded) students accepted? What is their admission process? 

Yes, both self-funded and sponsored/mission students are accepted under the same application and admission process. The only difference lies in tuition payment. 

7. Are non-Saudi students accepted (residents or international students)? 

Yes, non-Saudi students are accepted in accordance with the regulations of the Deanship of Graduate Studies and are treated equally to Saudi students. 

8. Can students from related fields (e.g., Dental Assistant, Nursing, Dentistry) apply? 

Applicants from certain related health fields may be considered for admission to the Master of Science in Dental Technology, subject to the approval of the departmental admission committee. 

9. Is a professional license from the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties required for admission? 

The license is not mandatory but is strongly recommended, as it is considered a favorable criterion in the admission ranking. 

10. Does the approval of the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties mean automatic classification of graduates? 

Approval of the program by the Commission does not mean automatic classification. Graduates must apply to the Commission and meet its requirements for classification or credentialing. 

11. When is the academic supervisor assigned to students in the thesis track? 

Supervisors are assigned during the first year of the program, prior to enrollment in the course DT 598: Research Proposal Development.