Why Study Dental Hygiene?
The bachelor of science in dental hygiene at Pacific is a two-year program designed for students who have completed prerequisite coursework.
Students in the BSDH degree program at Pacific explore a broad educational experience while developing technical dental hygiene skills in state-of-the-art facilities at the interdisciplinary College of Health Professions campus in Hillsboro. As one of the most innovative dental hygiene programs in Oregon, students earning a BSDH degree at Pacific provide care for diverse patient populations — with an emphasis on providing care for patients with limited access to dental care — through a variety of clinical opportunities.
Students in the dental hygiene program at Pacific learn to how to perform oral health assessments; expose, process and interpret dental radiographs (x-rays); remove plaque, calculus and stain from the teeth; apply preventive materials including fluoride and sealants; teach patients proper oral hygiene techniques; and counsel patients on maintaining optimal oral health. Students also learn additional unique functions that are legal in Oregon: administer local anesthesia; administer nitrous oxide-oxygen sedation; place permanent restorations; practice without the supervision of a dentist.
Pacific’s BSDH Degree Highlights
- Learn from dental hygiene faculty who care deeply about your learning and success
- Develop communication skills, critical thinking, cultural awareness, community service and professional leadership through Pacific’s dental hygiene curriculum
- Embrace interprofessional education and practice by working with Â鶹ӰÊÓ students in physical and occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, professional psychology, pharmacy, healthcare administration, and athletic training
- Complete clinic enrichment experiences in a variety of healthcare settings which include a 16-chair Dental Hygiene Clinic, public health clinic, community hospital, Indian Health Services dental clinic, managed care clinics and a long-term care facility
What Can You Do with a BSDH Degree?
Pacific Â鶹ӰÊÓs with a BSDH degree can go on to become licensed healthcare professionals who provide preventive, educational and therapeutic dental health services directly to patients. As licensed dental hygienists, they focus on preventing and treating dental diseases to improve oral health, in support of the patient’s overall health. Learn more about a career as a dental hygienist.
Dental hygienists must be licensed in each state in which they practice. Licensure requirements vary from state to state. In most states, candidates must Â鶹ӰÊÓ from an accredited dental hygiene program, pass a national written board examination and pass a state or regional clinical board examination.
Dental hygiene is ranked as one of the by U.S. News and World Report and dental hygienists enjoy . Learn more about a career in dental hygiene.
Pacific Dental Hygiene Clinic
Dental hygiene students provide care to diverse patient populations in the 16-chair Dental Hygiene Clinic, with an emphasis on providing care for patients with limited access to dental care.
Interprofessional Concentration
Pacific’s dental hygiene program provides opportunities for students to explore models of person-centered healthcare and gain the skills to practice in a changing healthcare environment. Students who choose to pursue interprofessional experiences beyond what is required by their degree program can earn the Concentration in Interprofessional Education, offered by the College of Health Professions. This formal recognition is documented on transcripts as a specialization, indicating that students have gained specific competencies in interprofessional education.
Leah Baldwin | Director of Graduate and Professional Enrollment Operations
503-352-7224 | leahbaldwin@pacificu.edu
The School of Dental Hygiene Studies educational program in dental hygiene at Â鶹ӰÊÓ is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. This program meets the educational requirements for licensure or certification in these U.S. states and territories. Additional student learning outcome and curriculum information is available in the .