Pacific University Oregon
- Oregon
- Entry Level
- In-Person
- pacificu.edu
Program Contact
The School of Dental Hygiene Studies (DHS) at Pacific University offers an entry level Bachelor's of Science in Dental Hygiene.
This program includes two years of dental health courses completed at Pacific University, following completion of required prerequisite coursework.
Pacific University's School of Dental Hygiene Studies is located at our Health Professions Campus in Hillsboro, Oregon.
We encourage you to get to know us through visiting our website: www.pacificu.edu/dentalhygiene.
At Pacific University:
You will find faculty who care deeply about the learning process and are committed to your success in the program.
You will enjoy a broad educational experience which emphasizes communication skills, critical thinking, cultural awareness, community service, and professional leadership.
You will learn in a supportive environment which embraces creativity, flexibility, and diversity.
You will study in state-of-the-art classroom and clinical facilities at our Health Professions Campus along with graduate students in Athletic Training, Audiology, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physician Assistant Studies, Graduate Psychology, Pharmacy and Healthcare Administration.
You will provide care to diverse patient populations in our 16-chair Dental Health Clinic which provides dental health services to the community with special emphasis on patients who have limited access to dental care.
You will complete clinic enrichment experiences in a variety of healthcare settings which include a dental school, public health clinics, community hospitals, managed care clinics and a long-term care facilities.
You will have a unique opportunity for interdisciplinary study with students and faculty in Pacific University's other professional programs and through a broad range of community affiliations.
Program Information
| Program Type | Entry Level |
|---|---|
| Teaching Method | In-Person |
| Degree Awarded | Bachelor |
| Program Size | 32 |
| Program Length | 24 months |
| Application Deadline | March 1, 2024 |
| Program Start Date | August 12, 2024 |
| Credit Hours Required to Graduate | 131 |
| Supplemental Application | No |
| Supplemental Fee | No |
| Accepts International Students | Yes |
| Supports Student Visa | Yes |
| Program Website | pacificu.edu |
Application Requirements
Required Standardized Tests
Other Standardized Tests
If English is not your native language, we may require the TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo. More information can be found on our website.
Prerequisite Instructions
Applicants must complete all of the following coursework in order to be eligible to enter the Dental Hygiene program. Coursework must be completed by mid-August of the intended year of entry. Applicants may have coursework in progress at the time of application.
- Credits must be completed at a regionally accredited institution
- Courses may be used only once
- In general, Pass/No Pass coursework is not acceptable
- Prerequisites must be passed with a "C" (2.0) or higher, a "C-" is not acceptable
- Coursework needs to be at the college level (in general this means 100 or higher)
- Natural Science courses are recommended to be completed within 7 years from entry
- Applicants must have a minimum of 48 semester credits or 72 quarter credits by the time the program starts
Natural Science Courses (16 semester credits or 20 quarter credits)
-Human Anatomy and Physiology, labs required, full series required
-One Microbiology Course, lab recommended but not required
-One Chemistry Course, lab required
Communications (6 semester credits or 8 quarter credits)
-One Writing or English Composition Course
-One Public Speaking or Interpersonal Communication Course
Social Sciences (6 semester credits or 8 quarter credits)
-One Psychology Course
-One Sociology Course
Mathematics (3 semester credits or 4 quarter credits)
-One College Level Math Course (generally 100 or higher)
Nutrition (2 semester credits or 2 quarter credits)
-One Nutrition Course
Spanish (3 semester credits or 3 quarter credits)
-One College Level Spanish Course, high school courses are not acceptable
-Can be waived if applicant is fluent
Humanities (8 semester credits or 12 quarter credits)
-Any combination of courses in the following departments: art, art history, music, theatre, media arts, world language, literature, philosophy, religion, ethics, history, anthropology, gender studies, geography, communications and humanities
Letters of Evaluation Instructions
Additional Information
Pacific does not require any previous clinical experience to apply. If not currently employed in a dental setting, we do prefer observation/shadowing experiences and recommend about 20 hours. You will self-report your experiences on the application and no form or signatures are needed.