Portland Community College
- Oregon
- Entry Level
- In-Person
- pcc.edu
Program Contact
Portland Community College
Dental Sciences Program
Vanport Building
1810 SW 5th Ave., 3rd Floor
Portland, Oregon 97201
Since 1970, Portland Community College's (PCC) Dental Hygiene program has earned acclaim for producing highly sought-after graduates known for their exceptional patient care and clinical skills. Our CODA-accredited two-year curriculum thoroughly prepares students for the National Board written examination and regional licensure exams.
Dental hygienists assess patients' oral conditions to determine appropriate treatment, including addressing periodontitis, conducting oral cancer screenings, applying fluorides and sealants, and offering oral hygiene, tobacco, and nutritional counseling. Those with a Restorative Endorsement can also perform restorations (fillings).
PCC's courses are transferable to four-year institutions. All essential skills are taught to clinical competency standards approved by the Oregon Board of Dentistry. Our comprehensive education in dental sciences, clinical techniques, biological sciences, and humanities equips graduates for successful careers in any workforce model including private practice and community-based settings.
Upon successfully completing coursework with a minimum grade of C, students become eligible to sit for the National Board Examination and CDCA-WREB-CITA Regional Board Examinations. Licensure follows after program graduation and successful completion of all board exams. For in-depth information, advising guides, FAQs, and program application instructions, please visit our website at pcc.edu/dh.
Program Information
| Program Type | Entry Level |
|---|---|
| Teaching Method | In-Person |
| Degree Awarded | Associate |
| Program Size | 20 |
| Program Length | 2 years (6 terms) months |
| Application Deadline | April 17, 2025 |
| Program Start Date | September 22, 2025 |
| Credit Hours Required to Graduate | Minimum 106 credits |
| Supplemental Application | No |
| Supplemental Fee | No |
| Accepts International Students | Yes |
| Supports Student Visa | No |
| Program Website | pcc.edu |
Application Requirements
Required Standardized Tests
- HRST
Other Standardized Tests
Applicants who score the highest in phase I of the PCC Dental Hygiene selection process will be invited to take part in the HSRT (phase II of the selection process).
Prerequisite Instructions
Prerequisite courses must be complete by the end of the winter term prior to the application deadline.
- WR 121: English Composition I
- MTH 65: Intro Algebra
- BI 234: Microbiology (7 year expiration)
- CH 102 or higher level chemistry course
- BI 231: Anatomy & Physiology I
- BI 232: Anatomy & Physiology II
- FN 225: Nutrition
- Psychology elective*
- Communication elective*
- Sociology elective*
*Please choose Associate of Applied Science (AAS) approved elective courses from the PSY, SOC, and COMM headings which can be found in the PCC general edcuation list.
Other Requirement Instructions
Applicants can earn additonal points toward their application across a variety of categories. To review a detailed breakdown of the phase I selection criteria, please visit the Apply to Dental Hygiene Page and reveiw the admissions guide.
Additional Information
Portland Community College's Dental Hygiene Program offers a comprehensive two-year CODA-accredited curriculum. Students gain clinical experience in our modern clinic and off-site rotations, preparing them for NBDHE and regional licensure exams. Graduates are equipped to excel in dental hygiene, including administering anesthesia and performing restorative procedures.